WAC 296-54-537
Chain saws. (1) Operators must inspect
chain saws daily to ensure that handles and guards are in
place, and controls and other moving parts are functional.
(a) Each chain saw placed into initial service after
February 9, 1995, must be equipped with a chain brake and,
shall otherwise meet the requirements of ANSI B175.1-1991
"Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws" and the
requirements of this chapter;
(b) Each chain saw placed into service before February 9,
1995, must be equipped with a protective device that minimizes
chain saw kickback, i.e., reduced kickback bar, chains, bar
tip guard, or chain brake;
(c) No chain saw kickback device shall be removed or
otherwise disabled; and
(d) Chain saws must be operated and adjusted in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(2) Saw pinching and subsequent chain saw kickback must
be prevented by using wedges, levers, guidelines, and saw
placement, or by undercutting.
(3) Chain saws must be:
(a) Shutoff while fueling;
(b) Fueled outdoors at least ten feet from anyone smoking
or from other potential sources of ignition; and
(c) Started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.
(4) Chain saws must have a positive means of stopping the
engine.
(5) Unless the carburetor is being adjusted, the chain
saw must be shut off before any adjustments or repairs are
made to the saw, chain, or bar.
(6) Using a chain saw with a faulty clutch is prohibited.
(7) The bar must be handled only when the chain saw motor
is shut off.
(8) The drive end of the chain saw bar must be guarded.
(9) The chain saw must have an automatic throttle control
that will return the engine to idle speed when the throttle is
released.
Note:
Idle speed is when the engine is running and the chain does not rotate on the bar.
(10) The chain saw must be started:
(a) With the chain brake engaged, unless the manufacturer
prohibits; or
(b) On the ground, log or where otherwise firmly
supported. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.
(11) A chain saw must be held with the thumbs and fingers
of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless
the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by
keeping both hands on the chain saw in a specific situation.
(12) The chain saw must be carried in a manner that will
prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.
(13) The chain saw must be shut off or at idle before the
faller starts to retreat.
(14) The chain saw must be shut down or the chain brake
engaged whenever a saw is carried:
(a) Further than 50 feet (15.2 m); or
(b) Less than 50 feet if conditions such as, but not
limited to, the terrain, underbrush, and slippery surfaces,
may create a hazard for an employee.
(15) Using a chain saw to cut directly over head is
prohibited.
(16) The chain saw operator must be certain of footing
before starting to cut. The chain saw must not be used in a
position or at a distance that could cause the operator to
become off-balance, to have unsteady footing, or to relinquish
a firm grip on the saw.