WAC 296-54-59340   Log unloading, booms, and rafting grounds -- Dry land sorting and storage.  (1) Unauthorized foot and vehicle traffic is prohibited in the sorting or storage area.

     (2) Logs must be stored in a safe and orderly manner. Roadways and traffic lanes must be kept clear of protruding ends of logs and debris.

     (3) Dry deck log storage areas must be kept orderly and maintained in a condition conducive to safe operation of mobile equipment. Roadways and walkways must have a smooth hard-packed surface wide enough to permit a safe operation. Bark, mud, and other debris must not be allowed to accumulate to the extent they constitute a hazard to the operation.

     (4) The employer must implement an effective method to control dust at log dumps and in sorting and storage areas.

     (5) Only an authorized person shall operate or ride any lift truck, log stacker, or log unloader.

     (6) Signaling log unloader operators at dry deck areas by throwing bark or chips in the air is prohibited. Hand, horn signals or other safe, effective means must be used at all times.

     (7) Unnecessary talking to the operator while operating controls of a log stacker or log unloader is prohibited.

     (8) Lift forks and arms of unloading machines must be lowered to their lowest position, and all equipment brakes set before the operator leaves the machine unattended.

     (9) Log unloaders or stackers must not be moved about the premises for distances greater than absolutely necessary with the lift extended above the driver's head or with loads lifted higher than is necessary for vision.

     (10) When truck drivers are out of the cab, they must be in the clear, and in view of the log unloader before the lift forks are moved under the load and the lift is made.

     (11) Where logs are offloaded onto a dry deck by unloading lines, a self-releasing mechanism must be used. Employees are prohibited from climbing dry decks to release unloading lines.

     (12) Employees must not enter the hazardous area near or under loads of logs being lifted, moved, or suspended.

     (13) When log unloaders and log stackers are designed so that logs being handled may jeopardize the safety of the operator, the employer must provide overhead protection and any other necessary safeguards.

     (14) Log unloaders and log stackers must be equipped with a horn or other audible warning device. If vision is impaired or restricted to the rear, the warning device must be sounded before operating the vehicle in reverse gear and periodically while backing. The warning device must be operative at all times.

     (15) A limit stop, which will prevent the lift arms from over-traveling, must be installed on electric powered log unloaders.

     (16) Shear guards must be installed on unloading machines and similar equipment on which the arms pivot and move alongside the operator creating a pinch point at that location.

     (17) All forklift log handling machines must be equipped with a grapple arms and the arms must be used whenever logs are being carried.

     (18) When log trucks are loaded by a log stacker and the lay of any log is higher than the stakes, the log stacker must remain against the completed load, or other suitable protection provided, to prevent the logs from falling until at least two wrappers and binders have been applied.

     (19) All binders and wrappers must remain on the load until an approved safeguard has been provided to prevent logs from rolling off the side of the truck or trailer when binders are released. A shear log, or equivalent means, must be provided to ensure the log truck will be stationed close enough to the wrapper rack so that a log cannot fall between the log truck and the wrapper rack when removing binders and wrappers. At least one binder must remain secured while relocating or tightening other binders. Crotch lines, forklifts, log stackers, log unloaders, or other effective means must be used for this purpose.

     (20) An extra wrapper or metal band of equal strength must be placed to hold the logs when it is necessary to remove a wrapper to prevent it from being fouled by the unloading machine.

     (21) Machines with arms that block the regular exit when in the up position must have an emergency exit installed.

     (22) Riding on any part of a log handling machine except under the canopy guard is prohibited.

     (23) Identification tags must not be applied or pulled unless logs are resting in a stationary place, such as bunks, cradles, skids, or sorting tables.

     (24) Employees must not approach the immediate vicinity of a forklift-type log handling machine without first notifying the operator of the person's intention and receiving an acknowledgement from the operator.

     (25) When dry land log dumps use unloading methods similar to those of water dumps, the safety standards for water dumps apply.

     (26) When logs are handled between sunset and sunrise or other periods of poor visibility, the employer must provide illumination that meets the requirements of WAC 296-800-210 relating to illumination.

     (27) Air operated stake releases must meet the following requirements:

     (a) The air supply must be taken from the "wet" air reservoir or from the accessory air line to a spring loaded, normally closed control valve;

     (b) The control valve must be located in the cab, positioned so that it is accessible only from the operator's position;

     (c) The control valve must be fitted with a spring-loaded cover or otherwise guarded against inadvertent operation; and

     (d) A separate air line must extend from the control valve to the tractor and trailer stake release chambers. The air line must be clearly identified or installed so that it cannot be mistaken for the service or emergency air line.

     (28) Each deck must be constructed and located so it is stable and provides each employee with enough room to safely move and work in the area.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and[49.17].050 . 01-11-038, § 296-54-59340, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01; 99-17-117, § 296-54-59340, filed 8/18/99, effective 12/1/99.]