S-2.1, r. 17 - Regulation respecting forestry operations

Replaced on 13 June 2013

This document has official status.

chapter S-2.1, r. 17

Regulation respecting forestry operations

Act respecting occupational health and safety

(chapter S-2.1, s. 223).

Replaced, O.C. 499-2013, 2013 G.O. 2, 1280; eff. 2013-06-13; see chapter S-2.1, r. 12.1.

DIVISION I DEFINITIONS

1. In this Regulation, unless the context requires a different meaning,

(a)  “harvester” means a self-propelled vehicle mounted on wheels or on caterpillars used to cut, limb or section trees. Some models are equipped to carry logs;

(b)  “full tree” means a felled tree separated from its stump;

(c)  “forestry road” means a road used regularly during forestry operations;

(d)  “hauling” (skidding) means a forestry operation which consists in transporting trunks or full trees from the felling area to a road suitable for a motor vehicle;

(e)  “hauler” means a forestry worker assigned to hauling operations;

(f)  “skidder on wheels” means a self-propelled vehicle on wheels with or without a winch used for hauling timber;

(g)  “skidder on caterpillars” (tracked-forwarder) means a self-propelled caterpillar-mounted vehicle used for hauling and carrying logs in the forest;

(h)  “direction notch” means a notch made on the trunk of a tree in order to direct its fall during felling;

(i)  “boom” means a floating raft made by assembling logs, blocks, chains and wire ropes to hold and to direct floating timber;

(j)  “log” means a trunk of a felled tree, limbed, with its bark, cut in sections or not;

(k)  “cab” means an overhead part of a motor vehicle body, which ensures the protection of the operator;

(l)  “bridge” means a structure which includes a deck directly supported by beams held by pillars or the equivalent, and used to span a water stream or a land depression;

(m)  “power saw” means a portable motor saw, commonly called a chain saw;

(n)  “felling-cut” (back-cut) means a cut made by a saw which separates the tree from its stump on the side opposite to the direction of fall;

(o)  “forestry operations” means operations for exploiting the forest, such as clearing, conserving and improving the forest;

(p)  “forestry worker” means a worker earning a wage or working by contract, who is employed for forestry operations;

(q)  “bucking” means an operation which consists in cutting trees into different lengths;

(r)  “slasher” means an apparatus for slashing timber into different lengths.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 1.

DIVISION II GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 1 . — Scope

2. Scope: This Regulation applies to all forestry operations.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 2.

§ 2 . — Maintenance of forestry equipment

3. Forestry equipment shall be so operated and maintained as to protect the worker against professional risks.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 3; O.C. 885-2001, s. 388.

§ 3 . — Duties of the head of establishment

4. The head of the establishment shall:

(a)  have present on the job site, at least one person responsible for all the workers;

(b)  never allow a forestry worker to work alone in the forest, unless a safe means of surveillance is assured to him, either by a regular round or other periodic check. This surveillance shall be carried out at least once during every half working day;

(c)  ensure that all workers are acquainted with the operation of the forestry equipment put at their disposal;

(d)  if he provides lodging and board or transportation for forestry workers, ensure that health, sanitary and safety conditions are maintained;

(e)  check all buildings by means of a monthly inspection;

(f)  put at the disposal of any forestry worker, any personal protective equipment provided in this Regulation;

(g)  suspend immediately from his work any worker found without the protective equipment prescribed for his work and indicated in this Regulation. Such suspension shall be maintained as long as the worker does not use this equipment for the needs of his functions;

(h)  put a stretcher with a blanket and a first-aid kit in proximity of the most congested work areas or in the transport vehicles put at the disposal of the workers;

(i)  see that the work is performed in conformity with this Regulation; and

(j)  ensure that the equipment, tools, machines and accessories are always kept in good condition.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 4.

5. The head of the establishment shall ensure that any forestry worker:

(a)  is informed concerning this Regulation;

(b)  uses any safety and protective equipment and device that is put at his disposal to reduce the risks in his work;

(c)  does not smoke on the job during the summer season except during rest periods;

(d)  has received orders from his foreman to indicate any lack, blocking of safety devices and other hazardous working conditions; and

(e)  does not change work site and job without the authorization of his immediate superior.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 5.

