DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS  
DIRECTOR'S OFFICE  
GENERAL INDUSTRY SAFETY STANDARDS  
(By authority conferred on the director of the department of licensing and regulatory affairs  
by sections 16 and 21 of 1974 PA 154 and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-2,  
2003-1, 2008-4, and 2011-4, MCL 445.2001, 445.2011, 445.2025, and 445.2030)  
PART 22. TRACTORS  
R 408.12201 Scope.  
Rule 2201. This part provides for the safe care and use of tractors as defined in this part  
and used in nonagricultural operations.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12202 Adoption of standards by reference.  
Rule 2202. (1) The following standards are adopted by reference in these rules and are  
available from SAE World Headquarters, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale,  
Pennsylvania, 15096-001, USA, telephone number: 1-877.606.7323 or via the internet at  
website: www.sae.org; at a cost as of the time of adoption of these rules, as stated in this  
subrule.  
(a) Society of Automobile Engineers (SAE) standard SAE J4C “Motor Vehicle Seat Belt  
Assemblies,” 1965 edition. Cost $66.00.,  
(b) SAE J167A “Overhead Protection for Agricultural Tractors Standard.” Cost: $ 66.00.  
(2) The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard, NFPA 505 “Type  
Designations, Areas of Use, Maintenance, and Operation of Powered Industrial Trucks,”  
1975 edition, is adopted by reference in these rules and is available from NFPA, 1  
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Massachusetts, 02169-7471, USA, telephone number: 1-800-  
334-3555 or via the internet at website: www.nfpa.org; at a cost as of the time of adoption  
of these rules of $27.00.  
(3) The following Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  
regulations are adopted by reference in these rules. Copies of these regulations are available  
from the United States Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health  
Administration, via the internet at website www.osha.gov, at no charge as of the time of  
adoption of these rules.  
(a) Occupational Safety and Health Standard for Agriculture: 1928.52 “Protective frames  
for wheel-type agricultural tractors -- test procedures and performance requirements.”  
(b) Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Agriculture: 1928.53 “Protective  
enclosures for wheel-type agricultural tractors -- test procedures and performance  
requirements.”  
Page 1  
(c) Safety and Health Regulations for Construction: 1926.1001 “Minimum performance  
criteria for rollover protective structures for designated scrapers, loaders, dozers, graders,  
and crawler tractors.”  
(4) The standards adopted in subrules (1), (2), and (3) of this rule are also available for  
inspection at the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards  
Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143.  
(5) Copies of the standards adopted in subrules (1), (2), and (3) of this rule may be  
obtained from the publisher or may also be obtained from the Department of Licensing and  
Regulatory Affairs, MIOSHA Standards Section, 7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643,  
Lansing, Michigan, 48909-8143, at the cost charged in this rule, plus $20.00 for shipping  
and handling.  
(6) The following Michigan occupational safety and health standards are referenced in  
these rules. Up to 5 copies of these standards may be obtained at no charge from the  
Michigan Department of licensing and regulatory affairs, MIOSHA standards section,  
7150 Harris Drive, P.O. Box 30643, Lansing, MI, 48909-8143 or via the internet at  
website: www.michigan.gov/mioshastandards. For quantities greater than 5, the cost, at the  
time of adoption of these rules, is 4 cents per page.  
(a) General Industry Safety Standard Part 33 “Personal Protective Equipment,” R  
408.13301 to R 408.13398.  
(b) General Industry Safety Standard Part 37 “Accident Prevention Signs and Tags,” R  
408.13701 to R 408.13736.  
History: 2013 AACS.  
R 408.12203 Definitions; A to F.  
Rule 2203. (1) "Attachment" means a removable or permanently mounted device on a  
tractor, such as, but not limited to, sweepers, mowers, blades, forks, front-end loaders, and  
post-hole diggers.  
(2) "Drift" means to move without control.  
(3) "Fork-lift tractor" means a high-lift, self-loading tractor equipped with load carriage  
and forks for transporting and tiering loads.  
(4) "Free play" means an uncontrolled movement.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.12205 Definitions; L.  
Rule 2205. (1) "Load-axle" means the tractor axle nearest the load.  
(2) "Load backrest extension" means a device extending vertically from the fork carriage  
frame.  
(3) "Load-engaging means" means a load-handling device attached to a tractor for the  
purpose of handling a load.  
(4) "Low-profile tractor" means a wheeled tractor possessing all of the following  
characteristics:  
(a) The front wheel spacing is generally equal to the rear wheel spacing, as measured from  
the centerline of each right wheel to the centerline of the corresponding left wheel.  
