Logging operations overview

This standard covers all common logging activities such as pulpwood and timber harvesting and the logging of sawlogs, veneer bolts, poles, pilings and other forest products. See the list of covered operations in 1910.266(b)(1).

The logging operations standard applies to all logging operations as defined in the rule, so any employer conducting those activities must follow it. See 1910.266(b)(2).

A 'danger tree' is a standing tree that presents a hazard to employees because of conditions like deterioration, root damage, trunk or limb damage, or an unsafe lean or direction. That definition is in 1910.266(c).

Employers must keep PPE in serviceable condition and inspect it before initial use during each workshift. Defective or damaged PPE must be repaired or replaced before work starts. See the employer duties in 1910.266(d)(1)(i) and 1910.266(d)(1)(ii).

Employers must provide, at no cost, hand protection that adequately protects against punctures, cuts and lacerations to every employee who handles wire rope. See the requirement in 1910.266(d)(1)(iii).

Employers must provide, at no cost, leg protection made of cut-resistant material (for example, ballistic nylon) that covers from the top of the boot to the full length of the thigh for each employee who operates a chain saw. Exceptions: this does not apply to climbers if wearing leg protection would create a greater hazard in that situation, or when an employee works from a vehicle-mounted elevating and rotating work platform that meets 1910.67. See 1910.266(d)(1)(iv).

Employers must assure that each employee wears foot protection, such as heavy-duty logging boots that are waterproof or water-repellent and that cover and support the ankle. See 1910.266(d)(1)(v).

Sharp, calk-soled or other slip-resistant boots may be worn when the employer demonstrates they are necessary for the job, terrain, timber type, and weather, provided the other foot-protection requirements are still met; otherwise, foot protection constructed with cut-resistant material must be used to protect against contact with a running chain saw. See the footwear provisions in 1910.266(d)(1)(v).

Employers must provide, at no cost, head protection to employees who work where there is potential for head injury from falling or flying objects; the head protection must meet the requirements of subpart I of part 1910. See 1910.266(d)(1)(vi). For practical guidance on when helmets are required, see OSHA's interpretation on head protection for crane operators at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06-2.

Employers must provide, at no cost, eye protection that meets subpart I of part 1910 when there is potential for eye injury from falling or flying objects, and face protection that meets subpart I when there is potential for facial injury (for example, when operating a chipper). See 1910.266(d)(1)(vii)(A) and 1910.266(d)(1)(vii)(B).

Yes, logger-type mesh screens may be worn by employees performing chain-saw operations and yarding, and an employee does not have to wear separate eye protection when face protection covering both eyes and face is used. See the note and allowance in 1910.266(d)(1)(vii).

Employers must provide first-aid kits at each work site where trees are being cut, at each active landing, and on each employee transport vehicle; each kit's number and content must reflect isolation, employee count, and expected hazards. At minimum, each kit must contain the items listed in Appendix A of the standard as specified in 1910.266(d)(2)(i) and 1910.266(d)(2)(ii).

Employers may have the number and contents of first-aid kits reviewed and approved annually by a health care provider, and must keep kit contents in serviceable condition. See 1910.266(d)(2)(iii) and 1910.266(d)(2)(iv).

For each vehicle or machine equipped with ROPS/FOPS or overhead guards, employers must provide a seat belt for each operator, require employees to use and properly fasten the seat belt, ensure the seat belt meets SAE J386 (incorporated by reference in [1910.6]), not remove factory-equipped seat belts, replace any removed seat belt, and keep seat belts serviceable. See 1910.266(d)(3) and the SAE citation in 1910.266(d)(3)(iv) as incorporated via 1910.6.

Yes. Employers must assure that each employee uses the available seat belt while the vehicle or machine is being operated and that the employee securely and tightly fastens the seat belt to restrain them within the cab. See 1910.266(d)(3)(ii) and 1910.266(d)(3)(iii).

