WAC 296-54-589   Log trucks -- General.  (1) Prior to use, the operator must make a complete daily inspection of the truck and trailer with particular attention to:

     • Steering apparatus;

     • Lights and reflectors;

     • Brake boosters;

     • Brake hoses and connections;

     • Reaches;

     • Hitches (couplings);

     • Bunks;

     • Stakes;

     • Bunk blocks.

     The brakes must be tested before and after movement of the vehicle. The operator must submit a written list of necessary repairs to a person designated by the employer.

     (2) Any defective parts that would make the vehicle unsafe to operate, must be replaced or repaired before the vehicle is placed in service.

     (3) Motor vehicles used on roads not under the control of the state department of transportation, counties, or cities must be equipped with accessories necessary for a safe operation including:

     (a) Operable head lamps;

     (b) At least two tail lamps and brake lamps that emit a red light plainly visible from a distance of one thousand feet to the rear; and

     (c) Two reflectors visible at night from three hundred fifty feet when directly in front of properly adjusted motor vehicle head lamps.

     (4) The driver must do everything reasonably possible to keep the truck under control at all times and must not operate in excess of a speed at which the driver can stop the truck in one-half the visible distance.

     (5) The area between the truck frame members, extending from the cab rearward as far as necessary to provide a safe work area, must be covered with suitable nonslip type material.

     (6) Log trucks that have logs scaled at stations must have a platform on each side extending outward from the frame members at least eighteen inches, and must be eighteen inches long or as near to eighteen inches as the design of the truck permits. The treading surface of the platforms must be of nonslip material and the platform must be able to safely support a five hundred pound load.

     (7) To protect the operator of vehicles from loads, there must be a substantial bulkhead behind the cab that extends up to the height of the cab.

     (8) When at the dump or reload or where logs are scaled or branded on the truck, the logs must be scaled or branded before the binders are released.

     (9) All vehicles, where vision of the operator in the direction of travel is impaired by the load or vehicle, must be moved only on a signal from a worker who has a clear view in the direction in which the vehicle is to be moved.

     (10) Where a bridge or other roadway structure is posted with a load limit sign, log truck drivers or operators of other heavy equipment are prohibited from driving a load in excess of the posted limit over such a structure.

     (11) All passengers must ride in the cab of the log truck.

     (12) All trucks must keep to the right side of the road except where the road is plainly and adequately posted for left side travel.

     (13) A method must be provided to ensure that the trailer will remain mounted on the truck while driving on highways or logging roads.

     (14) When trucks are towed on any road, the person guiding the vehicle being towed must, by prearranged signals, govern the speed of travel. Vehicles must be towed at a reasonable speed and in a prudent manner. A tow cable or chain over fifteen feet in length must have a white flag attached at the approximate center, however, it is recommended that a rigid tow bar be used for this purpose.

     (15) All rubber-tired motor vehicles must be equipped with fenders. Mud flaps may be used instead of fenders whenever the motor vehicle is not designed for fenders.

     (16) All trucks must be equipped with doors with operable latches, or a safety bar or strap.

     (17) Log trucks must not approach a landing while there is danger from incoming logs.

     (18) While en route, the operator must check and tighten the wrappers/binders whenever there is reason to believe that the wrappers/binders have loosened or the load has shifted.

     (19) Persons must not enter the area below a suspended load of logs.

     (20) All trucks must be equipped with a means to protect the operator from inclement weather.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and[49.17].050 . 99-17-117, § 296-54-589, filed 8/18/99, effective 12/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.150 and 49.17.240. 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-589, filed 9/21/79.]