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 38. HAND AND PORTABLE POWERED TOOLS  
R 408.13801 Scope.  
Rule 3801. This part provides for the safe maintenance, operation and use of hand tools  
and portable powered tools, regardless of ownership in, around or about a place of  
employment.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13802 Adoption of standards by reference.  
Rule 3802. (1) The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standard, ANSI A10.3  
“Powder-Actuated Fastening Systems,” 1977 edition, is adopted by reference in these rules  
and is available from IHS Global, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado, 80112,  
USA, telephone number: 1-800-854-7179 or via the internet at website:  
http://global.ihs.com; at a cost as of the time of adoption of these rules of $20.00.  
(2) The standard adopted in subrule (1) of this rule is 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.  
(3) Copies of the standard adopted in subrule (1) 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.  
(4) The Michigan occupational safety and health standard General Industry Safety  
Standard Part 33 “Personal Protective Equipment,” R 408.13301 to R 408.13398, is  
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.  
History: 2013 AACS.  
Page 1  
R 408.13804 Definitions; C to F.  
Rule 3804. (1) "Chain fall" means a manually powered hoisting device employing a load  
bearing chain and an endless hand chain to raise or lower loads.  
(2) "Explosive load" means a substance capable of producing a propellant force in a  
powder actuated tool.  
(3) "Fastener driver" means a portable powered tool such as a nut runner, impact wrench,  
stapler, screw driver, nailer and riveter.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13805 Definitions; H.  
Rule 3805. (1) "Hammer actuated piston tool" means a device which, when struck by a  
hammer and supplemented by an explosive load, moves a captive piston to drive a fastener  
into a work surface.  
(2) "Hand tool" means an instrument used or worked by hand.  
(3) "High velocity tool" means a device which, when used with an explosive load, propels  
a fastener at a velocity more than 300 feet per second when measured 6 1/2 feet from the  
muzzle end of the tool.  
(4) "Hoist and puller," sometimes called a come-along, means a portable, manually  
operated device for lifting, lowering or moving by a pulling force.  
(5) "Hot stick" means a dielectric tool extension used when working on energized  
conductors and apparatus.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13806 Definitions; J to M.  
Rule 3806. (1) "Jack" or "ram" means a device, except an automobile bumper jack, used  
for lifting, lowering or moving a load by application of a pushing force.  
(2) "Low velocity tool" means a device which, when used with an explosive load, propels  
a fastener at a velocity less than 300 feet per second when measured 6 1/2 feet from the  
muzzle end of the tool.  
(3) "Mushroom" means to overrun the shank or head of a tool by battering the striking  
end.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13807 Definitions; P.  
Rule 3807. (1) "Platen sander" means a portable powered tool which has abrasive paper  
fastened to a base or platen which moves in an orbital oscillating motion.  
(2) "Pneumatic powered nut runner" means an air operated wrench used to drive a  
threaded fastener into or onto a work piece.  
Page 2  
(3) "Portable powered stapler and nailer," other than general office staplers, means a tool  
which drives a staple or nail by mechanical, pneumatic or electrical power into a work  
piece.  
(4) "Portable powered tool" means a tool carried and moved by hand and powered by  
something other than manual force.  
(5) "Powder actuated tool" means a device for making instantaneous forced entry into  
materials by use of a tool, a fastener and an explosive load.  
(6) "Protective shield" means a device or guard attached to the muzzle end of a powder  
actuated tool to confine flying particles.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13808 Definitions; R, S.  
Rule 3808. (1) "Rating" means the maximum working load for which an object is  
designed to handle under given circumstances.  
(2) "Stall type tool" means a powered nut runner which stalls out under load but maintains  
pressure on the fastener until the power supply to the motor is manually terminated by  
means of a throttle release or other power disconnect.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13811. Employer responsibility.  
Rule 3811. An employer shall do both of the following:  
(a) Ensure that an employee has been trained in the use of hand tools and portable powered  
tools before authorizing their use.  
