1. (1) The employer is responsible for the safe condition of hand and portable power tools used in forest activities regardless of tool ownership.
2. (2) All safety devices and controls must be in place and function properly.

3. (3) The employer must require personnel to:

   1. (a) Inspect each tool before use to assure its safe condition.
   2. (b) Report any unsafe tool condition to the employer.
   3. (c) Remove or repair tools if the condition affects the safe operation.
4. (4) If a slick or slippery axe or hammer handle cannot be firmly gripped, the tool must not be used.

5. (5) Tools must be:

   1. (a) Appropriate for their use.
   2. (b) Used in a safe manner.
6. (6) Wooden handles must be sound, straight-grained and tight-fitting.
7. (7) Heads of shock or impact-driven and driving tools must be dressed or ground to remove any mushrooming.
8. (8) When the heads of shock or impact-driven tools show a tendency to chip, they must be removed from service.
9. (9) Cutting edges of tools must be sharp and properly shaped.
10. (10) When tools are not being used, they must be stored in a location where they will not create a hazard.
11. (11) Racks, boxes, holsters, barriers or equivalent means must be provided and used so the passengers and/or driver will not be endangered by tools, equipment or materials being transported, loaded or removed.

Statutory/Other Authority

ORS 654.025(2) & 656.726(4)

Statutes/Other Implemented

ORS 654.001 - 654.295

History

OSHA 5-2003, f. 6-2-03, cert. ef. 12-1-03