WAC 296-45-295   Gasoline engine power chain saws.  (1) Each chain saw placed into initial service after February 9, 1995, shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of the ANSI B175.1-1991 "Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws." Each chain saw placed into service before February 9, 1995, shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback, i.e., reduced kickback bar, chains, bar tip guard or chain brake. No chain-saw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled.

     (2) Gasoline-engine power saw operations shall meet the requirements of WAC 296-54-515(10).

     (3) The chain saw shall be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

     (4) The employer must ensure that each chain saw, including any chain saw provided by an employee, is inspected before initial use during each workshift. At a minimum, the inspection shall include the following:

     (a) Chain-saw chains, to assure proper adjustment;

     (b) Chain-saw mufflers, to assure that they are operational and in place;

     (c) Chain brakes and nose shielding devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly;

     (5) The chain saw shall be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from any open flame or other source of ignition.

     (6) The chain saw shall be started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.

     (7) The chain saw shall be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly supported. Drop-starting a chain saw is prohibited.

     (8) The chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged.

     (9) The chain saw shall be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in that particular situation.

     (10) The chain-saw operator shall be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw shall not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have insecure footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.

     (11) Prior to felling any tree, the chain saw operator shall clear away brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.

     (12) The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.

     (13) The chain saw shall be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.

     (14) The chain saw shall be shut off or at idle before the feller starts their retreat.

     (15) The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged whenever a saw is carried further than 50 feet (15.2 m). The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged when a saw is carried less than 50 feet if conditions such as, but not limited to, the terrain, underbrush and slippery surfaces, may create a hazard for an employee.

     (16) Each power saw weighing more than 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms, service weight) that is used in trees shall be supported by a separate line, except when work is performed from an aerial lift and except during topping or removing operations where no supporting limb will be available, and the following:

     (a) Each power saw shall be equipped with a control that will return the saw to idling speed when released;

     (b) Each power saw shall be equipped with a clutch and shall be so adjusted that the clutch will not engage the chain drive at idling speed;

     (c) Drop starting of saws over 15 pounds (6.8 kg) is permitted outside of the bucket of an aerial lift only if the area below the lift is clear of personnel;

     (d) A power saw engine may be started and operated only when all employees other than the operator are clear of the saw;

     (e) A power saw may not be running when the saw is being carried up into a tree by an employee; and

     (f) Power saw engines shall be stopped for all cleaning, refueling, adjustments, and repairs to the saw or motor, except as the manufacturer's servicing procedures require otherwise.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 98-07-009, § 296-45-295, filed 3/6/98, effective 5/6/98.]