Log handling requirements

Under 1917.18(a) the employer must ensure that bunks used to contain logs have rounded corners and rounded structural parts to avoid sling damage. See the requirement in 1917.18(a).

• Rounded corners and edges reduce chafing and cuts to slings and prevent concentrated wear points.
• Inspect bunks regularly for sharp edges, corrosion, splinters or deformations and repair or replace damaged members promptly.
• Keep records of inspections and corrective actions as part of your equipment maintenance program.

Yes — employers should inspect bunks and structural parts for roundedness and condition to ensure they do not damage slings, as required by 1917.18(a).

• Inspect for sharp edges, burrs, cracks, rust, exposed welds, or other deformities that could abrade or cut sling fibers or wire rope.
• Check that protective coverings (e.g., skid plates, edge protectors) are in place and in good condition.
• Remove or repair damaged members immediately and document inspections and repairs.

Under 1917.18(b) two or more binders or an equivalently safe means of containment must remain on logging trucks and railcars during movement within the terminal. See 1917.18(b).

• "Two or more binders" is the baseline; alternatives must provide equivalent protection against log movement.
• Equivalently safe means could include appropriately rated chains, load-securing devices, or engineered physical restraints, provided they are as effective as two binders.

Under 1917.18(b) logs must be prevented from moving while binders are being removed during unloading. See 1917.18(b).

• Use blocking, chocks, cribbing, or other positive means to immobilize the load before removing binders.
• Remove binders in a planned sequence so logs never become unsecured; have a competent person supervise.
• If mechanical means (winch, loader) are used to restrain the load, ensure operators are trained and the equipment is rated for the task.

Under 1917.18(c) logs must be hoisted by two slings or by other gear designed for safe hoisting. See 1917.18(c).

• Two slings is the specified method because it helps balance the load and provides redundancy.
• Other gear may be used only if it is specifically designed and rated for safe hoisting of logs (for example, a certified multi-leg bridle or engineered log-lifting device).
• Ensure all lifting gear is inspected, properly rigged, and rated for the load weight and configuration prior to lifting.
• Remember that the operator must be physically capable of completing the lift without leaving controls while the load is suspended; see OSHA's crane operator medical condition interpretation.

Under 1917.18(e) logs must be stably supported to prevent spreading and to allow passage of slings beneath the load before they are slung up from the dock. See 1917.18(e).

• Use blocking, cribbing or supports to keep logs stable and at a height that permits safe sling placement.
• Ensure there is enough clearance to pass slings under the load without forcing or wedging the sling into pinch points.
• Verify supports are rated and placed so they cannot shift when the load is lifted.

Under 1917.18(d) logs placed adjacent to vehicle curbs on the dock must not be over one tier high unless they are placed in bunks or so stacked as not to roll or otherwise create a hazard to employees. See 1917.18(d).

• One tier means a single layer of logs stacked side-by-side at the curb unless bunks or other means prevent rolling.
• If you stack higher than one tier next to the curb, you must use bunks or an equivalent method that prevents rolling and protects workers.

Under 1917.18(e) when bunks or similar retaining devices are used, no log shall be higher than the stanchions or retaining members of the device. See 1917.18(e).

• Ensure stanchions (posts or retaining members) are tall enough for the tallest log you expect to handle.
• Do not exceed stanchion height because logs above the stanchions can roll or shift and create a hazard.

Yes — while 1917.18(c) requires logs be hoisted by two slings or other safe gear, OSHA's interpretations advise that crane hooks should be latched or otherwise secured to prevent accidental load disengagement. See 1917.18(c) and OSHA's safety latch interpretation.

• Hooks with self-closing latches reduce the risk of slings or bridles slipping off during lifts.
• If a latch is impractical for the application, use another positive means (shackle, designed attachment) to secure the sling to the hook and document why a latch is not used.
• Follow sling and hook manufacturer recommendations and inspect latch mechanisms regularly.

Under 1917.18(b) "equivalently safe means of containment" must provide the same level of security as two or more binders while the vehicle is moving within the terminal. See 1917.18(b).

• Acceptable alternatives can include appropriately rated chains with secure tensioning devices, engineered load-securing systems, or mechanical restraints specifically designed for log containment.
• Any alternative must be capable of preventing log movement during transit and be maintained, inspected, and used only by trained personnel.
• Document the basis for equivalency (load ratings, engineering calculations, manufacturer guidance) when you rely on an alternative to two binders.

Under 1917.18(b) and 1917.18(e) employers must prevent logs from moving while binders are being removed and ensure logs are stably supported before slinging. See 1917.18(b) and 1917.18(e).

