1. (a) The Timber Operator or his/her agent shall conduct a diligent aerial or ground inspection within the first 2 hours after cessation of felling, Yarding, or loading operations each day during the dry period when fire is likely to spread. The person conducting the inspection shall have adequate communication available for prompt reporting of any fire that may be detected. The LTO shall implement 14 CCR § 938.8(a)(1)(A)-(D) below as appropriate for the operation.

   1. (1) On operations utilizing rotating metal blade mechanical felling (RBMF) machines (either “hot saw” or intermittent, excluding chainsaw type bars or shears), requirements listed below in 14 CCR § 938.8(a)(1)(A)-(D) shall apply:

      1. (A) The patrol for operations utilizing RBMF machines must inspect operating areas on foot. The patrol's vehicle shall be parked within or as closely as possible to the area being patrolled, and the vehicle shall be equipped to fight fire with the following: 1) a serviceable 5 gallon backpack pump filled with water, 2) a shovel or McLeod fire tool, 3) either a double bit ax or a serviceable chainsaw with a minimum 20 inch bar, and 4) communications equipment capable of summoning additional fire suppression resources or contacting the agency responsible for fire suppression. The patrol shall carry a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 46 inches during the foot patrol.
      2. (B) The patrol for the areas where RBMF machines are being used will inspect all areas that day felled by RBMF machines. The inspection shall occur for at least two hours after cessation of RBMF operations, documenting areas covered during the patrol and approximate times of the coverage in each area.
      3. (C) The patrol will conduct inspection using an approach capable of detecting small, smoldering fires.

      4. (D) The LTO shall ensure that if wood debris or chips are accumulating in the cutting head, then equipment operators will clean out blade guards no less frequently than every two hours during operations to prevent the build-up of vegetative material that could ignite and be discharged to start a fire.

         The portions of this regulation adopted by the Board in 2009 will expire on December 31, 2012.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 4551 and 4553, Public Resources Code. Reference: Section 4551.5, Public Resources Code.

History

1. Editorial correction adding Note filed 11-15-82 (Register 82, No. 47).

2. Amendment filed 6-21-89; operative 7-21-89 (Register 89, No. 25).

3. Amendment filed 10-27-2009; operative 1-1-2010 pursuant to Public Resources Code section 4554.5 (Register 2009, No. 44).

4. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (a) filed 12-20-2017 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 2017, No. 51).