437-007-0770 Protective Structure for Operators, General Requirements (1) Cabs and protective structures for machine operators must be: (a) Provided when machine use exposes an operator to hazardous conditions. (b) Sufficient in strength and dimension to withstand the impact of materials handled. (2) Operator controlled skidding machines manufactured after April 1, 1992, must have adequate operator protection of 1/4-inch woven wire mesh with openings no greater than 2 inches in size or other materials providing equivalent or greater protection. (3) Every tractor, skidder, front-end loader (other than high mast forklifts), scraper, grader and dozer manufactured on or after July 1, 1969, must be equipped with Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) installed, tested and maintained in accordance with Division 2/N, OAR 437-002-0223, as amended through January 30, 2003. EXCEPTION: This rule does not apply to log stackers used exclusively to lift, transport or stack logs in sorting yards or transfer stations. (4) Every tractor, skidder, front-end loader (other than high mast forklifts), scraper, grader and dozer manufactured on or after July 1, 1980, must be equipped with ROPS meeting the Society of Automotive Engineers' SAE 1040 April 1980, Performance Criteria for Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry and Mining Machines. EXCEPTION: This rule does not apply to log stackers used exclusively to lift, transport or stack logs in sorting yards or transfer stations. (5) Every tractor, skidder, front-end loader, scraper, grader and dozer manufactured on or after July 1, 1980, must be equipped with a falling object protective structure (FOPS) for overhead protection installed, tested and maintained in accordance with the Society of Automotive Engineers' SAE J231-1981, Minimum Performance Criteria for Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS). (6) Machines equipped with ROPS or FOPS as required in OAR 437-007-0770(3), (4) and (5) must comply with the Society of Automotive Engineers' SAE J397April-1988, Deflection Limiting Volume (DLV) for Laboratory Evaluation of Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS), and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS) for Construction and Industrial Vehicles. (7) The ROPS structure must have a shear or deflecting guard extending from the leading edge of the forward arch to the front part of the tractor frame. If longitudinal arches are used, they must extend from the rear of the tractor to the front frame of the tractor with each arch having an intermediate support located approximately at the dash so that operator access or egress is not impeded. EXCEPTION: This rule does not apply to rubber-tired loaders, scrapers and graders. (8) The opening in the rear of the ROPS structure must be covered with 1/4-inch woven wire having not less than 1 1/2-inch or more than 2-inch openings, or other material providing equivalent or greater protection. Affix this covering to the structural members so that ample clearance is provided between the screen and the back of the operator. (9) ROPS structures must have side screens of the same strength as the back screen or vertical barrier bars spaced at intervals not greater than 6 inches on center and constructed of not less than 1-inch double strength pipe installed on all logging machines equipped with ROPS in addition to the back screen. (10) Side barriers must extend forward to the front edge of the operator's seat or as far forward as possible from the rear corners of the canopy sides to a structural member behind the front edge of the seat. (11) Protective structures must be of sufficient height and width so they: (a) Do not impair the movement of the operator or prevent immediate escape from the machine in emergencies. (b) Allow the operator as much visibility as possible. (12) Clearance between the deck and the protective structures of the machines at points of egress must not be less than 52 inches. (13) There must be a second means of egress from all logging machines. (14) Structural members of the ROPS must have smooth, rounded edges and coverings free from projections which could puncture or tear flesh or clothing. (15) Rollover protective systems must be maintained in a manner that will preserve their original strength. Welding may only be performed by qualified welders. (16) Certified roll-over protective structures must be identified by a metal tag: (a) Permanently attached to the ROPS in a position where it can be easily read. (b) Permanently and clearly stamped, etched or embossed with the: (A) Name and address of the certifying manufacturer or registered professional engineer. (B) ROPS model number (if any). (C) Vehicle make, model or series number that the ROPS is designed to fit. (D) Maximum weight of the machine for which the structure is certified. (E) SAE tag criteria number. (17) Tractors and skidders manufactured prior to 1969 that cannot be fitted with complete ROPS may be used for cleaning debris off landings, snubbing vehicles and machines or as an anchor, provided no clearing, road construction or yarding is performed off a road or landing surface. (18) Seat belts must be provided and used on all machines with ROPS/FOPS and have quick release buckles designed to minimize the possibility of accidental release. (19) Seat belts must be maintained in an effective condition and comply with SAE Standard J386-1985. Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(4) Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 654.001 - 654.295 History: OSHA 5-2003, f. 6-2-03, cert. ef. 12-1-03