DIVISION III FORESTRY ROAD

6. General provisions: Any forestry road shall be:

(a)  so constructed and maintained so that any vehicle used for forestry operations can circulate without danger;

(b)  wide enough to allow safe usage; or

(c)  provided with wide sections if there is only one traffic lane.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 6.

7. Bridge: Any bridge on a forestry road shall:

(a)  be constructed according to a plan approved by an engineer who is a regular member of the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec;

(b)  have a posted capacity near the road at 30 m from both ends of the bridge;

(c)  be equipped on each side of the deck with a longitudinal piece at least 200 mm in height and firmly fixed to this deck; and

(d)  be inspected and well maintained during operations.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 7.

8. Road signs: Sharp curves, bridges, steep grades, junctions, allowed speeds and railway crossings shall be indicated by panels easily visible day and night. The road signs used shall not be contradictory to those used by the Ministère des Transports.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 8.

9. Transport zones: The zones of those roads which are reserved for timber transportation shall be indicated by panels or signs easily visible day and night.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 9.

DIVISION IV FORESTRY EQUIPMENT

§ 1 . — Manual equipment

10. Axe and bow-saw:

(1)  The handle of the axe and the blade of the bow-saw shall be well-centred and firmly attached.

(2)  Tools shall always be well sharpened.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 10.

11. Power saw:

(1)  The power saw shall have a safety chain.

(2)  It is forbidden to smoke when filling a power saw with gasoline.

(3)  It is forbidden to fill a power saw with gasoline when it is hot or when there is danger of fire and explosion.

(4)  When a power saw is put into operation, it shall be placed on a solid surface.

(5)  The power saw shall be started at 3 m or more from the place where it was filled with gasoline.

(6)  The power saw shall not be operated at a level higher than shoulder level.

(7)  When a forestry worker during felling travels a distance longer than usual between trees, the motor of the saw shall be stopped and the power saw shall be carried with the blade behind.

(8)  When a forestry worker changes places, the chain of the saw shall never be in motion and the motor shall be stopped if there is an obstacle.

(9)  The changing and adjusting of the chain on a power saw shall be done when the motor is stopped.

(10)  The maintenance, adjustment and operation of the power saw shall be done in a manner to protect the worker against any accident.

(11)  An extinguisher or other device capable of controlling the beginning of a fire shall be within reach of the worker using a power saw.

(12)  The power saw shall be held firmly in both hands while it is in operation.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 11.

12. Hook, gaff (pikaroon) and cant dog (peavey): The ends of hooks, gaffs and cant dogs shall be well sharpened and the handles of handholds shall be smooth and well attached.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 12.

13. Wire-cutter: A wire-cutter shall be available in areas where wires are used.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 13.

14. The cable shall never be completely unwound from the drum of the winch.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 14.

§ 2 . — Heavy equipment

15. General provisions: Heavy equipment shall be equipped with chemical extinguishers in addition to meeting the requirements of sections 276 to 280 of the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (chapter S-2.1, r. 13). However, a skidder need not be equipped with a safety belt, nor is a worker required to wear such belt while using the skidder.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 15; O.C. 885-2001, s. 389.

16. Truck: Any truck used in forestry operations shall be:

(a)  used for loads compatible with its capacity and with conditions on the job site;

(b)  equipped with a protective screen (bulkhead), between the cab and the load, of sufficient strength to resist against any sliding of the load.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 16.

17. Skidder on wheels:

(1)  The hydraulic system and the braking system shall be checked daily.

(2)  Any damage done to the cab of the skidder which could affect its structure shall be corrected and repaired immediately.

(3)  Between the winch and the seat, a solid screen shall protect the operator (hauler) against the whiplashes of cable.

(4)  The cable shall be wound on the winch before the skidder changes place.

(5)  The access to the seat of the skidder or the agricultural tractor used as a skidder shall not be wider than 560 mm in width and each side of the access shall have a screen.

(6)  The seat of the skidder shall be placed in such a way as to allow the operator to manoeuvre safely.