Page 2  
(b) The clearance from the bottom of the tractor chassis to the ground is not more than 18  
inches.  
(c) The highest point of the hood is not more than 60 inches.  
(d) The tractor is designed so that the operator, when seated, straddles the transmission.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12206 Definitions; M to P.  
Rule 2206. (1) "Mast" means a support member providing the guideways permitting  
vertical movement of the carriage. It is usually constructed in the form of channels or  
similar sections and provides the supporting pathway for the carriage rollers.  
(2) "Nonagricultural operations" means work activity other than that designated in major  
groups 01 and 02, that is, agricultural production of crops and livestock of the standard  
industrial classification manual, United States bureau of the budget, 1972 edition, and  
includes any practices other than those performed by a farmer, or on a farm, as an incident  
to, or in conjunction with, such farming operations. Examples of nonagricultural operations  
are landscaping, groundskeeping, roadway maintenance, construction services, loading,  
and digging.  
(3) "Operator" means an employee who has been trained and authorized by the employer  
or his designated representative to operate a tractor.  
(4) "Overhead guard" means a framework fitted to a tractor over the head of a riding  
operator to protect the operator from falling objects.  
(5) "Parking brake" means a device to prevent the movement of a parked tractor.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12207 Definitions; R to T.  
Rule 2207. (1) "ROPS" means a rollover protective structure. ROPS may be a protective  
frame or a protective enclosure mounted to a tractor.  
(2) "Self-loading" means the capability of a tractor to pick up, carry, set down, and, in  
case of high-lift types, to stack or tier its load without the aid of external means.  
(3) "Service brake" means a device designed to bring a moving tractor to a halt.  
(4) "Tractor" means 1 of the following:  
(a) "Agricultural-type tractor" means a 2- or 4-wheel-drive vehicle of more than 20 engine  
horsepower and designed to furnish the power to pull, carry, propel, or drive attachments  
primarily intended for use in agricultural operations.  
(b) "Industrial tractor" means a 2- or 4-wheel-drive vehicle of more than 20 engine  
horsepower designated as an industrial tractor by the manufacturer, but having the  
appearance of an agricultural tractor, and designed to furnish the power to pull, carry,  
propel, or drive attachments primarily intended for industrial use.  
(5) "Tiering" means a process of placing a load on or above another load.  
(6) "Tractor weight" means the combined weight of the protective frame or enclosure, all  
fuels, and other components required for the normal use of the tractor.  
History: 1979 AC.  
Page 3  
R 408.12211 Labels.  
Rule 2211. Painted or affixed information necessary for the safe operation of a tractor and  
an attachment, when in use, shall be in a legible condition.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12212 Modifications.  
Rule 2212. (1) An additional counterweight, excluding wheelweights, or other  
counterweights supplied by the manufacturer and used as recommended, shall not be  
installed on a tractor by the employer without written assurance from the manufacturer of  
the tractor that the stability of the tractor is maintained.  
(2) Other modifications affecting the tractor's capacity or safety shall not be made without  
written approval of the manufacturer, the special equipment manufacturer, or an engineer  
knowledgeable on the subject. Capacity, operation, and maintenance instruction plates,  
tags, or decals shall be changed accordingly.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12213 Parking brakes.  
Rule 2213. A tractor shall be equipped with a parking brake or parking lock capable of  
holding the tractor on the maximum grade that the tractor can negotiate with rated load, or  
on a 15% grade, whichever is lesser. The parking brake or parking lock shall be manually  
or automatically applied and shall remain applied until released by the operator.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12214 Backhoe-equipped tractors.  
Rule 2214. If a tractor is equipped with a backhoe, outriggers shall be provided and used,  
when necessary, to maintain stability.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12215 Load-handling controls; identification; single lever.  
Rule 2215. (1) A load-handling control on a tractor shall be identified to indicate its  
function and the direction of the motion of the load or equipment.  
(2) A single lever may be used to perform more than 1 function. Push-button or pre-  
selected controls shall be properly identified.  
History: 1979 AC.  
Page 4  
R 408.12216 Overhead guards.  
Rule 2216. (1) When a load is lifted higher than the head of the operator, and the load  
creates a hazard to the operator, or when the operator is endangered by a hazard of falling  
objects other than the load, an overhead guard shall be provided. The overhead guard shall  
be as prescribed in SAE J167A, “Overhead Protection for Agricultural Tractors Standard,”  
as referenced in R 408.12202.  
