 GUIDANCE DOCUMENT FOR 

LOG HANDLING OPERATIONS

Table of Contents

Introduction	

Factors that Contribute to Log Operation Handling-Related 

Injuries and Fatalities in Marine Terminals	

How to Prevent Log-Operations Injuries and Fatalities	

Cargo Gear Check	

Ready for Work	

Hold Access	

Walking on the Cargo	

Communication with the Crane Operator	

Never place yourself in the bight	

Heat Stress	

Protecting Unguarded Edges	

Equipment selection and maintenance	

Gangway safety meetings and toolbox talk	

LOG HANDLING SAFETY

Glossary

Bight (or Pinch Point) - any point where it is possible for a person or
part of a person's body to be caught between two moving objects; a
moving and fixed object; or in gear or machinery where it could be
crushed, caught, cut or torn off.

Boom sticks – logs that surround rafts, keeping them stable for load
out

Breast line – line used to secure the raft against the vessel

Bull rail – curbing around edge of dock 6” - 18”

Catwalk – as used in this document means a safe walkway positioned
above logs stowed on deck

Caulked/corked boots/sandals – special foot wear designed for walking
on logs

Coaming – the elevated bulkhead which surrounds the open hatch

Dog –fitting hammered into the logs that allow for the attachment of
lines (e.g., breast lines).

Dumper – flat steel device attached to the hoisting slings utilized
for dumping cargo into the wings

Hog wire – wire rigged athwartship, between tiers of logs used for
securing cargo and stabilizing vessels cargo at sea

Lashing wire (or wiggle wire) – wire rope used for lashing down logs

Peavey – wooden shaft with a metal point and a hinged hook near the
end

Pike pole – long pole with sharpened end utilized for pushing and
pulling cargo and boom sticks

Rafts – floating bundled logs (i.e., cargo)

Sliders – logs that slide out from the sling when being hoisted  

Snatch block – pulley device used for hog lashing

Wagner (or log loader, stacker) – large lift truck used for log
handling 

Walking/boom sticks – platform of logs that form a sidewalk along the
ship to access the raft

 

Introduction

This guidance document provides practical recommendations to help
employers and workers reduce the number and severity of injuries during
log handling operations at Marine Terminals.  

Although industry recommendations should be considered in all logging
operations, OSHA requirements must be followed.  Safe work practices
should be reinforced through training and Gangway Safety Talks prior to
cargo handling and while preparing the cargo stowage or the ship
load/unload sequencing plan.

Log handling is uniquely based on the cargo, the vessel, and port
practices, because logs differ greatly in size, shape, center of gravity
and weight; therefore, there is no "one size fits all" approach to
handling this type of cargo.  Therefore, the information consolidated in
this document was obtained from log handling experts who have extensive
experience in log handling operations. 

Log handling operations are inherently complex operations that employ
large cranes and heavy equipment to handle logs on shore, in the water,
or in the hold of a vessel, which could create a challenging and
dangerous work environment. 

Many work-related injuries and fatalities occurring in marine cargo
handling operations are caused by log handling accidents. 

Employers are required to ensure compliance with OSHA’s regulations
for log handling operations at marine terminals (29 CFR 1917.18) and on
vessels (29 CFR 1918.88).

To help prevent log handling accidents, it is recommended that employers
raise awareness of log handling hazards for all marine terminal workers
involved in these operations.  Hazard awareness should focus on workers
and cargo handling equipment and techniques of handling this unique
cargo, including:

Operators of cargo handling equipment;

Cargo handling equipment, lifting gear, and rigging;

Cargo hold access; and

Load planning and sequencing.

Factors that Contribute to Log Handling-Related Injuries and Fatalities
in Marine Cargo Handling

There are many factors that can contribute to log handling accidents in
marine cargo handling. Often times, accidents are caused by a
combination of factors.  The following points illustrate inadequacies
and/or common contributors to unsafe working conditions during log
handling operations:

Training and Awareness: Accidents can occur when workers do not have
adequate training in the safe operation and maintenance of equipment for
conducting log handling operations.

Improper and Unsafe Equipment: Damaged, improperly used, improperly
maintained, or missing equipment (e.g., wire rope slings and straps,
chains, lifting hooks and bridles) can lead to accidents and injuries.

