(2) An employer shall assure that each tool, including any tool provided by an
employee, is inspected before initial use during each work shift. At a minimum, all of the
following items shall be inspected:
(a) Handles and guards, to assure that they are sound, tight-fitting, properly shaped,
free of splinters and sharp edges, and in place.
(b) Controls, to assure proper function.
(c) Chain saw chains, to assure proper adjustment.
(d) Chain saw mufflers, to assure that they are operational and in place.
(e) Chain brakes and nose-shielding devices, to assure that they are in place and
function properly.
(f) Heads of shock, impact-driven, and driving tools, to assure that there is no
mushrooming.
(g) Cutting edges, to assure that they are sharp and properly shaped.
(h) All other safety devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly.
(3) An employer shall assure that each tool is used only for the purpose for which it
has been designed.
(4) When the head of any shock, impact-driven, or driving tool begins to chip, it
shall be repaired or removed from service.
(5) The cutting edge of each tool shall be sharpened in accordance with the
manufacturer’s specifications when it becomes dull during the work shift.
(6) A hand tool transported in the same compartment of a vehicle with an employee
shall be secured to the vehicle in a rack, box, holster, or other means.
(7) When a hand tool is not being used, it shall be stored in a storage facility at a
designated location.
(8) Defective hand tools that could cause injury shall be repaired or replaced.
History: 1996 AACS; 2017 MR 4, Eff. Mar. 2, 2017.
R 408.15131 Chain saws generally.
Rule 5131. (1) A hand-held chain saw shall be equipped with a positive-type, on-off
ignition switch which is conveniently located on the saw so that the operator can move
the switch into the off position without relinquishing a secure grip on the saw.
(2) A manual chain oiler control, if provided on a handheld chain saw, shall be
located so that it can be operated without relinquishing a secure grip on the saw.
(3) A hand-held chain saw shall have a guard that protects the throttle lever from
casual contact and from brush or other foreign objects.
(4) Each gasoline-powered chain saw shall be equipped with a continuous pressure
throttle control system that will stop the chain when pressure on the throttle is released.
(5) A hand-held chain saw’s moving parts, such as a flywheel, rotating screen, or
clutch, shall be guarded.
(6) Each chain saw placed into initial service after July 2, 1996, shall be equipped
with a chain brake and shall be in compliance with the requirements of ANSI B175.1
“Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws,” 1991 edition, as adopted in
R 408.15102.
History: 1979 AC; 1989 AACS; 1996 AACS; 2014 AACS; 2017 MR 4, Eff. Mar. 2, 2017.
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