Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.15148

Current through Vol. 24-21, December 1, 2024

Section R. 408.15148 - Logging equipment; operations

Rule 5148.

(1) The engine of a powered logging machine shall be shut off while being serviced or adjusted, except where operation is required for adjustment.

(2) If an operator leaves the seat of any logging equipment that has its engine running, then the transmission shall be placed in the park position and the brakes set. If equipment is to be left unattended, then the operator shall apply the brake locks, ground moving elements, and turn the power off.

(3) A person, except the operator, shall not ride on mobile logging equipment unless the equipment is provided with a passenger seat belt located under a canopy that is in compliance with the requirements of R 408.15144 and R 408.15146.

(4) A logging equipment operator shall do all of the following:

(a) Operate the equipment within the rated capacity and stability limitations.

(b) Ensure, before start-up and during operation of the equipment, that employees and other objects are not in danger of being struck. Moveable objects, such as a boom, grapple, or load, shall not be moved close to or over an employee.

(c) Check all controls for function and response before starting a work shift.

(d) When a signalman is used, operate the equipment only on a clearly understood signal by the designated signalman.

(e) When operating near other employees, signal intent to move before moving.

(f) Dismount from the equipment, stand clear, and be visible when forest products or equipment is loaded or unloaded on or from the equipment by other equipment.

(g) Not place undue shock loads on wire rope.

(h) Position or secure all moveable elements not in use for safe operation.

(5) When transporting logging equipment from one job location to another, the carrying vehicle shall be capable of sustaining the load and the load shall be secured against movement.

(6) Any overhead electrical distribution or transmission line shall be considered energized until the owner or utility indicates otherwise and the line has been visibly grounded. Where a line cannot be de-energized, the following clearances shall be observed:

VOLTAGE	CLEARANCE BOOM RAISED	CLEARANCE BOOM LOWERED AND NO LOAD
to 50 kV	10 feet	4 feet
51 to 345 kV	10 feet plus .4 inch per kV over 50 kV	10 feet
346 to 750 kV	10 feet plus .4 inch per kV over 50 kV	15 feet

(7) When winching, the logging equipment shall be positioned so that the winch line is near the alignment with the long axis of the equipment.

(8) If natural light is inadequate during a logging, decking, or loading operation, the loader or loading areas shall be artificially lighted.

(9) A person involved in logging operations shall not work under a suspended load.

(10) When logging operations involve manual loading, the carrier shall be positioned to provide an area free of recognized hazards between the carrier and the pile, and the log or pole shall be placed in a manner so that it will not roll or slip.

(11) When logging operations involve machine loading, all of the following provisions apply:

(a) The piles shall be located in an area free of recognized hazards.

(b) Only the operator shall be in the work area.

(c) The load shall be balanced and secured to prevent slippage and loss.

(12) A person shall not ride a logging crane load, grapple, or hook.

(13) Truck-mounted loading equipment used in logging operations shall be secured before leaving a loading area. A protruding object on a load shall be removed or caution flags shall be installed.

(14) A truck driver shall stop a logging vehicle, dismount, and check and tighten loose load binders either just before or immediately after leaving a woods road to enter a public road.

(15) A logging operator shall use care in driving under limbs, trees, and other overhanging obstructions.

Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.15148

1989 AACS; 1996 AACS; 2017 MR 4, Eff. 3/2/2017