Communication: Accidents are often a result of poor communication (e.g.,
failure of workers to alert crane operators of their location as they
move about the vessel, and failure of employers to notify workers of
changes to cargo loading and unloading operations). In addition, noisy
terminal or vessel environments can hinder effective communication.

Slips, trips, and falls: Log surfaces are wet, slippery, and uneven.
Loose bark, mud, frost, ice, etc., may contribute to slips, trips, and
falls. Appropriate footwear is required under 29 CFR 1918.88(c).

Rigging and Slinging Practices: Accidents can happen if there are
deviations from the standard work procedures. Standard rigging and
slinging practices should be adhered to at all times.

Illumination: Poor lighting, particularly at night, can cause shadows
that make it difficult to see personnel or objects below deck.  Also,
the sun may cause glare on certain types of surfaces; employers may
consider the use of certain eyewear to minimize the glare.

Shift Changes: Accidents often occur just before the end of a work shift
or while workers are becoming familiar with equipment or the unique
nature of an operation at the beginning of a shift.Weather: Ice, fog,
and rain can create hazardous conditions (e.g., slippery surfaces and
poor visibility).  High temperatures and lack of rest, water, and shade
are common heat stress factors.

Best Practices for Preventing Log Operation-Related Injuries and
Fatalities

Safety programs combined with a safety culture can reduce the risk of
log handling-related accidents, which could eliminate or reduce
potential hazards and increase awareness of log handling safety issues
for everyone.

Employers should develop safety program initiatives which include the
following:

Safe work in the hold, on deck, and in the water;

Communication procedures between crane operator and holdmen or
signalman;

Safe operation and maintenance of equipment;

Identifying unsafe equipment (e.g., damaged, missing components, etc.);

Personal protective equipment;

Lighting practices (e.g., night work);

Safe lifting techniques, including rigging and slinging practices; 

Weather induced hazards (e.g., visibility, heat stress, etc.); and

Importance of vigilance (e.g., during shift changes).

The following log handling safety practices and requirements can help
prevent or reduce accidents, fatalities, and injuries.

Ready for Work (29 CFR 1917 Subpart E, 1918 Subpart J, 1918.69, 1918.88
(c)).

Employers should advise workers to notify their supervisors if they feel
they are unable to perform their work safely due to, but not limited to,
the following performance factors:

Working with logs is physically demanding. Good vision and depth
perception is important. Hold work may require climbing ladders, walking
over uneven surfaces, standing for long periods, kneeling, pushing,
pulling and steadying heavy objects. Work may require the use of basic
hand tools (e.g., wrenches, hammers, peaveys, and pry-bars). Portable
power tools, such as power chain tighteners or speed cinchers, which are
commonly used for lashing logs, may also be required. 

All workers must use the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE).  PPE should include but not be limited to: safety boots/shoes,
caulked boots (“corks” or “corkers”) sandals, gloves, and hard
hats. Face shields and eye protection should be available and worn as
necessary. Other PPE may be required depending on employer requirements
and other work activity. Wearing of reflective safety vests or
equivalent high visibility clothing is required on marine terminals;
however, they are not considered PPE in OSHA standards. 

2.	Cargo Gear Check (29 CFR 1917.42, 1917.50, 1918.11, 1918.61)

Checking cargo gear is a basic first step prior to any cargo handling
operation especially when using ships cranes. Certification procedures
must not be construed as a substitute, or cause, for elimination of
normal operational inspection and maintenance throughout the year.  
OSHA Directives   HYPERLINK
"http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=DIRECTIVE
S&p_id=2975"  (CPL 02-01-39 and CPL 2-1.39) , Enforcement of Cargo Gear
Regulations and the Requirements for Gear Certification in the Maritime
Program should also be consulted.

Ship Gear (29 CFR 1918.11, 1918.59, 1918.61)

OSHA requires vessel cargo handling gear to be certified as prescribed
in 29 CFR 1918.11. Employers must not use a vessel's cargo handling gear
unless it has been ascertained that the vessel has a current and valid
cargo gear register, and certificates which show that the cargo gear has
been tested and examined by competent persons or organizations.

Sheaves, wires, blocks, hooks, shackles, luffing wires, and other
hoisting wires associated with the ships crane should be checked prior
to operations. Safe access to blocks and sheaves should be provided so
that blocks, sheaves and pins can be checked. Hoisting wires should be
thoroughly inspected to ensure that there are no broken wires, kinks,
fishhooks or other defects. Employers should train workers to recognize
and report equipment damage and deficiencies to their foreman and if
equipment is not working properly, it should be removed from service and
tagged until repaired.