(7)  The skidder shall not be used when the gearing, the driving shafts or the universal joints of the driving shafts are uncovered or unprotected.

(8)  The skidder shall be operated from a seated position.

(9)  The blade of the skidder shall be in the upright position if not in use and when the apparatus is moving.

(10)  The skidder may be left as follows:

(a)  the safety brake shall have been previously applied; and

(b)  the blade shall be on the ground.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 17.

18. Skidder or caterpillars (tracker-forwarder):

(1)  Guards shall be placed around the driving shaft and the universal joints.

(2)  Protectors made of metal plates with a non-skid surface shall be placed above the caterpillars.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 18.

19. Dozer and loader:

(1)  The controls shall not be left without placing the blade or the lifting arms on the ground and without applying the safety brake.

(2)  When there is a winch on the dozer, a strong screen shall be placed between the driver’s seat and the winch to prevent cable whiplash or projection of any object.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 19.

20. Agricultural tractor: An agricultural tractor shall never be used in the forest for hauling timber unless it is equipped with:

(a)  a roll-over protective structure; and

(b)  a protective screen against the whiplash of cable or the projection of any object.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 20.

21. Other equipment: Any other machine used for forestry operations shall be equipped with all required safety devices. In particular:

(a)  it shall be equipped with guards on all mobile parts and a screen to protect against any projections;

(b)  machines whose operating mechanisms are hydraulic shall be equipped with devices which lock any clamps, knives or other equipment in fixed positions for maintenance, cleaning or repairs;

(c)  it shall be equipped with chemical extinguishers that are readily accessible;

(d)  it shall be equipped with ladders necessary for workers for access, operation and maintenance;

(e)  any catwalk and platform shall:

i.  be equipped with guardrails; and

ii.  have a non-skid floor.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 21.

22. Cable for hauling timber: The cable used for hauling timber shall be:

(a)  conform to CSA standard G4-1967 Steel Wire Rope: General Purpose;

(b)  of a diameter appropriate to the winch diameter;

(c)  able to resist 5 times the average permitted safe working load when the apparatus is used under normal conditions.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 22.

§ 3 . — Maintenance and repair works

23. No maintenance, repair or cleaning shall be done when a machine is in operation. This work shall not be effected on mechanisms under hydraulic pressures.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 23.

24. Mechanical maintenance on the premises: When mechanical maintenance is done on the premises, the head of the establishment shall provide:

(a)  a place where repair on power saws can be effected; and

(b)  a space equipped for the maintenance and repair of heavy mechanical equipment.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 24.

25. Movable parts: All movable raised parts shall be blocked before working under a tractor, loader or any other machine.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 25.

26. Replacement of wheels: When replacing a wheel on a vehicle on the work premises:

(a)  the other wheels shall be blocked in order to avoid any displacement of the machine;

(b)  an appropriate jack or screw-jack or other equipment device shall be used; and

(c)  if a spare wheel is not immediately available on the premises, a solid block shall be placed to support the machine.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 26.

DIVISION V SAFETY AT WORK

§ 1 . — Felling

27. Protective equipment: When felling, the workers shall wear hats, boots, kneepads and mittens as required under Division VI.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 27.

28. Distance between workers: A sufficient distance for eliminating accident risks shall be maintained between each forestry worker while felling. This distance shall not be less 45 m.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 28.

29. Cleaning: A route of withdrawal and a space around the tree shall be cleaned before felling.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 29.

30. Stubs or dead trees not used:

(1)  Stubs (chicots) or dead trees which shall not be used, shall be watched carefully during felling and hauling operations. In an area where there is great danger of their falling, they shall be felled only after an analysis of the site and using necessary safety measures. This work shall be done:

(a)  with a power saw under the supervision of the foreman; or

(b)  by means of a self-propelled vehicle.

(2)  In extreme cases where the work zone has become dangerous because of a large number of stubs (chicots) or dead trees, operations shall be stopped.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 30.

31. Direction notch: A notch shall be made in order to direct the fall of the tree in the desired direction. This notch shall be at a depth of approximately 1/3 the diameter of the tree to be cut. It shall be made in all trees more than 200 mm in diameter.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 31.

