Tree Cutting On Mine Property Q. What is MSHA's jurisdiction over tree cutting? A. MSHA has jurisdiction, and the full range of training may apply, if the answers to the following two questions are “yes”: 1. Is the tree cutting on mine property? 2. Is the tree cutting associated with mining, i.e., a precursor to mining or done for mining purposes?

REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINING Training must be adapted to tree cutting as appropriate. Training content: Tree cutting hazards Preoperational checks Workplace exams Communications Proper tree cutting & limbing Any mine hazards or mining facets to which they are exposed

Tree Cutting On Mine Property COAL MINE FATALITY - On Thursday, December 2, 2004, a tree cutter with four years of experience was fatally injured while clearing trees in advance of a surface mining operation. The tree cutter cut a tree that had another tree wedged against it. As the tree that was being cut fell, the wedged tree also fell, striking the victim and causing fatal crushing injuries.

BEST PRACTICES Conduct an evaluation of each step in the work process for potential hazards before starting work. Plan and clear a retreat path before felling is started. Conduct felling on the same level or upslope from previously felled trees on any slope where rolling or sliding of trees or logs is foreseeable. Do not work within two tree lengths of a danger tree, including any tree that has been cut but did not fall. Fell or remove danger trees using mechanical means only (e.g. use mobile equipment to knock down a danger tree).

Tree Cutting On Mine Property COAL MINE FATALITY - On Monday, November 10, 2003, a 30-year old independent contractor employee with two weeks of experience was fatally injured while clearing trees and brush in advance of mining operations at a surface mine. The victim was in the process of making the second cut with a chain saw when the tree split. The base of the tree rapidly moved upward, striking him in the head.

BEST PRACTICES Know and follow proper tree felling practices. Clear a fall path and landing zone and consider the lean of the tree and the slope of the ground. Provide adequate training for all employees on proper work procedures and hazard recognition and avoidance. Wear properly maintained personal protective equipment which may prevent or reduce the severity of an injury. Always position yourself away from potential hazards, and always have a route of escape available.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Any worker falling trees or bucking a log must be located so they do not endanger others. Personnel must not approach within two tree lengths without receiving a signal it is safe. The minimum distance between workers or mechanical falling machines must be twice the height of the trees being fell. Workers whose primary job is to manually use a chain saw for activities like falling and bucking trees, pre-commercial thinning, brush clearing and slashing must carry a whistle. When cutting next to roads create hazards they must comply with the rules for flagging roads. When cutting within 15 feet of power lines the rules for working around power lines apply. Who is the supervisor or qualified cutter to discuss safety issues with?

A WORKER MUST NOT: Work under a lodged tree. Cut a tree that another tree is lodged in. Only qualified workers may fall danger trees. Who is qualified to cut danger trees? What would you call a danger tree?

TREE PULLING A qualified person must determine if it is safe to pull a tree. Positive communications must be maintained at all times between the tree- pulling machine operator and the person falling the tree. CB radios are not allowed. An audible signal must be sounded when the initial pull is made on the tree and the line is tightened. The tree pulling line must have a straight and direct path from the machine to the tree as possible. Who is qualified to determine if a tree is safe to pull? What do we use to hook the line to the tree? How do we communicate between the cutters and the tree-puller operator?