OAR 437-002-0310
Work Procedures

(1)

Climbing.

(a)

A tree worker shall be tied in with an approved type of climbing rope and safety saddle when working 4 feet above the ground. A safety strap or rope with snaps may be used for additional protection.

(A)

When working from a ladder more than 10 feet above the adjacent ground line, the worker must be tied in with an approved type of climbing rope and safety saddle.

(B)

When working from a scaffold more than 10 feet above the adjacent ground line, and an exposure to a fall hazard exists, the employee shall be tied in with the climbing rope and safety saddle.

(b)

Limbs shall be inspected, while climbing, before applying weight. The climber shall not trust the capability of a dead branch to support his/her weight. Dead branches shall be broken off on the way up, if possible. Hands and feet shall be placed on separate limbs, if possible.

(c)

The climbing rope shall be passed around the trunk of the tree as high as possible using branches with a wide crotch to prevent any binding of the safety rope. The crotch selected for tying in shall be over the work area as much as possible, but located in such a way that a slip or fall would swing the worker away from any electrical conductor. The rope shall also be passed around the main leader or an upright branch, using the limb as a stop. Feet, hands, and ropes shall be kept out of tight V-shaped crotches.

(d)

The location of all electrical conductors shall be noted in relation to work procedures. The worker shall climb on the side of the tree that is away from electrical conductors, if possible.

(e)

A figure-eight knot shall be tied in the end of the rope, particularly in the case of high trees. This will prevent pulling the rope accidentally through the taut line-hitch and possible serious injury from a fall.

(f)

The climbing line shall be crotched as soon as practical after the worker is aloft, and a taut line-hitch tied and checked.

(g)

The worker shall be completely secured with the climbing line before starting operations.

(h)

The worker shall remain tied in until the work is completed and the worker has returned to the ground. If it is necessary to recrotch the rope in the tree, the worker shall retie the rope or use the safety strap before releasing the previous tie.

(2)

Pruning and Trimming.

(a)

Pole pruners and pole saws shall be hung securely in a vertical position to prevent dislodging. Pole pruners or pole saws shall not be hung on utility wires or cables, or left in the tree overnight. Pole saws shall be hung so that the sharp edge is away from the worker.

(b)

A scabbard or sheath shall be hooked to the belt or safety saddle to carry the handsaw when not in use.

(c)

Warnings, when necessary, shall be given by the worker in the tree before a limb is dropped.

(d)

A separate line shall be attached to limbs which cannot be dropped or are too heavy to be controlled by hand. The line shall be held by workers on the ground end of the rope. Use of the same crotch for both safety rope and work rope shall be avoided.

(e)

Cut branches shall not be left in trees overnight.

(f)

A climbing rope shall never be left in a tree overnight. A service line shall be put up for overnight or longer.

(g)

The climber shall inspect the rope for cuts or abrasions before starting work. If any cuts or serious abrasions are found, the rope shall be discarded, used for some other purpose, or the defective section cut off.

(h)

During all tree working operations aloft, there shall be a second worker in the vicinity. This shall not apply to utility workers engaged in tree trimming incidental to their normal occupation, or to one-man service crews.

(3)

Cabling.

(a)

In cabling operations, branches which are to be cabled shall be brought together to the proper distanced by means of a block and tackle, a hand winch, a rope, or a rope with a come-along.

(b)

Not more than two persons shall be in the tree working at opposite ends during cabling installation.

(c)

When releasing the block and tackle, workers in trees shall be off to one side in case the lag hooks pull out under strain.

(d)

Ground workers shall not stand under the tree when cable is being installed.

(e)

Tools used for cabling, bark tracing, cavity work, etc., shall be carried in a bag or belt designed to hold tools, not put in the pocket or stuck in the top of a boot.

(4)

Topping.

(a)

Workers doing topping shall make sure the trees are able to stand the strain of a topping procedure. If not, some other means of lowering the branches shall be provided, such as a tree crane.

(b)

If large limbs are lowered in sections, the worker in the tree shall be above the limb being lowered.

(c)

Guidelines, handlines, or tag lines shall be used when conditions warrant their use.

(5)

Felling.

