PDFWAC 296-54-537

Chain saws.

(1) Operators must inspect chain saws daily to ensure that handles and guards are in place, and controls and other moving parts are functional.
(a) Each chain saw placed into initial service after February 9, 1995, must be equipped with a chain brake and, shall otherwise meet the requirements of ANSI B175.1-1991 "Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws" and the requirements of this chapter;
(b) Each chain saw placed into service before February 9, 1995, must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain saw kickback, i.e., reduced kickback bar, chains, bar tip guard, or chain brake;
(c) No chain saw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled; and
(d) Chain saws must be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) Saw pinching and subsequent chain saw kickback must be prevented by using wedges, levers, guidelines, and saw placement, or by undercutting.
(3) Chain saws must be:
(a) Shutoff while fueling;
(b) Fueled outdoors at least ten feet from anyone smoking or from other potential sources of ignition; and
(c) Started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.
(4) Chain saws must have a positive means of stopping the engine.
(5) Unless the carburetor is being adjusted, the chain saw must be shut off before any adjustments or repairs are made to the saw, chain, or bar.
(6) Using a chain saw with a faulty clutch is prohibited.
(7) The bar must be handled only when the chain saw motor is shut off.
(8) The drive end of the chain saw bar must be guarded.
(9) The chain saw must have an automatic throttle control that will return the engine to idle speed when the throttle is released.
Note:
Idle speed is when the engine is running and the chain does not rotate on the bar.
(10) The chain saw must be started:
(a) With the chain brake engaged, unless the manufacturer prohibits; or
(b) On the ground, log or where otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.
(11) A chain saw must be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless you demonstrate that a greater hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in a specific situation.
(12) The chain saw must be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.
(13) The chain saw must be shut off or at idle before the faller starts to retreat.
(14) The chain saw must be shut down or the chain brake engaged whenever a saw is carried:
(a) Further than 50 feet (15.2 m); or
(b) 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.
(15) A chain saw must not be used to cut directly overhead in a manner where the operator could lose control of the saw, or that would cause limbs, chunks of bark or pieces of wood to fall on the operator.
(16) The chain saw operator must be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw must not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have unsteady footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 17-17-131, § 296-54-537, filed 8/22/17, effective 10/22/17. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 06-07-142, § 296-54-537, filed 3/21/06, effective 5/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and [49.17].050. WSR 99-17-117, § 296-54-537, filed 8/18/99, effective 12/1/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 96-22-013, § 296-54-537, filed 10/28/96, effective 1/1/97. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.150 and 49.17.240. WSR 79-10-081 (Order 79-14), § 296-54-537, filed 9/21/79.]