Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 09 - MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR › Subtitle 12 - DIVISION OF LABOR AND INDUSTRY › Chapter 09.12.28 - Tree Care and Removal › Section 09.12.28.03 - Definitions

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. In this chapter,
				the following terms have the meanings indicated.
B. Terms Defined.
(1) "Anti-two block device" means a device
				attached to a crane which prevents the lower load block or hook assembly from
				contacting the upper load block or boom point sheave assembly.
(2) "Apex" means the point at which two saw
				cuts meet to form a notch.
(3)
				"Approved" means is certified, labeled, or listed by a nationally recognized
				testing laboratory.
(4) "Arborist
				climbing line" means a line designated to support the employee while aloft in a
				tree or attached to a crane.
(5)
				"Arborist saddle" means an arrangement of straps, fittings, and buckles or
				other elements that form a waist belt with a low attachment element or elements
				and connecting support by encircling the legs suitably arranged to support the
				body in a sitting position.
(6)
				"Back cut" means the cut made in a tree limb or trunk on the side opposite of
				the intended direction of fall.
(7)
				"Carabiner" means a connector generally composed of a trapezoidal or
				oval-shaped body with a closed gate or similar arrangement that may be opened
				to receive an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the
				object.
(8) "Chopping tool" means a
				wooden-, fiberglass-, or steel-handled tool with a sharp, single- or
				double-edged steel head or blade mounted to it that is used to cut or split
				wood such as an ax or machete.
(9)
				"Competent person" means an employee who is capable of identifying existing and
				predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective
				measures.
(10) "Conventional notch"
				means a directional felling cut into the side of a tree, facing the intended
				direction of fall and consisting of a horizontal face cut and an angled cut
				above it, creating a notch of approximately 45 degrees.
(11) "Crotch" means a branch union where an
				angle is formed by two branches in the tree.
(12) "Drop zone" means the area beneath an
				employee working aloft where there is the potential hazard of a falling object
				on another employee.
(13)
				"Electrical conductor" means any overhead or underground electrical component
				capable of carrying an electric current, including communications wires and
				cables, power lines, and other such fixtures or apparatus.
(14) "Ferrule" means a metal ring placed
				around the handle to prevent splitting.
(15) "Licensed tree expert" means a person
				who has received from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources a license to
				allow their entity to perform tree care and tree removal.
(16) "Person being lifted" means an employee
				who has been trained in fall prevention methods and the requirements of this
				regulation, and is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards
				related to the tree care operations.
(17) "Prusik loop" means an endless loop of
				rope used to fashion a Prusik knot.
(18) "Qualified line-clearance tree trimmer"
				means an employee who, through related training and on-the-job experience, is
				familiar with the equipment and hazards in line clearance and has demonstrated
				the ability to perform the special techniques involved.
(19) "Qualified person" means one who, by
				possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or
				who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully
				demonstrated the person's ability to solve or resolve problems relating to
				recognized and predictable hazards within the tree care industry.
(20) "Secured" means made firm, tight, or
				fastened or when an employee is safeguarded from unintended movement by
				utilizing a climbing system that is attached to the employee and connected to a
				tree or other stable support, or both. Examples include, but are not limited
				to, being tied in, using a work-positioning lanyard, being on belay, and
				ascending the arborist climbing line using the foot lock technique while
				utilizing a Prusik loop or ascenders.
(21) "Snap hook" means a connector composed
				of a hook-shaped member with a normally closed keeper, or similar arrangement,
				which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released,
				automatically closes to retain the object.
(22) "Tool lanyard" means a short line or
				strap used to secure a tool while working aloft.
(23) "Tree care" means cutting, pruning, or
				other work on a standing tree.
(24)
				"Tree removal" means the act of tree elimination whether cut down by sectioning
				or felling.
(25) "Vehicle" means a
				car, bus, or truck that is owned, leased, or rented by the employer and is used
				for transportation of employees.
(26) "Wedge" means a piece of material with
				two sides meeting at an angle that is used to raise or split objects by
				applying a driving force.
(27)
				"Workline" means a rope used for lifting, lowering, or guiding limbs or
				equipment, or both, into or out of the tree.