(2) The overhead guard shall be constructed in a manner that minimizes interference with  
the driver’s horizontal visibility. The overhead guard may be constructed of a solid  
material. If a grid or mesh is used, a 1.5-inch diameter circle shall be the maximum circle  
that can be inserted between the elements of the grid or mesh. The guard shall be large  
enough to extend over the operator under all normal circumstances of tractor operation,  
including forward and rearward tilt of the mast.  
(3) On a tractor, a vertical clearance of not less than 39 inches should be maintained from  
the point of maximum depression of the operator’s seat to the underside of the section of  
the overhead guard under which the operator’s head moves during normal operation.  
(4) Where head room conditions limit the overall lowered height of the tractor, the normal  
clearance height may be reduced if the operator wears safety head protection as prescribed  
in General Industry Safety Standard Part 33 “Personal Protective Equipment,” as  
referenced in R 408.12202.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.12217 Operation of tractor on slope, ROPS requirements; remounting;  
labeling.  
Rule 2217. (1) After January 1, 1980, an employer shall not permit a tractor to be operated  
on a slope that could cause the tractor to overturn, unless the tractor is equipped with a  
ROPS. A low-profile that is used where the vertical clearance is insufficient to allow a  
ROPS-equipped, low profile tractor to operate, and where it is used inside a building, is  
excepted from this requirement.  
(2) A ROPS for a wheel-type tractor shall meet the test and performance requirements of  
the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations 29 C.F.R.  
1928.52 “Protective frames for wheel-type agricultural tractors -- test procedures and  
performance requirements,” and 1928.53 “Protective enclosures for wheel-type  
agricultural tractors -- test procedures and performance requirements,” that are adopted by  
reference in R 408.12202.  
(3) If a ROPS is removed for any reason, it shall be remounted before the tractor is  
operated so as to meet the requirements of this rule.  
(4) Each ROPS shall have permanently affixed to it a label that states all of the following:  
(a) Manufacturer’s or fabricator’s name and address.  
(b) ROPS model number, if any.  
(c) Tractor make, model, or series number that the ROPS is designed to fit.  
(d) That the ROPS model was tested in accordance with the requirements of OSHA  
regulations 29 C.F.R. 1928.52, “Protective frames for wheel-type agricultural tractors --  
test procedures and performance requirements,” 29 C.F.R. 1928.53 “Protective enclosures  
for wheel-type agricultural tractors -- test procedures and performance requirements,” or  
29 C.F.R. 1926.1001 “Minimum performance criteria for rollover protective structures for  
Page 5  
designated scrapers, loaders, dozers, graders, and crawler tractors,” that are adopted by  
reference in R 408.42202.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.12218 Construction of seat belts.  
Rule 2218. An employer shall equip each tractor having a ROPS with a seat belt which  
meets the requirements of the standard, SAE J4C “Motor Vehicle Seat Belt Assemblies,”  
1965 edition, as adopted by reference in R 408.42202, except as noted in R 408.12252 (2)  
and (3).  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.12219 Protection from spillage, pinch points, and power take-offs.  
Rule 2219. (1) Covers, caps, and breathers for batteries, fuel tanks, oil reservoirs, and  
coolant systems shall be kept in place.  
(2) Any pinch point or shear point created by the tractor or the attachments, or both, that  
creates a hazard, to which an operator in the normal operating position is exposed, shall be  
guarded.  
(3) A tractor having a power take-off shaft shall be equipped with a master shield on the  
power take-off shaft, except as permitted in subrule  
(4). The shield shall have a strength capable of preventing permanent deformation when a  
250-pound operator mounts or dismounts the tractor using the shield as a step.  
(4) Power take-off-driven equipment shall be guarded to prevent employee contact with  
the positively driven, rotating member of the power-driven system. Where power take-off-  
driven equipment is of a design requiring the removal of the master shield, the attaching  
equipment shall include protection from that portion of the tractor power take-off shaft that  
protrudes from the tractor.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12220 Restrictions of use.  
Rule 2220. (1) Except as provided in subrule (2) of this rule, a tractor shall not be used in  
an environment that is likely to contain an ignitable mixture of gases, vapors, dusts, or  
fibers.  
(2) A tractor used in a hazardous environment, as noted in subrule (1) of this rule, shall  
be equipped and labeled as prescribed in the National Fire Protection Association Standard  
NFPA 505, “Type Designations, Areas of Use, Maintenance, and Operation of Powered  
Industrial Trucks,” 1975 edition, as adopted by reference in R 408.42202.  
(3) A tractor with an internal combustion engine shall not be operated in a building or  
enclosed area unless ventilation is provided which reduces the concentration of toxic gases  
below the maximum allowable limits as set by the Michigan Occupational Safety and  
Health Administration (MIOSHA) Standards.  