(b) Maintain, or require to be maintained, hand tools and portable powered tools free of  
defects that could cause injury to an employee.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 1993 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.13812. Employee responsibilities.  
Rule 3812. An employee shall not use a tool for other than its designated or approved use.  
History: 1979 AC; 1993 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.13821 Storage and handling.  
Rule 3821. (1) A hand tool or portable powered tool shall be stored in a manner to prevent  
damage which would make the tool unsafe for use.  
(2) A sharp or pointed tool, such as, but not limited to, chisels, drill bits, and awls, shall  
be carried in 1 of the following ways:  
(a) With the edges or points protected.  
(b) In a tool tray.  
(c) In a cart.  
Page 3  
(d) In a sheath.  
(e) In the hand with the sharp edges turned away from the body.  
(3) A sharp or pointed tool, when stored in a rack or bin, shall have the sharp edge or point  
inward or otherwise protected or stored to prevent injury.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
R 408.13822. Inspection.  
Rule 3822. (1) A portable pneumatic grinder not legibly marked with the manufacturer’s  
rated speed shall not be used.  
(2) A tool shall be inspected visually by the employee using the tool for safe operation  
before daily use, and, when found defective, it shall be removed from service.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.13823 Controls.  
Rule 3823. (1) A hand-held powered circular saw having a blade diameter more than 2  
inches; an electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic chain saw; and a percussion tool without  
positive accessory holding means shall be equipped with a constant pressure switch or  
control that will shut off the power when the pressure is released. A gasoline-powered,  
hand-operated tool shall be equipped with a constant pressure throttle. A throttle position  
lock may be provided for starting only.  
(2) All of the following hand-held tools shall be equipped with a constant pressure switch  
or control and may have a lock-on control if turn off can be accomplished by a single  
motion of the same finger or fingers that turn it on:  
(a) A powered drill.  
(b) Tapper.  
(c) Fastener driver.  
(d) Grinder with a wheel more than 2 inches in diameter.  
(e) Disc sander with disc more than 2 inches in diameter.  
(f) Belt sander.  
(g) Reciprocating saw.  
(h) Saber saw.  
(i) Scroll saw.  
(j) Jig saw with a blade shank more than a nominal 1/4 inch.  
(k) Similarly operating power tools.  
(3) Other hand-held powered tools, such as, but not limited to the following, may be  
equipped with either a positive on-off control or other control prescribed in subrules (1)  
and (2) of this rule:  
(a) A platen sander.  
(b) Grinder with a wheel 2 inches or less in diameter.  
(c) Disc sander with discs 2 inches or less in diameter.  
(d) Router.  
(e) Planer.  
(f) Laminate trimmer.  
Page 4  
(g) Nibbler.  
(h) Shear.  
(i) Saber saw.  
(j) Scroll saw.  
(k) Jig saw with blade shank of a nominal 1/4 inch or less.  
(4) The operating control on a hand-held power tool shall be located so as to prevent  
accidental operation, if such operation would constitute a hazard to an employee.  
(5) A hand-held power tool shall be disconnected from its power source when it is  
serviced or the point of operation device is changed by a device or tool, except for a hand-  
held drill less than 3/8 inch, platen sander, 2 inch belt sander, or scroll saw.  
(6) Subrule (1) to (5) of this rule do not apply to the following:  
(a) Concrete vibrators.  
(b) Concrete breakers.  
(c) Powered tampers.  
(d) Jack hammers.  
(e) Rock drills.  
(f) Garden appliances.  
(g) Household and kitchen appliances.  
(h) Personal care appliances.  
(i) Medical or dental equipment.  
(j) Fixed machinery or equipment.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
R 408.13824 Modification.  
Rule 3824. A tool and its power source shall not be modified, except by an authorized  
and trained employee or qualified outside service.  
History: 1979 AC.  
HAND TOOL PROVISIONS  
R 408.13831 General; hand tools.  
Rule 3831. A hand tool shall be used only for the purpose for which it was designed or  
approved.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13832 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
Page 5  
R 408.13833 Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles.  
Rule 3833. (1) An abrasive blast cleaning nozzle shall be equipped with a constant  
pressure control.  