Seat belts must not be removed from any vehicle or machine; if a seat belt that was factory-equipped is removed it must be replaced, and employers must keep each seat belt in serviceable condition. See 1910.266(d)(3)(v) and 1910.266(d)(3)(vi).

A 'machine' is stationary or mobile equipment with a self-contained powerplant used off-road to move material; examples include tractors, skidders, front-end loaders, scrapers, graders, bulldozers, swing yarders, log stackers, log loaders, and mechanical felling devices like tree shears and feller-bunchers. See the definition and examples in 1910.266(c).

OSHA expresses slope as the percentage increase or decrease in altitude over a horizontal distance (for example, a 20-foot change over 100 feet is a 20 percent slope). See the slope definition in 1910.266(c).

Logging operations include activities associated with felling and moving trees and logs from the stump to delivery, such as marking danger trees and trees/logs to be cut to length, felling, limbing, bucking, debarking, chipping, yarding, loading, unloading, storing, and transporting machines, equipment and personnel between logging sites. See the definition in 1910.266(c).

Yes — PPE provided by employees may be used, but the employer must assure that any PPE (including employee-provided) is maintained in serviceable condition and inspected before initial use each workshift. See the employer responsibilities in 1910.266(d)(1)(i) and 1910.266(d)(1)(ii).

You must provide and maintain portable fire extinguishers on each machine and vehicle used in logging operations. See 1910.266(d)(4) for the requirement.

• Keep extinguishers serviceable and accessible on every machine and vehicle.
• Follow the inspection and maintenance rules in the applicable fire protection rules in part 1910 when implementing this requirement.

All work must stop and employees must move to a place of safety whenever environmental conditions create a hazard for performing the job. See 1910.266(d)(5).

• Examples include electrical storms, strong winds that could affect tree fall, heavy rain or snow, extreme cold, dense fog, fires, mudslides, and darkness.
• The employer must ensure procedures and training so employees recognize when to terminate work and evacuate to safety.

Adjacent occupied work areas must be at least two tree lengths of the trees being felled, adjusted for slope, density, tree height, soil, and other site hazards. See 1910.266(d)(6)(ii).

• On slopes where rolling or sliding of trees or logs is reasonably foreseeable, maintain a distance greater than two tree lengths.
• The employer should evaluate site-specific factors (slope, density, soil) and increase spacing when necessary.

Employees must be spaced and organized so one worker's actions do not create hazards for others, and each employee must work within visual or audible contact with another employee. See 1910.266(d)(6)(i) and 1910.266(d)(6)(iii).

• Use sight or voice contact; if those are not reliable, use approved signals (see signaling rules in 1910.266(d)(7)).
• Employers must plan tasks and assign positions so workers don’t inadvertently put others at risk.

The employer must account for every employee at the end of each workshift. See 1910.266(d)(6)(iv).

• Maintain a headcount or sign-out system so all employees are known to be safe before leaving the site.

When noise, distance, restricted visibility, or other factors prevent clear voice communication, employers must use hand signals or audible contact such as whistles, horns, or radios, and only a designated person should give signals except in emergencies. See 1910.266(d)(7).

• Engine noise (e.g., from a chain saw) is not an acceptable signal source per 1910.266(d)(7)(ii).
• Use regionally recognized signals only after training all affected employees.

Logging near overhead electric lines must comply with the electrical safety requirements in 1910.333(c)(3), and the employer must notify the power company immediately if a felled tree contacts a power line; employees must stay clear until the power company declares the area safe. See 1910.266(d)(8).

• Establish exclusion zones and maintain safe clearances per 1910.333.
• Train crews on procedures to follow if a tree or equipment contacts a line.

Flammable and combustible liquids may not be transported in the driver compartment or any passenger-occupied area of a machine or vehicle, and machines and portable tools must be shut off during fueling (diesel engines may be fueled at idle only if continued operation is intended and safe fueling procedures are followed). See 1910.266(d)(9)(ii) and 1910.266(d)(9)(iii).