• Before cutting or removing binders, place chocks, wedges, cribbing or mechanical restraints to block movement.
• Remove binders in a staged sequence so at least one restraint remains until new supports are in place.
• Use taglines, spotters, and a competent person to coordinate movements and watch for shifting.
• Ensure employees removing binders wear appropriate PPE and stand clear of potential roll paths.

Under 1917.18(a) employers must use rounded bunk parts to avoid sling damage, and under 1917.18(c) slings must be safe for hoisting logs; together these require proactive protection of slings. See 1917.18(a) and 1917.18(c).

• Use edge protectors, sleeves, or wood padding where slings contact sharp or rough surfaces.
• Inspect slings for cuts, crushed fibers, kinks, broken wires or severe corrosion before use and retire defective slings.
• Train riggers on proper sling placement and how to avoid pinch points and sharp edges while lifting logs.

Under 1917.18(d) if logs adjacent to vehicle curbs are stacked more than one tier high they must be placed in bunks or stacked so they will not roll or create a hazard. See 1917.18(d).

• Use bunks with stanchions or chocks to cradle logs and prevent lateral movement.
• Stack logs in interlocking patterns or use blocking between tiers to prevent rolling.
• Secure stacks with tie-downs or straps designed for the stacked configuration and regularly inspect the stack stability.

Under 1917.18(e) "stably supported to prevent spreading" means providing firm, appropriately spaced supports so logs cannot shift outward or collapse when slings pass under and the load is lifted. See 1917.18(e).

• Use blocking, cribbing or raised bunks sized to support the log diameter and length.
• Ensure supports are placed so the log cannot roll or move when a sling is slipped under it or when tension is applied.
• Make sure supports are on stable ground and will not sink or tip under load.

No — the operator must not leave the controls while a load is suspended; employers must ensure the operator can complete the operation without unscheduled interruption. See 1917.18(c) and OSHA's crane operator medical condition interpretation.

• If an operator becomes incapacitated or must leave the controls, the situation creates a hazard and the employer may be cited.
• Employers should have procedures to ensure only qualified, medically capable operators perform hoisting and should provide relief operators as needed.

Under 1917.18(e) there must be sufficient clearance and stable support so slings can be passed beneath the load without forcing or creating pinch points; the exact clearance depends on sling thickness and log size. See 1917.18(e).

• Ensure supports raise the log high enough to permit the chosen sling to pass freely and be positioned safely.
• Consider the sling type (wire rope, synthetic) and its required bend radius when determining clearance.
• If clearance is marginal, use lifting hooks, jacks or other mechanical aids to raise the log safely for sling placement.

Under 1917.18(a) and 1917.18(e) the employer is responsible for ensuring bunks and stanchions are designed and maintained so they protect slings, prevent spreading, and keep logs below stanchion heights. See 1917.18(a) and 1917.18(e).

• Employers should select or design bunks and retaining devices with adequate stanchion height for the logs handled.
• Maintain a program of inspections, repairs and training to make sure devices remain effective and compliant.

Under 1917.18(e) you must not allow any log to be higher than the stanchions or retaining members when bunks or similar devices are used. See 1917.18(e).

• Remove or re-stack logs so all logs are at or below stanchion height before slinging or moving.
• If taller logs must be handled, use a different retaining device or custom-engineered restraint rated for that height and document the engineering basis.
• Do not attempt to bypass the stanchion height limit by relying solely on binders or temporary blocking.

Under 1917.18(c) slings or other hoisting gear used for logs must be safe for the job, which means regular inspections and trained riggers. See 1917.18(c).

• Inspect slings before each use for cuts, broken wires, corrosion, deformation, or other defects; remove defective slings from service.
• Use slings with appropriate rated capacity and configuration for the log weight and lift geometry.
• Train riggers in proper sling selection, hitch types, sling angles, center-of-gravity considerations and safe rigging practices; document training.

No — employers must not perform modifications that affect the equipment's capacity or safety without manufacturer written approval or the written approval of a professional engineer, as required by other marine terminal equipment provisions and interpretations referenced by OSHA. See 1917.18(c) and OSHA's safety latch interpretation which discusses hook latches and the need to follow manufacturer guidance or engineering approval.

• If you must modify hooks or install attachments (e.g., safety latches, linkages), obtain written approval from the manufacturer or a qualified Registered Professional Engineer.
• Keep documentation of approvals and safety analyses and provide refresher training to operators if modifications change operation.

Under 1917.18 the immediate action when a sling is found damaged while handling logs is to stop the lift, take the sling out of service, and replace it with a properly rated, inspected sling before resuming operations. See 1917.18(c).

• Tag the damaged sling "Do Not Use" and record the defect and removal in your inspection log.
• Inspect associated rigging, hooks and attachments for damage caused by the failed sling.
• Investigate the cause (overloading, abrasion, improper rigging) and correct workplace conditions to prevent recurrence.