Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.15336 - Felling

Rule 5336.

(1) Before a cut is started, a feller shall check for other employees and dead limbs, angle of tree, wind condition, location of other trees and other hazards, and plan his path of retreat.

(2) Each assisting employee on the ground shall be instructed exactly what he is to do. Other employees shall be cleared to a distance of twice the height of the tree being cut.

(3) An undercut shall be large enough, about 1/3 the diameter, to safely guide the tree and reduce the possibility of the tree splitting. (See figure 1.)

(4) A back cut shall leave sufficient hinge wood (the distance between notch and back cut) to guide the tree's fall in the desired direction and to hold the tree to the stump during most of its fall. A back cut shall be about 2 inches (50.8 mm) above the undercut and as level as possible. (See figure 1.)

(5) Before starting a back cut, a feller shall clear the area of other persons or equipment.

(6) The saw shall be shut off before the feller starts his retreat.

(7) Where a tree is likely to slide or roll, a feller shall cut from the uphill side.

(8) Just before the tree is ready to fall, an audible warning shall be given.

(9) If there is danger of a tree falling the wrong way, such means as wedges, block and tackle or rope shall be used to control the fall.

Figure for 408.15336

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A. Conventional undercut. Can be made with parallel saw cut and axe diagonal cut or both cuts with the saw. Generally used on trees of small diameter.

B. Both cuts made with the saw. Leaves square-end log. Same as "A," except that waste is put on the stump.

C. Two parallel cuts with the saw. The material between the cuts is chipped out with an axe-adze (pulaski) combination. Used on trees over 30" in diameter.

D. Three parallel cuts with the saw, leaving a step. Same in principle as above. Used on trees of very large diameters.

Notes

Mich. Admin. Code R. 408.15336

1979 AC