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General Requirements for Machines and Vehicles

The use of machines and vehicles during logging operations can present hazards  to the operators and other employees in or on the machines or vehicles or in the vicinity of the operations. The safe operation of machines and vehicles to prevent employee injury is based on having effective safety guards installed and used, and operating them in a manner that will protect all employees.

Highlights of General Requirements for Machines and Vehicles

What are the general safety requirements?

  • All machines and vehicles must be maintained in a serviceable condition as determined by inspection at the beginning of each work shift. Those with defects or damage affecting their safe operation must not be used.
  • Operating and maintenance instructions must be placed in all machines and vehicles and followed by the operator and mechanics.
  • All vehicle operators must have a valid license for the class of vehicle they operate. Machines must be started and operated only by designated employees.
  • Seats, securely fastened to the vehicle, and seat belts must be used by persons operating and riding in or on machines and vehicles.
  • Tools being transported in a vehicle must be secured or arranged so  they do not present a hazard to the operator or passengers.
  • Vehicles used to transport employees off public roads or to perform logging operations must meet applicable requirements for machines.
  • Operators of stationary machines equipped with ROPS and FOPS or overhead guards must wear seatbelts.

What are the operational requirements?

  • Machines must be operated so no hazards are created to employees or equipment while maintaining a two tree-length safety distance.
  • Before leaving a machine, the operator must secure it by applying the parking brake or brake lock, placing the transmission in park position, placing each moving element to the ground position, and discharging the pressure or stored energy in the moving elements.

What are the requirements for brake systems?

  • Each machine must have serviceable primary and secondary brakes sufficient to stop and hold the machine under all conditions of use, and parking brakes.

What are the requirements for operator access?

  • Each machine or vehicle cab must have two safe means of entering and exiting, with walking and working surfaces having slip resistant surfaces which are kept free of material that may result in fire, slipping or falling.

What are the requirements for exhaust systems?

  • The engine exhaust pipes must be effectively muffled and be located to direct the exhaust away from the operator, guarded or mounted to protect employees from contact, and equipped with spark arresters.

What are the requirements for guarding the machine's parts and debris?

  • Guards must be in place at all times the machine is in operation to protect employees from exposed moving parts of the machine and flying debris from the operation of the machine.

What are the requirements for protective structures for operators?

  • Protective structures such as machine cabs, FOPS, and ROPS, meeting OSHA and SAE standards must be used to protect the operator from roll overs and objects striking the operator while operating the machine, and must provide maximum visibility for the operator to operate the vehicle safely.

 

Additional Information Additional Machines and Vehicles information:

Additional Information Additional Related information:

 

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