Single sheave blocks must be marked with safe working loads and proof
test loads. Marks relating to testing must be identifiable on the
related certificates, which must be available.  

Loose Gear (29.CFR 1917.42, 1917.50)

All loose gear (e.g., slings, chains, bridles, blocks, and hooks) must
be inspected by the employer or his representative before each use and
when necessary at intervals during use to ensure it is safe. Similarly,
cargo gear for marine terminals must have certificates. Loose gear
obtained after October 3, 1983 must bear a legible mark indicating that
it has been tested. Additionally, all cargo handling gear provided by
the employer with a safe working load greater than 5 net tons (10,000
lbs.) must have its safe working load plainly marked on it.

Equipment Selection and Maintenance

Log handling equipment selection and maintenance are critical components
to minimize accidents. Employers should ensure that vehicle safety
equipment such as horns, backup alarms, seatbelts, brakes, mirrors, and
warning devices are maintained in good repair and utilized properly by
the operator. Employers should also ensure that equipment is sized
properly and that operators follow and do not exceed the manufacturer's
design and operating parameters. Equipment should not be modified
without either the manufacturer's prior written approval or the written
approval of a professional engineer experienced with the equipment who
has consulted with the manufacturer, if available. 

Work Area (29 CFR 1918.24, 1918.35)

Open weather deck hatches, located where employees are required to work,
that are not protected to a height of 24 inches by coamings must be
guarded by taut lines at a height of 36 to 42 inches, except on the side
on which cargo is being worked. There must be at least one safe and
accessible ladder for each gang working in a single hatch. An effective
method of gaining a handhold must be provided at or near the head of
each vertical fixed ladder.

3.	Hold Access and Working in Holds (29 CFR 1918.88 and 1918.94)

Access to ships holds may present multiple hazards, which should be
recognized. Ships access openings often look alike but lead to different
spaces. Be sure to use the correct access entrance. Access to ships
holds may be via exposed vertical ladders in the hold, vertical ladders
in trunks or via stairways. Ladders should be checked for broken,
missing or rusted rungs, side rails or other obvious hazards.  Ladder
ways and stairwells should be well lit and well ventilated (see 29 CFR
1918.94). The hold may have been closed for several days or weeks during
the ship's voyage and should be opened and well ventilated prior to
entry. Inquiry as to current and prior cargoes should be made to ensure
that there is no risk of toxic atmospheres from prior fumigation or
contamination.  All hazards should be brought to the attention of the
ships operator and management, and should be abated prior to commencing
work.

 Remember:

Hatch covers on ladder wells can shut when workers place their weight on
them while climbing into the hold.  Employers should ensure that workers
test the hatch lid to ensure it is secured in the open position and that
the securing pin is properly in place before traveling down the ladder.

Some vertical ladders present fall hazards because workers must cross
from one ladder to another on their way into the hold. Workers should
maintain three points of contact at all times.

There may be a gap between the ladder and stow that can create a fall
hazard.

Some ships have openings in the deck near the base of the ladder.
Workers should always check to make sure of a good footing surface at
the base of the ladder.

If two escape trunks are available, both must be accessible. 

When loading logs into the holds of vessels and using dumper devices to
roll logs into the wings, the employer must ensure that employees remain
clear of areas where logs being dumped could strike, roll up on, or pin
employees. 

Loading on deck 

When loading logs above deck, workers should follow the same precautions
as in the hold. If a securing chain starts to free fall over the side of
the deck load, let it go - otherwise it could pull you with it. Stay
clear when tightening lashing wires as there may be a chance of the wire
parting. Workers should understand deck lashing procedures and
precautions when rigging/setting up ships stanchions. Always stand away
from the direction the crane is pulling. Crane operators should not
strain (increase tension on the wire or chain) until the all clear
signal is given. When lashing down logs, take precautions when pulling
chains and never hold on to lashing wires which are under tension. 

Due to the nature of dock work and log handling operations in general,
workers are at increased risk of falling into the water.  For this
reason, employers are encouraged to develop and implement recovery of
Person in the Water (PIW) procedures to help better prepare employees
for response and recovery.  Where implemented, workers should be
familiar with the terminal’s PIW procedures including the location of
all rescue and recovery devices.  Employers must provide, and direct
employees to wear Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs ) whenever there is
a chance that an employee may fall into the water (e.g., exposed to
falling over the side and anytime while working on a raft).