(2) An abrasive blast cleaning nozzle shall be mounted on a support when not in use.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13834 Axes, hatchets, hammers, and mauls.  
Rule 3834. An axe, hatchet, hammer, or maul handle shall be replaced when it becomes  
cracked, broken or splintered. A wood handle shall be secured with wedges or equivalent  
means.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13835 Chisels, punches, star drills, drift pins, and wedges.  
Rule 3835. (1) A chisel, punch, star drill, drift pin, or wedge with a metal striking end  
shall not be used when the end becomes mushroomed. The striking end shall be ground  
with a crowned radius and beveled edge.  
(2) The working end of a chisel, punch, star drill, drift pin, or wedge shall be maintained  
as designed.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13836 Files and rasps.  
Rule 3836. A file or rasp with a tang shall be equipped with a handle fitted and secured  
to the tang, when in use.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13838 Jacks; use.  
Rule 3838. (1) The rated capacity of a jack shall not be exceeded. The rated capacity shall  
be permanently marked on the jack.  
(2) A jack shall be set on or against a firm foundation or blocking. If a jack, at the point  
of contact with the load, can slip, a wood block or nonslip device shall be placed between  
the cap and the load.  
(3) A jack shall be equipped with a means such as, but not limited to, a stop, a bypass, an  
indicator or other device which shall be watched to prevent overrun.  
(4) After a load has been raised or moved, it shall be secured by cribbing, blocks or stands  
before work is started under or between the supported load.  
(5) A hydraulic jack exposed to freezing temperatures shall be protected by use of an anti-  
freeze liquid.  
History: 1979 AC.  
Page 6  
R 408.13839 Jacks; inspection.  
Rule 3839. (1) A jack shall be inspected for leaks, mechanical defects and lubrication  
according to the following requirements:  
(a) Not less than semi-annually.  
(b) Before and after a special use or abnormal shock.  
(c) After repairs or servicing.  
(2) A defective jack shall be tagged and removed from service.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13840 Knives.  
Rule 3840. (1) A fixed blade knife shall be carried in a sheath, in a tray or other equivalent  
protective means.  
(2) A folding knife which cannot be locked in place shall not be used in a manner where  
the blade could fold on the fingers.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13841 Pliers.  
Rule 3841. Pliers with sprung jaws, a worn face, or worn joint pin shall be replaced.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13843 Screwdrivers.  
Rule 3843. (1) An object being worked on with a screwdriver shall not be held in the  
hand, on the lap or under the arm, except when protection is afforded by the object or other  
means.  
(2) A screwdriver used for electrical work shall be equipped with a nonconductive handle.  
The shank and fasteners shall not project through the handle.  
(3) A blade type screwdriver shall be maintained with a flat tip at right angles to the shank  
and have almost parallel faces.  
(4) A screwdriver with 1 of the following defects shall not be used:  
(a) Split or broken handle.  
(b) Cracked or broken handle.  
(c) Loose shank in handle.  
(d) Worn blade.  
(e) Bent shank of a straight screwdriver.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13844 Wrenches.  
Page 7  
Rule 3844. (1) A wrench with spread, distorted or cracked jaws shall not be used.  
(2) A wrench, except a wrench designed for that purpose, shall not be subjected to  
hammering.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13845 Chain falls and hoist and pullers; capacity.  
Rule 3845. (1) A chain fall or hoist and puller shall be used at not more than its rated  
capacity.  
(2) The capacity of a chain fall or hoist and puller shall be permanently labeled or marked  
on it.  
(3) An accessory, such as a chain or cable used to secure or support a chain fall or hoist  
and puller, shall have a capacity of not less than the chain fall or hoist and puller.  
(4) An object subject to a lift or pull by a chain fall shall have the capacity to absorb the  
lift or pull without creating a hazard to an employee in the area.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13846 Chain falls and hoist and pullers; use.  
Rule 3846. (1) A chain fall or hoist and puller shall be secured to an anchorage and the  
load attached to the chain fall or hoist and puller in a manner which will prevent inadvertent  
disengagement.  