32. Back-cuts: The felling cut (back-cut) shall be done approximately 50 mm above the point of the direction notch.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 32.

33. When felling:

(a)  a tree which has a felling cut already started or a tree which is retained during its fall shall never be left standing;

(b)  the tree retained during its fall shall not be cut;

(c)  in the cases mentioned in paragraphs a and b, the tree shall be freed by a skidder or other means of mechanical or animal traction; and

(d)  a tree which supports another that is already cut shall never be felled.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 33.

34. Limbing: The limbing of a fallen tree shall be done carefully and attentively:

(a)  the felled tree shall be worked on from the uphill side;

(b)  the trunk to be limbed shall be worked on from the opposite side;

(c)  the trunk to be limbed shall never be walked on; and

(d)  tools shall not be used with motions towards the operator.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 34.

§ 2 . — Hauling

35. Protective equipment: The personal protective equipment used by workers when hauling shall be the same as that used when felling.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 35.

36. Hauling loads: Only loads suitable for the authorized capacity of a machine or the strength of the horses used, with consideration taken for the field conditions, shall be hauled.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 36.

37. Logs or full trees: Logs or full trees shall be tied between 200 and 600 mm from their ends.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 37.

38. Starting of winch or skidder: The winch or skidder shall be started only when there is no one:

(a)  near the winch and cables; and

(b)  in the path of the logs or trees.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 38.

39. When the winch is in operation, the skidder shall be aligned with the hauling cable and if the deviation is greater than 30º, the vehicle shall be realigned in order to avoid any overturning.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 39.

40. Hauling on an inclined grade: Hauling on an inclined grade shall be done in the axis of the slope.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 40.

41. Movements without loads: The cable of the skidder shall remain wound on the drum when the skidder is in motion without a load.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 41.

42. Hauling with horses: If hauling is done with horses:

(a)  the load shall be attached from the side; and

(b)  moving loads shall be followed from the rear.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 42.

§ 3 . — Bucking

43. Bucking with a power saw:

(1)  When bucking with a power saw, the personal protective equipment shall be the same as that worn for felling.

(2)  Before beginning bucking operations, the branches and scrubs around the tree shall be cleared.

(3)  Bucking shall be done from the uphill side of the log.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 43.

44. Bucking with a slasher (slashing): When bucking with a slasher:

(a)  the personal protective equipment shall be a hat, safety shoes, and hearing protectors if noise, at the job site, exceeds the standards specified in sections 131 to 135 of the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (chapter S-2.1, r. 13) for any period of time indicated therein;

(b)  the safety of other workers who might be within the working zone of a slasher shall not be compromised;

(c)  an appropriate system of communications shall be used between workers in order to accomplish any necessary manoeuvres in case of emergency and for safety purposes.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 44; O.C. 885-2001, s. 390.

§ 4 . — Trucking of timber

45. Capacity of equipment: The equipment used for loading logs shall have the appropriate capacity for the loads to be lifted.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 45.

46. Screen and ladder: Any truck used for transporting timber whose loading mechanism requires the action of a worker on the truck platform shall be equipped with:

(a)  a solid wire mesh screen or equivalent above the cab and easily accessible to the operator; and

(b)  a ladder allowing access to the highest part of the load.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 46.

47. Loading of logs:

(1)  For any loading of logs:

(a)  a safety chain or wire rope shall be used for each pile of timber;

(b)  the system of stakes and the releasing control for the staking system shall be solidly constructed and approved;

(c)  the releasing control for the staking system shall be placed in a place where the operator does not risk being crushed by the load or any part of the load; and

(d)  the holding stakes shall be sufficiently long and strong enough to hold the load in such a way that the load shall not exceed the top of the stakes; logs or timber shall not be used.

(2)  If the logs are loaded into a box:

(a)  the load shall be of a height suitable for the condition of the roads and for the truck; and

(b)  the top part of the box shall have side racks which allow the operator to see the load and prevent any piece of timber from falling while the truck is being loaded or is moving.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 47.

48. When loading logs on a truck, at the time the logs are deposited on the loading platform of the said truck, no one shall remain near the loading area.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 48.