Loading from Water

When loading from the water while slinging loads, be careful of log
separation when stepping back to the walking sticks (safety sticks).
When cutting bands on bundled logs, workers should be aware of rolling
logs and position themselves free from the bight. When utilizing a pike
pole for pushing logs into proper position for loading, be careful not
to overextend so as not to fall into the water. When a load is being
hoisted, always be aware of potential sliders. 

When employees are working logs out on the water, walking sticks must be
provided as follows:

They must be planked and be no less than 24 inches (0.61m) wide;

They must extend along the entire length of all rafts on the side(s) of
the vessel being worked, and to the means of access to the log raft(s);
and they must be buoyant enough to keep the walking surface above the
waterline when employees are walking on them (29 CFR 1918.88(h)).  

When loading from the water, a boom man must secure the raft (dog to
walking stick) and must assure breast lines are secured to the vessel.
In areas where river currents are problematic, a safety boat should be
made available on all log operations and a boatman should be employed to
retrieve a potential fallen person out of the water.

When loading logs from the water or dock, the winch driver must receive
the all clear signal from the signalman prior to hoisting. Holdmen must
have eye contact with the winch driver to ensure proper signals are
being recognized.

Loading from Truck

When loading from a truck operation, always be aware of log trucks
moving to and from the yard. While slinging logs, keep a safe distance
between the truck and bull rail. When slinging a load to the ship, the
truck driver must remain out of his truck until the load clears the
combing. All workers working on docks or wharves should utilize
designated walkways to ensure pedestrian safety. 

Workers should consult their foreman or walking boss for the appropriate
action in addressing these hazards and accessing the cargo. 

Loading from dock

When loading from the dock, always be aware of cargo handling equipment
(bulldozers, wagners, lift trucks, and front end loaders, etc.). Be
mindful of other working gang operations. Watch for slings and loads
overhead, and never turn away from loads being lifted from other gangs
working nearby. Workers should be aware of slings wrapping around the
bunk as the load is being hoisted. Slings must be positioned
strategically to maintain an even load when the load is being hoisted to
prevent sliders and must ensure all logs are slung prior to being
hoisted. 

Illumination

When working at night, ensure that there is adequate lighting to perform
tasks. Work with vessel crews to arrange for lighting to prevent
possible injuries.

4.	Walking on the Cargo (29 CFR 1918.32, 1918.81).

Log surfaces may be uneven, slippery, and have hidden voids, loose bark
or unguarded edges. Logs are often shipped without bark
(debarked/peelers). Debarked/peeler logs are extremely slippery and can
shoot out from the lift without warning. Logs varying sizes create
innumerable voids. Always step on the topmost portion of the logs. Do
not step in between logs or into voids.  Unguarded edges may develop as
the cargo is handled and must be guarded as required by 29 CFR
1918.32(b).  Logs are prone to roll, and even if dry can be slippery to
walk on.

5.	Protecting Unguarded Edges (29 CFR 1918.2)

A fall hazard is defined by OSHA as a hazard that exists whenever
workers are working within 3 feet of an unguarded edge of a work surface
where the next lowest level is 8 feet or more in the vertical direction,
or where the gap to the adjacent horizontal surface is more than 12
inches.  Whenever workers are within 3 feet of an unguarded edge,
employers must ensure that appropriate fall protection is provided. 
Additionally, when on deck, PFD’s must be used (29 CFR 1918.105(b)).  


When working in a hatch, workers should walk to the trunks or wings
before the load is lifted to identify voids so that they may be avoided.

6.	Slinging Logs (29 CFR 1918.81) 

During log loading/discharge operations, there are various designated
hoisting areas that logs are lifted from, such as trucks, bunks, water,
etc. While slinging logs, workers must take precautions to ensure that
the loads are properly slung. Workers must make sure that the loads are
evenly spaced and that there is no loose dunnage, (e.g. splitters or
debris hanging or protruding from the loads). Logs are not shipped
pre-slung, so slings must be fed around the logs for each lift, and
taken off the hook when landed. Care must be taken not to sling loads
which exceed gear capacity. Logs have to be "dumped" into the wings and
the dumpers which are attached to the sling wire may make the logs roll
and "pop out" when the sling is pulled through. Logs can still roll back
after being dumped. Workers should ensure that loads are totally settled
before removing the slings. Let the gear do your work for you. Each
successive landing of a load of logs may cause those already landed
beneath to shift. Workers should be careful of the whip-like motion of
the slings when the winch driver moves out from the hold to retrieve
another load. Workers must utilize hand signals and proper means of
communication with the crane operator/winch driver. After a load has
been hoisted, workers must never turn their back on the load and must
keep constant eye contact with the gear. Workers must also ensure that
their work area is free of debris and obstructions.  

