OAR 437-002-2317
Line-clearance Tree Trimming

This rule provides additional requirements for line-clearance tree trimming and for equipment used in this type of work.

(1)

Electrical hazards. This paragraph does not apply to qualified employees.

(a)

Before an employee climbs, enters, or works around any tree, a determination must be made of the nominal voltage of electric power lines posing a hazard to employees. However, a determination of the maximum nominal voltage to which an employee will be exposed may be made instead, if all lines are considered as energized at this maximum voltage.

(b)

There must be a second line-clearance tree trimmer within normal, unassisted voice communication under any of the following conditions:

(A)

If a line-clearance tree trimmer is to approach more closely than 3.05 meters (10 feet) to any conductor or electric apparatus energized at more than 600 volts or

(B)

If branches or limbs being removed are closer to lines energized at more than 600 volts than the distances listed in Table RR-4, Table RR-5, Table RR-6, and Table RR-7 or

(C)

If roping is necessary to remove branches or limbs from such conductors or apparatus.

(c)

Line-clearance tree trimmers must maintain the minimum approach distances from energized conductors given in Table RR-4, Table RR-5, Table RR-6, and Table RR-7.

(d)

Branches that are contacting exposed energized conductors or equipment, or that are within the distances specified in Table RR-4 Table RR-5, Table RR-6, and Table RR-7 may be removed only through the use of insulating equipment.
Note to paragraph (1)(d): A tool constructed of a material that the employer can demonstrate has insulating qualities meeting paragraph (3) of 437-002-2309 (Live-line Tools) is considered as insulated under paragraph (1)(d) of this rule if the tool is clean and dry.

(e)

Ladders, platforms, and aerial devices may not be brought closer to an energized part than the distances listed in Table RR-4, Table RR-5, Table RR-6, and Table RR-7.

(f)

Line-clearance tree trimming may not be performed when adverse weather conditions make the work hazardous in spite of the work practices required by this rule. Each employee performing line-clearance tree trimming in the aftermath of a storm or under similar emergency conditions must be trained in the special hazards related to this type of work.
NOTE to paragraph (1)(f): Thunderstorms in the immediate vicinity, high winds, snow storms, and ice storms are examples of adverse weather conditions that are presumed to make line-clearance tree trimming too hazardous to perform safely.

(2)

Brush chippers.

(a)

Brush chippers must be equipped with a locking device in the ignition system.

(b)

Access panels for maintenance and adjustment of the chipper blades and associated drive train must be in place and secure during operation of the equipment.

(c)

Brush chippers not equipped with a mechanical infeed system must be equipped with an infeed hopper of length sufficient to prevent employees from contacting the blades or knives of the machine during operation.

(d)

Trailer chippers detached from trucks must be chocked or otherwise secured.

(e)

Each employee in the immediate area of an operating chipper feed table must wear personal protective equipment as required Division 2/I.

(3)

Sprayers and related equipment.

(a)

Walking and working surfaces of sprayers and related equipment must be covered with slip-resistant material. If slipping hazards cannot be eliminated, slip-resistant footwear or handrails and stair rails meeting the requirements of Division 2/D may be used instead of slip-resistant material.

(b)

Equipment on which employees stand to spray while the vehicle is in motion must be equipped with guardrails around the working area. The guardrail must be constructed in accordance with Division 2/D.

(4)

Stump cutters.

(a)

Stump cutters must be equipped with enclosures or guards to protect employees.

(b)

Each employee in the immediate area of stump grinding operations including the stump cutter operator) must wear personal protective equipment as required by Division 2/I.

(5)

Gas powered saws. Gas powered saw operations must meet the requirements of 437-007-0405 (Chain Saws) Chain Saws, Division 7; and the following:

(a)

Each power saw weighing more than 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds, service weight) that is used in trees must be supported by a separate line, except when work is performed from an aerial lift and except during topping or removing operations where no supporting limb will be available.

(b)

Each power saw must be equipped with a control that will return the saw to idling speed when released.

(c)

Each power saw must be equipped with a clutch and must be so adjusted that the clutch will not engage the chain drive at idling speed.

(d)

A power saw must be started on the ground or where it is otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting of saws over 6.8 kilograms (15 pounds), other than chain saws, is permitted outside of the bucket of an aerial lift only if the area below the lift is clear of personnel. Drop starting chain saws is prohibited.

(e)

A power saw engine may be started and operated only when all employees other than the operator are clear of the saw.

(f)

A power saw may not be running when the saw is being carried up into a tree by an employee.

(g)

Power saw engines must be stopped for all cleaning, refueling, adjustments, and repairs to the saw or motor, except as the manufacturer’s servicing procedures require otherwise.

(6)

Backpack power units for use in pruning and clearing.

(a)

While a backpack power unit is running, no one other than the operator may be within 3.05 meters (10 feet) of the cutting head of a brush saw.

(b)

A backpack power unit must be equipped with a quick shutoff switch readily accessible to the operator.

(c)

Backpack power unit engines must be stopped for all cleaning, refueling, adjustments, and repairs to the saw or motor, except as the manufacturer’s servicing procedures require otherwise.

(7)

Rope.

(a)

Climbing ropes must be used by employees working aloft in trees. These ropes must have a minimum diameter of 12 millimeters (0.5 inch) with a minimum breaking strength of 10.2 kilonewtons (2,300 pounds). Synthetic rope must have elasticity of not more than 7 percent.

(b)

Rope must be inspected before each use and, if unsafe (for example, because of damage or defect), may not be used.

(c)

Rope must be stored away from cutting edges and sharp tools. Rope contact with corrosive chemicals, gas, and oil must be avoided.

(d)

When stored, rope must be coiled and piled, or must be suspended, so that air can circulate through the coils.

(e)

Rope ends must be secured to prevent their unraveling.

(f)

Climbing rope may not be repaired by splicing.

(g)

A rope that is wet, that is contaminated to the extent that its insulating capacity is impaired, or that is otherwise not considered to be insulated for the voltage involved may not be used near exposed energized lines.

(8)

Fall protection. Each employee must be tied in with a climbing rope and safety saddle when the employee is working above the ground in a tree, except when ascending into or descending from the tree.

Source: Rule 437-002-2317 — Line-clearance Tree Trimming, https://secure.­sos.­state.­or.­us/oard/view.­action?ruleNumber=437-002-2317.

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 437-002-2317’s source at or​.us