49. Unloading of logs: When unloading logs:

(a)  no one shall be on the load;

(b)  no one shall be on the unloading side of the load;

(c)  no one shall be in the danger zone, when the releasing control for the staking system is released.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 49.

§ 5 . — Floating of timber

50. Jetties or ramps:

(1)  The jetties or ramps used to unload timber into the water shall:

(a)  be constructed with a stop block solidly anchored; or

(b)  include a retaining cable in good condition:

i.  solidly anchored;

ii.  easily accessible; and

iii.  of such length to allow the desired stop;

(c)  be cleaned and be well maintained.

(2)  A life preserver fixed to a safety line shall be placed in full view on the jetty.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 50.

51. Life jacket: A life jacket in accordance in sections 355 and 356 of the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (chapter S-2.1, r. 13) or safety belt attached to a life line that is tight and well anchored shall be worn while working on booms, near the gates of large locks or flumes, on water banks or in any place where there is danger of drowning. In addition, life boats shall be provided in dangerous areas.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 51; O.C. 885-2001, s. 391.

52. A continuous surveillance of workers shall be exercised in rapids and in other areas where there is floating timber.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 52.

§ 6 . — Timber raft

53. Boom: Where it is necessary to tow timber by means of a tug, the boom shall be attached to the tug by a nylon cable or the equivalent cable allowing sufficient extension to eliminate the risk of capsizing.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 53.

54. Guiding device: A guiding device shall be put in place on the stern of the tug to align the cable when the tug is towing a timber raft.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 54.

55. Plate: The cable shall run on a plate easily accessible between the winch and the guiding device.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 55.

56. Tug equipment: Any tug shall be equipped with:

(a)  water pumps;

(b)  heavy axes;

(c)  portable extinguishers;

(d)  a life jacket for each occupant; and

(e)  a life preserver and life boat.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 56.

57. Gangways, platforms and bridges: Gangways, platforms and bridges of tugs shall:

(a)  be constructed of a non-skid material; and

(b)  include guardrails.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 57.

DIVISION VI PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND WELFARE OF WORKERS

58. Protection of head, eyes and ears: The head of the establishment shall ensure that the forestry worker:

(a)  uses a certified safety hat complying with CSA Z94.1—1966 Industrial Protective Headwear. This hat shall be provided by the head of the establishment;

(b)  wears a face shield or protective glasses complying with CSA Z94.3—1969 Eye Protectors when exposed to any hazard to eyes or face; and

(c)  wears hearing protectors complying with CSA Z94.2—1965 Hearing Protectors if noise exceeds the limits permitted under the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (chapter S-2.1, r. 13).

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 58; O.C. 885-2001, s. 392.

59. Protection of feet: Safety footwear designed for forestry workers shall conform to the requirements of CSA Z195—1970 Safety Footwear. They shall be the “medium duty” type of footwear and they shall have special non-skid rough soles.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 59.

60. Protection of legs: Kneepads worn for felling, hauling and bucking with a power saw or for other work requiring the use of a power saw shall conform to the following conditions:

(a)  be of the appropriate size and protect the knee and the leg to the height of the safety footwear; and

(b)  be of material that is resistant to cuts for a period equal to or greater than 4 seconds when the material is cut with an electric chain saw operating at a speed of 14,180 teeth/minute.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 60.

61. Protection of hands: A safety mitten shall be worn on the hand placed on the upper handle of the saw when it is in use.

Gloves or mittens that are resistant to barbs shall be worn when handling steel wires.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 61.

62. Lodging:

(1)  When forestry workers work as a group at a distance from the main camps, the head of establishment shall provide them with temporary heated shelter. This shelter shall not be used as a dormitory.

(2)  This shelter shall be of an appropriate dimension with respect to the number of forestry workers and equipped with tables.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 62.

63. Transportation of forestry workers: The transportation of forestry workers shall be done in compliance with Division XXXI of the Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (chapter S-2.1, r. 13). However, transportation of not more than 2 workers may be done on a metal platform attached to a skidder.

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22, s. 63; O.C. 885-2001, s. 393.

REFERENCES

R.R.Q., 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 22

O.C. 885-2001, 2001 G.O. 2, 3888