(a)

Before beginning any felling operation, a safety plan shall be developed which shall consider:

(A)

The tree and the surrounding area for anything that may create a hazard when the tree falls;

(B)

The shape of the tree;

(C)

The lean of the tree;

(D)

Wind force and direction;

(E)

Decayed or other weak spots; and

(F)

The location of other persons or structures.

(b)

The work area shall be cleared to permit safe working conditions, and an escape route shall be planned before any cutting is started.

(c)

Each tree worker shall be instructed as to exactly what is to be done during the felling operation. All workers not directly involved shall be at least two tree lengths away from the tree being felled.

(d)

A notch and backcut shall be used in felling trees over 5 inches diameter breast high. No tree shall be felled by “ripping” or “slicing” cuts.

(e)

The depth or penetration of the notch shall be approximately one-third the diameter of the tree.

(f)

The opening or height of the notch shall be approximately 2-1⁄2 inches for each foot in diameter of the tree.

(g)

The backcut shall be made higher than the point or apex of the notch to prevent kickback.

(h)

Just before the tree is ready to fall, an audible warning shall be given to those in the area.

(i)

If there is danger that the tree being felled may fall the wrong way or damage property; wedges, block and tackle, rope, or wire cable (except where an electrical hazard exists) shall be used. All limbs shall be removed from trees to a height and width sufficient to allow the tree to fall clear of any wires and other objects in the vicinity.

(j)

Special precautions in roping rotten or split trees shall be taken to prevent the tree from falling in an unexpected direction even though the cut is made on the proper side.

(k)

The faller shall retreat to a safe location when a tree is committed to fall.

(6)

Chipper equipment and operation.
Equipment Design

(a)

Enclose chipper rotating components in a housing capable of retaining broken chipper knives or foreign material.

(b)

Chipper feed chutes and side members must be designed to prevent operator contact with rotating blades during normal operation.

(c)

Chippers without a mechanical infeed system must have:

(A)

An infeed hopper that measures at least 85 inches from the blades or knives to ground level at the centerline of the hopper.

(B)

A flexible antikickback device in the feed hopper. This device must protect the operator and other persons in the area from flying chips and debris.

(C)

A shut-off switch within convenient reach of the worker feeding the chipper.

(d)

Chippers with a mechanical infeed system must have a quick stop reversing device on the infeed. The quick stop reversing device control lever must be across the top and along each side of the hopper, as close to the feed end of the hopper as practicable within easy reach of the operator.
Worker Apparel

(e)

Employees in the immediate area of an operating chipper must wear personal protective equipment as required by Subdivision I of this Division.

(f)

Workers feeding chippers must not wear loose clothing, gauntlet-type gloves, rings or watches.
Work Practices

(g)

Prevent accidental restart of equipment shut down for adjustment or repair as required by Division 2/J, 1910.147, Lockout/Tagout.

(h)

Guard exposed adjacent blades when replacing chipper blades.

(i)

Close and secure all access panels before operating the chipper.

(j)

The chipper operator must have a coworker in the immediate vicinity when feeding chipper.

(k)

Do not feed foreign objects into chipper.

(l)

Feed chippers from the side of the centerline. The operator must immediately turn away from the feed table as brush is drawn into the rotor. Feed chippers from curbside whenever practical.

(m)

Feed and discharge chutes must be in place to prevent contact with rotating blades during chipper operation.

(n)

Chipper operators must be familiar with the manufacturer’s operating instructions, maintenance and safe work practices.

(o)

When trailer chippers are detached from trucks they must be chocked or otherwise secured.

(p)

Before towing chipper, cross safety chains under the tongue of the chipper and attach them to the towing vehicle.

(7)

Limbing and bucking.

(a)

The tree worker shall work on the side opposite the side on which the limb is being cut.

(b)

The tree worker shall stand on the uphill side of the work.

(c)

Branches bent under tension shall be considered hazardous.

(d)

The tree worker shall block the log to prevent rolling, when necessary.

(e)

When bucking up trunks of trees, wedges shall be used as necessary to prevent binding of the guide bar or chain.

(8)

Storm work and emergency conditions.

(a)

Since storm work and emergency conditions create special hazards, only authorized representatives of the electric utility system operator/owner may perform tree work in these situations where energized electrical power conductors are involved.