Page 6  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.12231 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.12232 Training.  
Rule 2232. An employer or his designated representative shall provide training to an  
employee prior to the employee's assignment as an operator of a tractor. Instruction shall  
include the following:  
(a) Capabilities of the equipment and attachments.  
(b) Purpose, use, and limitations of controls.  
(c) How to make daily checks.  
(d) Practice operating assigned tractors through the functions necessary to perform the  
required jobs.  
(e) Use of seat belts.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12233 Testing.  
Rule 2233. Before an employer or his designated representative authorizes an employee  
to operate a tractor, the employee shall demonstrate his ability to satisfactorily operate a  
tractor to the employer.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12234 Permits.  
Rule 2234. An employer shall establish a procedure that assures that an employee is  
trained and qualified to operate a tractor prior to authorizing the employee to operate a  
tractor. A permit system may be used to comply with this rule.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12235 Mechanical condition and maintenance.  
Rule 2235. (1) Repair or service work shall not be performed on tractors or attachments  
while the engine is running, except to make those adjustments that cannot otherwise be  
made.  
(2) A ROPS structure shall not be welded, machined, or otherwise modified unless an  
engineer qualified in this field, a recognized testing laboratory, or the original manufacturer  
certifies that the welding, machining, or modification will not alter the original strength  
rating.  
Page 7  
(3) An employer shall not permit a tractor to be used if any of the following conditions  
exist:  
(a) The service or parking brakes do not perform their intended function.  
(b) The fuel system leaks.  
(c) A lift cylinder of a load-engaging means allows a downward drift of the load-engaging  
means, loaded or unloaded, in excess of 5 inches in 5 minutes.  
(d) A hydraulic system leaks and creates a hazard for an employee or equipment in the  
area.  
(e) The tractor runs in excess of normal operating temperature thereby creating a  
hazardous condition.  
(4) Repairs to a tractor shall not be made in a location made hazardous by the following  
conditions:  
(a) Flammable gases or vapors.  
(b) Combustible dusts.  
(c) Ignitable fibers.  
(5) A replacement part that affects the safety of the operation of the tractor shall provide  
not less than the equivalent safety of the original part.  
(6) All repairs and modifications shall be made by authorized and qualified personnel.  
(7) Before servicing or repairing a hydraulic system of a tractor the pressure of the system  
shall be relieved.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12236 Blocks and safety stands.  
Rule 2236. An employer shall provide and require the use of blocks or safety stands as a  
secondary support for tractors or attachments elevated from the floor by a floor jack, hoist,  
or chain fall.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12237 Fuel.  
Rule 2237. (1) An employer shall provide and require the use of approved safety fuel cans  
where tractors are refueled with gasoline at other than a gas pump area or tank wagon.  
(2) A tractor shall not be refueled while the engine is running or while a source of ignition  
is within 25 feet of the tractor. Spilled fuel shall be carefully washed away or completely  
evaporated, and the fuel tank cap replaced before restarting the engine.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12239 Lift platforms.  
Rule 2239. (1) An employee shall not be lifted by a fork-lift tractor, except when a  
platform is attached to the forks by enclosed sleeves and a safety chain, or other mechanical  
device, in such a manner that the platform cannot tip or slip.  
Page 8  
(2) A platform shall be equipped with a top railing approximately 42 inches high, an  
intermediate rail, and a toeboard. The railing shall consist of 1 of the following materials:  
(a) Wood posts of at least 2 x 4 inches nominal stock, the top rail shall be made of 2 right  
angle pieces of not less than 1 x 4 inch nominal stock and an intermediate rail of 1 x 4 inch  
nominal stock.  
(b) Steel or aluminum pipe posts and rails with an inside diameter of not less than 1 inch  
and an intermediate rail of 3/4-inch inside-diameter pipe.  
(c) Structural steel or aluminum posts, rails, and intermediate rails of angle iron of not  
less than 1 x 1 x 3/16 inch size, or other shapes of equal strength.  
(3) The toeboard shall be made of not less than 1 inch x 4 inch nominal wood stock or a  
material of equal strength.  
(4) The intermediate rail may be omitted from 1 side if necessary to perform the work.  
(5) Any pinch point or shear point on the lifting mechanism to which an employee on the  
lift platform is exposed shall be guarded.  
(6) An employee shall not be transported in a front-end loader bucket.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12240 Load backrest extensions.  
Rule 2240. A load backrest extension shall be used on a fork-lift tractor whenever  
necessary to minimize the possibility of a load, or part of it, falling rearward.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12241 Spinner knobs.  
