Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 21, May 23, 2024
Section 56-2-16 - Manual Tree Felling16.1. Before felling is started, the feller shall plan and clear a retreat path. The retreat path shall extend diagonally away from the expected felling line unless the employer demonstrates to the Director that such a retreat path poses a greater hazard than an alternate path. Once the back cut has been made the feller shall immediately move a safe distance away from the tree on the retreat path. Before each tree is felled, conditions such as, but not limited to, snow and ice accumulation, the wind, the lean of tree, dead limbs, and the location of other trees, shall be evaluated by the feller and precautions taken so a hazard is not created for an employee.16.2. Each tree shall be checked for accumulations of snow and ice. Accumulations of snow and ice that may create a hazard for an employee shall be removed before felling is commenced in the area or the area shall be avoided.16.3. When a spring pole or other tree under stress is cut, no employee other than the feller shall be closer than 2 tree lengths when the stress is released.16.4. An undercut shall be made in each tree being felled unless the employer demonstrates to the Director that felling the particular tree without an undercut will not create a hazard for an employee. The undercut shall be of a size so the tree will not split and will fall in the intended direction.16.5. A backcut shall be made in each tree being felled. The backcut shall leave sufficient hinge wood to hold the tree to the stump during most of its fall so that the hinge is able to guide the tree's fall in the intended direction. The backcut shall not penetrate into the predetermined hinge area.16.6. The backcut shall be above the level of the horizontal facecut in order to provide an adequate platform to prevent kickback.16.7. Notches shall be used on all trees and trunks over 5 inches or (12.5cm) in diameter at breast height.