(2) When a chain fall or hoist and puller are under tension of a load, a positive action shall  
be required to release the tension.  
(3) A hoist and puller lever handle shall not be operated with an extension handle except  
as furnished by the manufacturer.  
(4) A chain fall or hoist and puller shall be visually inspected for observable defects before  
each job use by the employee using the tool.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13847. Hot sticks.  
Rule 3847. (1) A hot stick and any tool attached to it shall be clean and inspected for  
damage before use.  
(2) A hot stick which has been repaired by a knowledgeable employee or an outside  
service and tested to meet the requirements of subrule (3) of this rule.  
(3) A new hot stick purchased after June 1, 1983, shall not be used unless it has been  
certified and labeled by the manufacturer to meet the following standards:  
(a) Fiberglass, 100,000 volts per foot of length for 5 minutes, or any equivalent test.  
(b) Wood, 75,000 volts per foot of length for 3 minutes, or any equivalent test.  
(4) A hot stick shall be stored in a manner to protect it from damage. A hot stick made of  
wood shall be protected from moisture.  
(5) A hot stick shall not be used in excess of the rated capacity certified by the  
manufacturer.  
Page 8  
(6) The minimum working distance and minimum clear hot stick distances prescribed in  
table 1, when using live-line tools, shall not be violated.  
(7) Table 1 reads as follows:  
TABLE 1  
ALTERNATING CURRENT — MINIMUM DISTANCES  
Voltage Range  
(Phase To Phase) Kilovolt  
Minimum Working and Clear Hot Stick  
Distance  
2.1 to 15  
2 ft. 0 in.  
2 ft. 4 in.  
2 ft. 6 in.  
3 ft. 0 in.  
3 ft. 4 in.  
3 ft. 6 in.  
3 ft. 8 in.  
5 ft. 0 in.  
17 ft. 0 in.  
111 ft. 0 in  
115 ft. 0 in.  
15.1 to 35  
35.1 to 46  
46.1 to 72.5  
72.6 to 121  
138 to 145  
161 to 169  
230 to 242  
345 to 362  
500 to 552  
700 to 765  
1NOTE: For 345-362 kV. 500-552 kV. and 700-765 kV., the minimum working distance  
and the minimum clear hot stick distance may be reduced provided that such distances  
are not less than the shortest distance between the energized part and the grounded  
surface.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
PORTABLE POWERED TOOL PROVISIONS  
R 408.13861 Portable powered tools generally.  
Rule 3861. (1) An electrically powered tool shall have an approved ground unless it is  
double-insulated and carries a permanent label or mark so stating.  
(2) A pneumatically powered tool shall be equipped with a tool retainer where the absence  
of a retainer would result in a tool being ejected.  
(3) Hose and hose fittings used with pneumatic powered tools shall have pressure ratings  
not less than the supply source.  
Page 9  
(4) Hose connections shall have a positive-locking action or the connecting sections shall  
have a safety chain to restrain any whipping action if the sections become disconnected.  
(5) An air supply line shall be regulated to maintain the pressure at not more than the  
pneumatic tool rating.  
(6) Safety devices and operating controls shall not be made inoperative.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
R 408.13863 Portable circular saws.  
Rule 3863. (1) A portable, power driven circular saw with a blade more than 2 inches in  
diameter shall have guards above and below the base plate or shoe. The upper guard shall  
cover the saw to the depth of the teeth, except for the minimum arc required to permit the  
base to be tilted for bevel cuts. The lower guard shall cover the saw to the depth of the  
teeth, except for the minimum arc required to allow proper retraction and contact with the  
work. When the tool is withdrawn from the work, the lower guard shall return to the  
covering position automatically and instantly.  
(2) The guard shall not be tied back or removed except for servicing.  
(3) A cracked circular saw blade shall be removed from service.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13864 Portable pneumatic grinders.  
Rule 3864. (1) A portable pneumatic grinder shall be operated at a speed of not more than  
the grinder's rated speed.  