(b)

When an emergency condition develops due to tree operations, work shall be suspended and the system operator/owner shall be notified immediately.

Source: Rule 437-002-0310 — Work Procedures, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=437-002-0310.

437–002–0005
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0006
General Oregon Definitions 437–002–0007
Testing and Certification 437–002–0010
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0015
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0020
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0022
Additional Oregon General Requirements 437–002–0026
Portable Ladders 437–002–0032
Ramps and Runways 437–002–0033
Piers and Wharves 437–002–0040
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0041
Exits and Exit Routes 437–002–0042
Emergency Action Plan 437–002–0043
Fire Prevention Plan 437–002–0047
Working Near Overhead High Voltage Lines and Equipment 437–002–0060
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0080
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0081
Oregon Ventilation Regulations 437–002–0095
Audiometric Testing in Oregon 437–002–0098
Additional Applicability 437–002–0100
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0101
Oregon Start-Up Dates 437–002–0107
Spray Finishing 437–002–0109
Explosives and Blasting Agents 437–002–0118
Oregon Rules for Reinforced Plastics Manufacturing 437–002–0119
Oregon Effective Dates 437–002–0120
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0122
Dipping and Coating 437–002–0134
Personal Protective Equipment 437–002–0139
Working Underway on Water. 437–002–0140
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0141
Additional Oregon Sanitation Requirements 437–002–0142
Labor Camps 437–002–0144
Additional Oregon Rules for General Environmental Controls 437–002–0145
Additional Oregon Rules for Accident Prevention and Tags 437–002–0146
Confined Spaces 437–002–0154
Individual Locks 437–002–0161
Medical Services and First Aid 437–002–0170
Worker Protection Standard 437–002–0180
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0182
Oregon Rules for Fire Fighters 437–002–0187
Portable Fire Extinguishers 437–002–0200
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0210
Additional Oregon Rules for Compressed Air and Compressed Gas Equipment 437–002–0220
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0221
Additional Oregon Rules for Handling Materials 437–002–0223
Oregon Rules for Commercial and Industrial Vehicles 437–002–0227
Additional Oregon Rules for Powered Industrial Trucks 437–002–0228
Oregon General Requirements for Cranes 437–002–0229
Additional Oregon Rules for Overhead and Gantry Cranes 437–002–0230
Additional Oregon Rule for Crawler, Locomotive and Truck Cranes 437–002–0232
Additional Oregon Rule for Derricks 437–002–0233
Oregon Rules for Hammerhead Cranes 437–002–0235
Additional Oregon Rule for Slings 437–002–0240
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0242
Oregon Rules for Machinery and Machine Guarding 437–002–0256
Stationary Compactors, Self-Contained Compactors, and Balers 437–002–0260
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0262
Additional Definitions in Oregon 437–002–0264
Additional General Requirements for Hand Tools 437–002–0266
Additional Oregon Rules for Guarding Portable Powered Tools 437–002–0268
Oregon Rules for Hand-Powered Equipment 437–002–0280
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0282
Job Planning and Layout 437–002–0283
Eye Protection and Protective Clothing 437–002–0284
Specifications for Protectors 437–002–0285
Special Precautions 437–002–0286
Preservative Coatings 437–002–0287
Toxic Preservative Coatings 437–002–0288
Health Protection and Ventilation — General 437–002–0297
Welding or Cutting Containers 437–002–0298
Self-Contained Units 437–002–0300
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0301
Scope and Application 437–002–0302
Definitions 437–002–0303
Training and Work Planning 437–002–0304
First Aid Requirements 437–002–0305
Traffic Control 437–002–0306
Electrical Hazards 437–002–0307
Personal Protective Equipment 437–002–0308
Portable Power Tools 437–002–0309
Hand Tools 437–002–0310
Work Procedures 437–002–0311
Mobile Equipment 437–002–0312
Oregon Rules for Pulp, Paper and Paperboard Mills 437–002–0313
Additional Oregon Rules for Sawmills 437–002–0314
Veneer and Plywood Machinery 437–002–0315
Shake and Shingle Machinery 437–002–0316
Oregon Rules for Telecommunications 437–002–0320
Adoption by Reference. 437–002–0340
