OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266
Logging Operations Standard - Forest Industry Safety Requirements
Last updated: September 21, 2025
Overview
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.266 is the comprehensive safety standard for logging operations in the United States. This standard addresses the unique hazards associated with commercial logging activities, including tree felling, limbing, bucking, skidding, loading, and unloading operations. Given that logging is one of the most hazardous industries in the country, this standard provides critical safety requirements to protect forestry workers.
High-Risk Industry: Logging consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, making compliance with this standard critical for worker safety.
Scope and Application
This standard applies to all logging operations including:
- Felling and Tree Removal: Cutting down trees and removing them from the felling site
- Delimbing and Bucking: Removing branches and cutting logs to specified lengths
- Skidding and Yarding: Moving logs from the stump to a landing or roadside
- Loading and Transportation: Loading logs onto trucks and transporting to mills
- Machine Operations: Use of chainsaws, feller bunchers, skidders, and other logging equipment
Personal Protective Equipment Requirements
- Head Protection: Hard hats meeting ANSI Z89.1 standards at all times in logging operations
- Eye Protection: Safety glasses or face shields when operating chainsaws or when debris hazards exist
- Hearing Protection: Required when noise levels exceed 85 dBA as 8-hour time-weighted average
- Chainsaw Protection: Cut-resistant leg protection, steel-toed boots, and protective clothing for chainsaw operators
- High-Visibility Clothing: Required when working around mobile equipment and in areas with vehicle traffic
Training and Certification Requirements
Comprehensive training programs must cover:
- Safe Work Practices: Proper techniques for felling, limbing, bucking, and skidding operations
- Equipment Operation: Safe operation of chainsaws, skidders, loaders, and other machinery
- Hazard Recognition: Identification of unstable trees, overhead hazards, and dangerous conditions
- Emergency Procedures: First aid, evacuation plans, and emergency communication protocols
- Certification Requirements: Operators of certain equipment must demonstrate competency through testing
Machine Safety Requirements
All logging machines and equipment must meet specific safety standards:
- ROPS/FOPS: Roll-over protective structures and falling object protective structures on mobile equipment
- Seat Belts: Required on all equipment with ROPS and must be used by operators
- Machine Guarding: Moving parts must be guarded to prevent contact by workers
- Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of all equipment per manufacturer specifications
- Emergency Stops: Accessible emergency shutdown controls on all powered equipment
Tree Felling Safety Requirements
- Pre-Felling Assessment: Evaluation of lean, wind conditions, dead branches, and other hazards
- Retreat Paths: Two clear escape routes planned and prepared at 45-degree angles from the fall direction
- Work Areas: Danger zones established around felling operations with appropriate warning systems
- Cutting Techniques: Proper notching and back-cut procedures to control tree fall direction
- Hazard Trees: Special procedures for handling damaged, diseased, or unstable trees
Communication and Coordination
Effective communication systems are required for:
- Coordination between different work crews and equipment operators
- Emergency communication with supervisors and medical facilities
- Warning systems for hazardous operations like tree felling
- Daily safety briefings and hazard updates for all personnel
- Documentation of safety violations and corrective actions taken
Was this resource helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our technical resources and guides.