• Store, handle, and use these liquids in accordance with subpart H of part 1910 as required by 1910.266(d)(9)(i).

Flammable liquids may be used to start a fire only if the employer assures that doing so does not create a hazard for any employee in that particular situation. See 1910.266(d)(9)(iv).

• Employers must assess the situation, control ignition sources, and take precautions (distance, supervision, fire suppression) before allowing use for ignition.

Only a designated person may handle or use explosives and blasting agents, and they must be stored, handled, transported, and used in accordance with subpart H of part 1910; they also must not be transported in driver or passenger compartments. See 1910.266(d)(10)(i)-(iii).

• Maintain documentation of designation and training for those authorized to handle explosives.
• Follow the storage and transport rules in subpart H exactly to prevent accidental detonation or exposure.

Each hand and portable powered tool, including employee-provided tools, must be inspected before initial use during each workshift for handles and guards, controls, chain-saw chains and mufflers, chain brakes and nose shields, heads of impact tools, cutting edges, and all other safety devices. See 1910.266(e)(1)(ii).

• Use the specific checklist items in 1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(A)-(H) to ensure complete inspections.
• Remove defective tools from service until repaired or replaced as required by 1910.266(e)(1)(i).

Any chain saw placed into initial service after the effective date must be equipped with a chain brake and meet ANSI B175.1-1991; saws placed in service earlier must have a protective device that minimizes kickback, and no kickback device may be removed or disabled. Additionally, gasoline-powered chain saws must have a continuous pressure throttle control that stops the chain when pressure is released. See 1910.266(e)(2)(i) and 1910.266(e)(2)(ii).

• Do not remove or disable kickback protection.
• Follow manufacturer instructions and the incorporated ANSI safety requirements when selecting and maintaining chain saws.

A chain saw must be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from any open flame or ignition source, started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area, and started with the chain brake engaged. See 1910.266(e)(2)(iv), 1910.266(e)(2)(v), and 1910.266(e)(2)(vii).

• Always ensure safe footing before starting per 1910.266(e)(2)(ix).

Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited; the saw must be started on the ground or other firm support, carried to prevent contact with the cutting chain and muffler, and must be shut off or have the chain brake engaged before the feller retreats or when carried more than 50 feet (unless conditions require it sooner). See 1910.266(e)(2)(vi), 1910.266(e)(2)(xii), 1910.266(e)(2)(xiii), and 1910.266(e)(2)(xiv).

• If terrain, underbrush, or slippery surfaces create a hazard, shut the saw down or engage the chain brake even for distances less than 50 feet.

The chain saw must be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation (unless keeping both hands poses a greater hazard), and the operator must be certain of footing before starting and avoid positions that could cause loss of balance or insecure footing. See 1910.266(e)(2)(viii) and 1910.266(e)(2)(ix).

• Train operators on safe stances, retreat paths, and how to evaluate footing on slopes and uneven ground.

Tools must be used only for the purposes for which they were designed, and when the head of any shock, impact-driven, or driving tool begins to chip it must be repaired or removed from service. See 1910.266(e)(1)(iii) and 1910.266(e)(1)(iv).

• Establish a system to tag out-of-service or defective tools until repaired or replaced.

Cutting edges must be sharpened according to the manufacturer's specifications whenever they become dull during the workshift; tools must be stored in the provided location when not in use; and racks, boxes, holsters or other means must be used to transport tools so they do not create hazards for vehicle operators or passengers. See 1910.266(e)(1)(v)-(vii).

• Provide and enforce use of tool transport systems (holsters, racks) to prevent contact with cutting edges and mufflers.

Each machine must be inspected before initial use during each workshift and defects must be repaired or the unserviceable machine replaced before work begins; machines shall be started and operated only by a designated person. See 1910.266(f)(1)(ii) and 1910.266(f)(2)(i).

• Keep documented inspections and ensure only trained, authorized operators start and run machines.