(2) A line supplying air to a portable pneumatic grinder regulated by a governor shall be  
equipped with a filter to remove water, contaminated oil and dirt.  
(3) A portable pneumatic grinder regulated by a governor shall be provided with a  
continuous lubrication means.  
History: 1979 AC.  
R 408.13865. Powered stapler and nailers.  
Rule 3865. (1) A portable powered stapler or nailer, capable of driving a fastener with a  
diameter more than .0475 inch — 18 gauge A.W.G., at more than 75 feet per second, shall  
be designed so that the operator is required to make not less than 2 separate operations to  
activate the tool with 1 operation being to place the tool against the work surface.  
(2) The design shall prevent discharge of the stapler during loading or when dropped.  
(3) A portable powered stapler or nailer shall not be pointed or discharged at other than  
the work piece.  
(4) The operator of a portable powered stapler or nailer and those employees within the  
striking distance of its fastener shall be provided with and use eye protection as prescribed  
in General Industry Safety Standard Part 33 “Personal Protective Equipment,” as  
referenced in R 408.13802.  
Page 10  
(5) A positive actuation of the operator control shall be required to propel each fastener  
from a powered stapler or nailer.  
(6) When relieving a jam-up of a fastening device, the source of power shall be  
disconnected.  
(7) At the beginning of each shift, a portable powered stapler and nailer shall be tested for  
safe operation.  
(8) Safety devices and operating controls shall not be made inoperative.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.13866 Pneumatic powered nut runner.  
Rule 3866. (1) A pneumatic powered angle nut runner with a trigger type operating  
control shall have the control located so that the reaction force of the runner does not create  
additional pressure on the trigger.  
(2) A mechanical means shall be provided to absorb torque reaction of a stall type tool  
and used where:  
(a) The resultant sustained force on an operator of an angle head nut runner or an inline  
tool with dual offset handles is more than 50 pounds.  
(b) The reaction torque from an inline nut runner with a single offset handle is more than  
100 inch pounds.  
(c) The reaction torque of an inline nut runner without an offset handle is more than 30  
inch pounds.  
(3) A powered nut runner other than a stall type shall be provided a device, such as a  
reaction bar, when the reaction force on the operator is such that the operator cannot control  
the tool.  
History: 1979 AC.  
POWDER ACTUATED TOOLS  
R 408.13871. Powder actuated tools; design and construction.  
Rule 3871. Powder-actuated tools shall be designed and constructed as prescribed in  
section 6 of ANSI A10.3 “Powder-Actuated Fastening Systems,” 1977 edition, as adopted  
in R 408.13802.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
R 408.13872 Powder-actuated tools generally.  
Rule 3872. (1) An employer who uses powder-actuated tools shall establish and maintain,  
at the place of employment, a list or other record of employees qualified and trained to  
operate powder-actuated tools of the type provided by the employer.  
(2) An employee shall receive training and instruction from 1 of the following:  
Page 11  
(a) A dealer or distributor of powder-actuated tools who has been authorized by the tool  
manufacturer to provide such training.  
(b) An authorized employee of a powder-actuated tool manufacturer.  
(c) An employer or an authorized employer representative.  
(3) A powder-actuated tool which is found not to be in proper working order or which  
develops a defect during use shall be immediately removed from service, tagged, and not  
used until repaired. The tag shall be as prescribed in R 408.13731.  
(4) The employer shall have a defective powder-actuated tool repaired only by an  
authorized repairperson.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
R 408.13873 Powder-actuated tools; training.  
Rule 3873. (1) The training of an employee to use a powder-actuated tool shall, at a  
minimum, include the following items:  
(a) Cleaning.  
(b) Inspection.  
(c) Operation.  
(d) Use limitations.  
(e) Power levels.  
(f) Misfire procedure.  
(2) Before approving an employee as an operator of a powder-actuated tool, the employer  
shall have the employee demonstrate competence by actually operating the powder-  
actuated tool in a safe manner.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
R 408.13874 Power levels.  