Rule 2241. A spinner knob shall not be attached to a steering wheel on a tractor.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12242 Signs, lights, and warning devices.  
Rule 2242. (1) A tractor that is operated on a public street or road shall display a slow  
moving vehicle sign, as prescribed in R 408.13721 of General Industry Safety Standard  
Part 37 “Accident Prevention Signs and Tags,” as referenced in R 408.12202. The tractor  
shall be equipped with an amber flashing or rotating light visible from 360 degrees.  
(2) A tractor that is operated between dawn and dusk on a public street or road or in an  
area where general lighting is less than 2 foot-candles shall be equipped with headlights  
and a taillight.  
(3) Where an employee’s safety may be affected, a tractor used in areas where general  
lighting is less than 2 foot-candles shall be equipped with auxiliary lights that illuminate  
the work in progress.  
History: 1979 AC; 2013 AACS.  
Page 9  
R 408.12243 Tractor inspection; reporting defects.  
Rule 2243. (1) A tractor shall be visually inspected prior to each shift to assure that there  
are no visible defects which would adversely affect the safe operation of the tractor and to  
assure that the prescribed safety devices are in place and functional.  
(2) A tractor having any safety defects shall be reported to the supervisor for appropriate  
action.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12251 Operating rules generally.  
Rule 2251. (1) At the start of his shift, the operator of a tractor shall perform those checks  
of his equipment required by R 408.12243.  
(2) An operator shall not drive a tractor up to anyone who is standing in front of any fixed  
object.  
(3) An operator shall not allow anyone to stand or pass under the elevated portion of any  
tractor or its attachment.  
(4) An operator shall not put his arms or legs outside of the moving wheels of a tractor.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12252 Seat belt use.  
Rule 2252. (1) An employee operating a tractor equipped with ROPS shall be required to  
wear a seat belt when the tractor is moving on a slope or under other conditions that affect  
its stability. The seat belt shall be adjusted so that it secures the operator to the seat.  
(2) Where a suspended seat is used, the seat belt shall be fastened to the moveable portion  
of the seat to accommodate the ride-motion of the operator.  
(3) Any seat belt hardware or webbing with defects that adversely affect the purpose of  
the seat belt shall be repaired or replaced.  
(4) No one except the operator shall ride on a tractor unless a seat is provided. Where  
ROPS is required, the seat shall be within the ROPS and a seat belt shall be worn to secure  
the rider to the seat.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12253 Parking.  
Rule 2253. (1) When the tractor is temporarily parked within the vision of or within 25  
feet of the operator, the operator shall neutralize the controls and set the parking brake or  
park lock.  
(2) When a tractor is parked overnight or is left unattended, the power shall be shut off  
and the controls and attachments set so as to preclude any motion.  
History: 1979 AC.  
Page 10  
R 408.12254 Path of travel; clear access.  
Rule 2254. (1) Before moving or stacking materials, an operator shall observe his path of  
travel in order to avoid obstacles.  
(2) When depositing a load, an operator shall maintain the clear access to fire aisles, to  
stairways, and to fire equipment.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12255 Reporting accidents.  
Rule 2255. A tractor operator shall promptly report to his supervisor or other designated  
person all accidents involving injury to an employee or damage to buildings and  
equipment.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12259 Repairs; authorization; qualifications.  
Rule 2259. An operator shall not make any repairs or adjustments unless specifically  
authorized and qualified to do so.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12260 Operation.  
Rule 2260. (1) An operator shall do the following:  
(a) Operate a tractor according to the rules of this part and in accordance with local traffic  
rules when on a public road.  
(b) Look in the direction of and keep a clear view of the direction of travel.  
(c) Travel with the load-engaging means elevated only sufficiently to clear obstacles on  
floor or roadway.  
(d) Start, stop, and turn in a manner that will prevent a load from shifting or overturning  
the tractor.  
(e) Drive at a slow speed over wet or slippery surfaces.  
(2) Stunt driving and horseplay shall not be permitted.  
(3) Before starting a tractor equipped with a power take-off shaft that is attached to  
equipment, the power take-off shall be disengaged when an unexpected start-up of the  
attachment could be hazardous.  
(4) The operator shall disengage power to any power take-off attachment when it is not  
in use.  
(5) The operator of a tractor shall transport a load in a bucket or front-end loader with the  
attachment in the lowest possible position.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.12261 Operating on slopes and grades.  
Page 11  
Rule 2261. A tractor shall not be operated on a slope or grade unless consideration is  
given to the type of tractor and attachment, type and condition of the surface, speed and  
direction of movement, and other factors that may cause the tractor to overturn.  
History: 1979 AC.  
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;