Before starting or moving any machine the operator must determine that no employee is in the machine's path; the machine must be operated within the manufacturer's limits to maintain stability, only from the operator's station or as recommended, at distances that will not create hazards for employees, and no employee other than the operator may ride on mobile machines unless equivalent seating/seat belts/protection are provided. See 1910.266(f)(2)(v)-(viii).

• Establish exclusion zones and communication protocols so operators can verify clear paths before movement.

Before the operator leaves the station the parking brake or brake locks must be applied, the transmission placed in the manufacturer's specified park position, and moving elements lowered to the ground or otherwise secured; if a hydraulic or pneumatic storage device can move elements after shutdown, the stored energy must be discharged as the manufacturer specifies. See 1910.266(f)(2)(x) and 1910.266(f)(2)(xi).

• Follow manufacturer procedures for safe parking and energy dissipation to prevent unexpected movement.

Tractors, skidders, swing yarders, log stackers, log loaders, and mechanical felling devices placed into initial service after February 9, 1995, must be equipped with FOPS and/or ROPS, and ROPS must be tested, installed, and maintained in serviceable condition. See 1910.266(f)(3)(i) and 1910.266(f)(3)(ii)(A).

• Replace any removed FOPS or ROPS before returning machines to service as required by 1910.266(f)(3)(i).

The employer must assure that each hand and portable powered tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is maintained in serviceable condition. See 1910.266(e)(1)(i).

• Employers should include employee-owned tools in inspection and maintenance programs and document checks to ensure compliance.

ROPS and FOPS must be installed, tested, and maintained to the SAE performance and test standards named in the rule. Specifically, FOPS must be installed, tested and maintained in accordance with SAE J231 as required by 1910.266(f)(3)(iii) and both ROPS and FOPS must meet the deflection and laboratory evaluation requirements in SAE J397 as required by 1910.266(f)(3)(iv).

• Follow the SAE standards incorporated by reference (see 1910.6) when installing, testing, and maintaining these protective structures.
• Keep documentation of maintenance and any tests performed so you can demonstrate compliance during inspections.

Machines manufactured after August 1, 1996 must have fully enclosed cabs with mesh openings no greater than 2 inches, unless you can show another material gives equivalent protection and visibility. That requirement is in 1910.266(f)(3)(vii).

• For machines manufactured on or before August 1, 1996, you may meet the requirement either by complying with paragraph (f)(3)(vii) or by using a protective canopy that meets the detailed construction and visibility rules at 1910.266(f)(3)(viii). That canopy must:

  • Protect the operator from falling trees, limbs and snapping lines (1910.266(f)(3)(viii)(A)).
  • Fully enclose the lower cab portion with solid material (except entrances) (1910.266(f)(3)(viii)(B)).
  • Use mesh in the upper rear with openings that reject objects larger than 2 inches and provide maximum rearward visibility (1910.266(f)(3)(viii)(C)).

• The standard allows other materials in place of mesh only if you can demonstrate they provide equivalent protection and visibility (1910.266(f)(3)(vii)).

You must use safety glass or an equivalent protective material for transparent cab enclosures, keep that material clean for visibility, and replace it if it becomes cracked, broken, or scratched in a way that creates a hazard. These duties are stated in 1910.266(f)(3)(x)–(xiii).

• Use safety glass or demonstrate an equivalent material provides the same protection and visibility (1910.266(f)(3)(x)).
• Keep transparent material clean so the operator has full visibility (1910.266(f)(3)(xi)).
• Replace transparent material that may create a hazard (for example, cracked or scratched safety glass) (1910.266(f)(3)(xii)).
• Install deflectors in front of cabs to prevent whipping saplings from striking the operator, positioned so they do not block visibility (1910.266(f)(3)(xiii)).

Employers must provide proper access systems, a second means of egress from each cab, and slip-resistant walking/working surfaces that are kept free of debris. Those requirements are in 1910.266(f)(5).

