(a) Hydraulic tree jacks purchased after January 1, 1980, shall be equipped with:
- (1) An operable load check valve, velocity fuse or equivalent device. When hoses are used with a jack, the device shall be installed between the ram and the first piece of hose out from the jack.
- (2) An operable pressure gauge.
- (b) If two or more tree jacks are used and operated with one pump, a one way flow valve shall be used to isolate the hydraulic fluid from one jack to another jack, should failure occur in the system.
- (c) Hydraulic tree jacks shall have enough lift power and be of sufficient in number for the trees to be jacked and felled.
- (d) A metal plate shall be placed between the ram and the saw cuts when using a hydraulic jack. The metal plate or pad shall be of sufficient area and have a surface design to prevent the plate or pad from sinking into the wood or slipping.
- (e) If the faller is pumping the jack at the base of the tree, wedges shall be used as a follow-up method while using tree jacks. The wedges shall be progressively moved in as the tree is jacked.
Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.