Rule 3874. (1) The power level for cased or caseless loads shall be identified by a color  
and numbering system as prescribed in table 2, except that caseless loads are limited to  
power levels 1 to 6. The combination of the case color and load color shall designate the  
load level. Both the explosive load and the carton or box shall provide visual indication of  
the load level.  
(2) Studs or other fasteners used in a powder-actuated tool shall be only those specifically  
manufactured for use in such tools.  
(3) Table 2 reads as follows:  
TABLE 2  
Nominal  
Power  
Level  
Case Color  
Load Color  
Velocity  
(+,- 45 fps)  
1
2
3
Brass  
Brass  
Brass  
Gray  
Brown  
Green  
300  
390  
480  
Page 12  
4
5
Brass  
Brass  
Yellow  
Red  
570  
660  
6
7
8
9
10  
11  
12  
Brass  
Purple  
Gray  
Brown  
Green  
Yellow  
Red  
750  
840  
930  
1020  
1110  
1200  
1290  
Nickel  
Nickel  
Nickel  
Nickel  
Nickel  
Nickel  
Purple  
Note: The nominal velocity applies to 3/8-inch diameter 350-grain ballistic slug fired in  
a test device and has no reference to actual velocity developed in any specific size or type  
of tool.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
R 408.13875 Powder-actuated tool defects and misfires.  
Rule 3875. (1) In case of a misfire, the operator shall hold the powder-actuated tool in the  
operating position for not less than 30 seconds. The operator shall then try to operate the  
tool a second time. The operator shall wait another 30 seconds, holding the tool in the  
operating position, and the the operator shall proceed to remove the explosive load in strict  
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.  
(2) Misfired cartridges shall be placed carefully in a container filled with water and shall  
be disposed of in a safe manner.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
R 408.13876 Rescinded.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS.  
FUEL POWERED TOOLS  
R 408.13881. Refueling; operation in enclosed area prohibited; exception.  
Rule 3881. (1) A fuel-powered tool shall be stopped while being refueled, serviced, or  
maintained.  
(2) A fuel-powered tool shall not be operated in an enclosed area, unless the toxic fumes  
are below the maximum allowable limits prescribed by Michigan occupational safety and  
health administration (MIOSHA) standards.  
(3) Where refueling is done with a portable container, the container shall be an approved  
safety can with an automatic closing cap and flame arrestor.  
History: 1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 2013 AACS.  
Page 13  
R 408.13882 Chain saws.  
Rule 3882. (1) A chain saw shall be used only for cutoff work such as cutting trees, limbs,  
poles and beams. A chain saw shall not be used to open a hole in a solid object such as a  
floor, wall, or panel. Chain saws that are specifically designed for firefighting operations  
to cut holes in roofs, floors, and walls are exempt from this rule.  
(2) A chain saw shall be equipped with a positive-type on-off ignition switch that is  
conveniently located to allow the operator to move it into the off position without  
relinquishing his or her grip on the saw.  
(3) A manual chain oiler control, if provided on a chain saw, shall be located so that it can  
be operated without relinquishing a secure grip on the saw.  
(4) An engine throttle control, if provided on a chain saw, shall be located so that it can  
be operated without relinquishing a secure grip on the saw.  
(5) A chain saw shall have a guard that protects the throttle lever from casual contact from  
brush or other foreign objects.  
(6) A chain saw that is equipped with a centrifugal clutch shall have a throttle control,  
carburetor, and clutch system so that the engine idle speed becomes lower than the clutch  
engagement speed if the throttle control is released, thereby allowing the chain to come to  
a complete stop.  
(7) A chain saw's moving parts, such as a flywheel, rotating screen or clutch, shall be  
guarded. A saw's chain shall be guarded adjacent to the handle area and the sawdust shall  
be directed away from the operator.  
(8) A saw's chain shall be stopped if it is not being used for sawing.  
(9) A chain saw shall be carried by the top handle with the guide bar to the rear.  
(10) A chain saw shall not be started within 10 feet of the place where it was refueled.  
History: 1979 AC; 1993 AACS.  
Page 14  
;