7.	Never Work under a Suspended Load (29 CFR 1918.81)

Workers should stand well clear of any cargo that is lifted or lowered
into a ships hold. Where possible, workers should stand under the edge
of the hatch overhang (wing) on the opposite side and out of the swing
path of the load in a position where the load can be viewed at all
times. This allows workers to maintain visual contact with the load and
prevents workers from walking out from under the wing into a position
under a suspended load. No one should go out into the square of the
hatch until the load has completely landed during loading operations or
has been lifted completely out of the hatch and passed over the coaming
during discharge operations. When working straight sided (box hold)
hatches, workers should stand offshore of the cargo being worked. When
working off shore cargo, workers should use ladder wells for temporary
protection. When preparing the cargo for stowage, the load should be
approached only after it has been lowered below shoulder height keeping
feet out from under the path of the load. Workers should always be
visible to the crane operator or flagman or hatch tender. Flagmen,
holdman or hatch tenders should ensure that cargo is not lowered until
the area underneath is clear. Workers should constantly be aware of
their surroundings and look out for the safety of their co-workers.
Workers should always face the load and never turn their backs so they
can observe the operation. Once the holdmen are clear, the signalman may
give the signal to have the crane operator lift the load. Workers should
exercise caution even when an empty hook, block, or spreader is being
lowered into a hatch. Swinging loads of any type can cause serious
bodily injury and even death.

8.	Never Place Yourself in a Bight.

Workers should keep their hands, arms or fingers out of the sling as it
is tightened up against the cargo when lifting. Guide the sling
openhanded. Workers should remain a safe distance away from the cargo
when it is raised or lowered into its stowed position, and be mindful of
pinch points and escape routes during the entire operation. If cargo
tips or rolls, workers should get out of the way and not try to stop it.
Approach the cargo only after it is landed and is stable.

9.	Communications with the Crane Operator.

In addition to hand signals, it is recommended that two-way radios be
utilized for communication between the crane operator and flagger or
signalman. However, except for emergency situations, the crane operator
should only take signals from one designated person, and should never
lose sight of the flag or signalman.

All personnel involved in the lifting operation should be familiar with
the procedures for stopping in an emergency. 

10.	Heat Stress

Heat stress provides a significant health hazard. Workers should ensure
that they are properly hydrated. Proper hydration must start the day
before work occurs, and continue through the end of the cargo
operations. Water provides the best hydration for the body. Caffeinated
beverages consumed in large amounts can dehydrate the body and can make
a worker anxious or jittery. For additional information refer to:
http://www.osha.dov/Publications/osha3154.pdf

11.	Gangway Safety Meetings and Toolbox Talks. 

Frequent safety meetings (e.g., at the start of work shifts or just
prior to critical lifts) help reinforce safety awareness and facilitate
the communication that is critical for workers safety. 

Recommended Gangway Safety Topics:

Listen/Watch for instructions from the Hatch-tender or foremen.

Heads up – be aware of what is taking place above your head – stay
in a safe location.

Never Turn - your back on a load or remain in the immediate area of a
load being hoisted up.

Stay Out Of The Bight.

Be Aware - of slippery surfaces on deck or in the hold. Be aware of
loose bark, mud, frost, ice, etc.

Pay Attention – log bundles may have protruding logs below the
waterline.

Proper Footwear Must Be Worn – Steel-Toed Safety Boots with Caulk/cork
Soles or Steel-Toed-Safety Boots with Caulk/cork Sandals affixed. Beware
of loose bark, frost, mud, ice, etc.

Personal Protective Equipment - Safety vests, personal flotation devices
(PFDs), and hard hats must be worn.

No Cell Or Personal Electronic Devices Are Allowed While Working.

LSWG 6 - 24 July 2012

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