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0342
Additional Oregon Definition 437–002–0345
Inland Emergency Aid 437–002–0355
Air Supply Systems (Compressed Gases and Air) 437–002–0360
Adoption by Reference 437–002–0363
Oregon Amendment 437–002–0364
Oregon Rules for MOCA (4,4’-Methylene Bis (2-chloroaniline)) 437–002–0368
Deterioration 437–002–0371
Scope and Application 437–002–0373
Oregon Rules for Thiram 437–002–0377
Additional Oregon Rules for Hazard Communication 437–002–0378
Oregon Rules for Pipe Labelling 437–002–0382
Oregon Rules for Air Contaminants 437–002–0390
Oregon Effective Dates 437–002–0391
Additional Oregon Rules for Carcinogens in Laboratories 437–002–1001
Asbestos Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1017
Vinyl Chloride Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1018
Inorganic Arsenic Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1025
Lead Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1027
Cadmium Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1028
Benzene Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1029
Coke Oven Emissions Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1030
Additional Oregon Rules for Bloodborne Pathogens 437–002–1035
Oregon Rule for Sharps Injury Log 437–002–1043
Cotton Dust Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1044
1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1045
Acrylonitrile Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1047
Ethylene Oxide Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1048
Formaldehyde Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1050
Methylenedianiline Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1051
1,3-Butadiene Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1052
Methylene Chloride Respiratory Protection Program 437–002–1053
Scope and Application 437–002–1054
Definitions 437–002–1055
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 437–002–1056
Exposure Assessment 437–002–1057
Specified exposure control methods 437–002–1058
Regulated and Restricted Access Areas 437–002–1059
Methods of Compliance 437–002–1060
Respiratory Protection 437–002–1061
Housekeeping 437–002–1062
Medical Surveillance 437–002–1063
Communication of Respirable Crystalline Silica Hazards to Employees 437–002–1064
Recordkeeping 437–002–1065
Dates 437–002–1139
Working Over or In Water 437–002–2021
Additional Oregon Definitions 437–002–2022
Additional Oregon Rules for Powered Platforms 437–002–2024
Scope and Application 437–002–2025
Definitions 437–002–2026
Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) 437–002–2027
Rope Descent & Rope Access Systems 437–002–2028
Regulated and Restricted Access Areas 437–002–2029
Methods of Compliance 437–002–2030
Respiratory Protection 437–002–2031
Delayed Effective Dates for Walking-Working Surfaces 437–002–2032
Hygiene Areas and Practices 437–002–2033
Housekeeping 437–002–2034
Medical Surveillance 437–002–2035
Medical Removal 437–002–2036
Communication of Beryllium Hazards to Employees 437–002–2037
Recordkeeping 437–002–2038
Dates 437–002–2040
Exposure Assessment 437–002–2045
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment 437–002–2101
Compressed Gases (General Requirements) 437–002–2102
Acetylene 437–002–2224
Vehicle Drivers and Riders 437–002–2225
Vehicles for Highway and Road Operation Characteristics and Maintenance 437–002–2226
Vehicles for Use on Property Other Than Public Roads and Highways Operation, Characteristics and Maintenance 437–002–2253
Oxygen-fuel Gas Welding and Cutting 437–002–2300
General 437–002–2301
Medical Services and First Aid 437–002–2302
Job Briefing 437–002–2303
Hazardous Energy Control Procedures 437–002–2304
Enclosed Spaces 437–002–2305
Excavations 437–002–2306
Personal Protective Equipment 437–002–2307
Portable Ladders and Platforms 437–002–2308
Hand and Portable Power Equipment 437–002–2309
Live-line Tools 437–002–2310
Materials Handling and Storage 437–002–2311
Working On or Near Exposed Energized Parts 437–002–2312
Deenergizing Lines and Equipment for Employee Protection 437–002–2313
Grounding for the Protection of Employees 437–002–2314
Testing and Test Facilities 437–002–2315
Mechanical Equipment 437–002–2316
Overhead Lines 437–002–2317
Line-clearance Tree Trimming 437–002–2318
Communication Facilities 437–002–2319
Underground Electrical Installations 437–002–2320
Substations 437–002–2321
Power Generation Installations 437–002–2322
Special Conditions 437–002–2323
Helicopters 437–002–2324
Definitions
Last Updated

Jun. 8, 2021

Rule 437-002-0310’s source at or​.us