1910.266(e) Hand and Portable Powered Tools

The employer shall assure that each hand and portable powered tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is maintained in serviceable condition.

The employer shall assure that each tool is used only for purposes for which it has been designed.

When the head of any shock, impact-driven or driving tool begins to chip, it shall be repaired or removed from service.

The cutting edge of each tool shall be sharpened in accordance with manufacturer's specifications whenever it becomes dull during the workshift.

Each tool shall be stored in the provided location when not being used at a work site.

Racks, boxes, holsters or other means shall be provided, arranged and used for the transportation of tools so that a hazard is not created for any vehicle operator or passenger.

The employer shall assure that each tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is inspected before initial use during each workshift. At a minimum, the inspection shall include the following:

Each chain saw placed into initial service after the effective date of this section shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of the ANSI B175.1-1991 "Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws", which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6. Each chain saw placed into service before the effective date of this section shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain-saw kickback. No chain-saw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled.

The chain saw shall be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

The chain saw shall be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from any open flame or other source of ignition.

The chain-saw operator shall be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw shall not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have insecure footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.

The chain saw shall be started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.

The chain saw shall be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.

The chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged.

The chain saw shall 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 that particular situation.

Prior to felling any tree, the chain-saw operator shall clear away brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.

The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.

The chain saw shall be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.

The chain saw shall be shut off or the throttle released before the feller starts his retreat.

The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged whenever a saw is carried further than 50 feet (15.2 m). The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged when a saw is carried 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.

Each gasoline-powered chain saw shall be equipped with a continuous pressure throttle control system which will stop the chain when pressure on the throttle is released.