• Use machine access systems that meet the SAE J185 recommended practice where employees must climb onto the machine to enter the cab or perform maintenance (1910.266(f)(5)(i)).
• Provide a second means of egress for each machine cab (1910.266(f)(5)(ii)).
• Keep walking and working surfaces slip-resistant and free of waste, debris, or other materials that could cause fire, slipping, or falling (1910.266(f)(5)(iii)–(iv)).

Exhaust pipes must direct gases away from the operator, be mounted or guarded to prevent contact, have spark arresters unless the engine has a turbocharger, and have the muffler or equivalent in place whenever the machine is operating. These rules are in 1910.266(f)(6).

• Direct exhaust gases away from the operator (1910.266(f)(6)(i)).
• Mount or guard exhaust pipes so employees are protected from accidental contact (1910.266(f)(6)(ii)).
• Equip exhaust pipes with spark arresters; engines with turbochargers are not required to have spark arresters (1910.266(f)(6)(iii)).
• Ensure a manufacturer-provided muffler or equivalent is in place whenever the machine operates (1910.266(f)(6)(iv)).

Service brakes must be able to stop and hold the machine and its rated load on the slopes where it is used, and machines placed into initial service on or after September 8, 1995 must also have back-up (secondary) brakes and parking brakes that can stop or hold the machine under the specified conditions. This is required by 1910.266(f)(7).

• Service brakes: sufficient to stop and hold the machine and its rated load on operational slopes (1910.266(f)(7)(i)).
• For machines put into initial service on or after 9/8/1995: provide back-up/secondary brakes capable of stopping the machine regardless of travel direction or engine running status, plus parking brakes capable of continuously holding a stopped machine (1910.266(f)(7)(ii)).

Each vehicle used in logging must be kept serviceable and inspected before initial use each work shift; defects must be repaired or the vehicle taken out of service. Vehicles that transport employees off public roads must also meet specific requirements from paragraphs identified in the standard. These obligations are in 1910.266(g).

• Maintain vehicles in serviceable condition and inspect before initial use each shift; repair defects or replace unserviceable vehicles before work starts (1910.266(g)(1)–(2)).
• Make operating and maintenance instructions available in each vehicle and require operators to follow them (1910.266(g)(3)).
• Ensure each vehicle operator has a valid operator's license for that class of vehicle (1910.266(g)(4)).
• Vehicles used to transport employees off public roads must also comply with the requirements in 1910.266(f)(2)(iii), 1910.266(f)(2)(v), 1910.266(f)(2)(vii), 1910.266(f)(2)(x), 1910.266(f)(2)(xiii), and 1910.266(f)(7) as noted in 1910.266(g)(7).

Fellers must plan and clear a diagonal retreat path, keep others at least two tree lengths away while trees are being felled, evaluate site conditions before each felling, make proper undercuts and backcuts leaving hinge wood, and work from the uphill side when limbing or bucking where logs may roll. These requirements appear in 1910.266(h)(1)–(2) and (h)(3).

• Keep all yarding machines at least two tree lengths away while manual felling is in progress and do not approach a feller within two tree lengths until the feller acknowledges it is safe (1910.266(h)(1)(iii)–(v)).
• Plan and clear a retreat path that extends diagonally away from the expected felling line and use it immediately after the backcut (1910.266(h)(2)(i)–(ii)).
• Evaluate conditions (wind, lean, snow/ice, dead limbs, nearby trees) before each felling and remove ice/snow if it poses a hazard (1910.266(h)(2)(ii)–(iii)).
• Make an undercut unless you can show it’s safe not to, and make a backcut that leaves enough hinge wood to control the fall; the backcut should generally be above the horizontal facecut to prevent kickback (1910.266(h)(2)(v)–(vii)).
• Limbing and bucking where logs may roll must be done from the uphill side; take special precautions with wind-thrown trees (chock or move to stable position) (1910.266(h)(3)(i)–(ii)).