1910.266(e)(2): Chain Saw Safety in Logging
Chain saws placed in service after the rule's effective date must have a chain brake and meet ANSI B175.1-1991, and older saws must have a kickback device that is never removed or disabled. Gas saws need a continuous pressure throttle. Saws must be fueled at least 10 feet from ignition sources, started at least 10 feet from the fueling area, started on the ground or firmly supported with the chain brake on, never drop started, and held with both hands.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(e)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $19,309 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(e) Hand and portable powered tools (6 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(e)(2) ("Chain saws") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 14 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(2) Chain saws. 5 citations
(i) Each chain saw placed into initial service after the effective date of this section shall be equipped with a chain brake and shall otherwise meet the requirements of the ANSI B175.1-1991 “Safety Requirements for Gasoline-Powered Chain Saws”, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. Each chain saw placed into service before the effective date of this section shall be equipped with a protective device that minimizes chain-saw kickback. No chain-saw kickback device shall be removed or otherwise disabled.
(ii) Each gasoline-powered chain saw shall be equipped with a continuous pressure throttle control system which will stop the chain when pressure on the throttle is released.
(iii) The chain saw shall be operated and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 1 citations
(iv) The chain saw shall be fueled at least 10 feet (3 m) from any open flame or other source of ignition.
(v) The chain saw shall be started at least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.
(vi) The chain saw shall be started on the ground or where otherwise firmly supported. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited. 1 citations
(vii) The chain saw shall be started with the chain brake engaged.
(viii) The chain saw shall be held with the thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles during operation unless the employer demonstrates that a greater hazard is posed by keeping both hands on the chain saw in that particular situation.
(ix) The chain-saw operator shall be certain of footing before starting to cut. The chain saw shall not be used in a position or at a distance that could cause the operator to become off-balance, to have insecure footing, or to relinquish a firm grip on the saw.
(x) Prior to felling any tree, the chain-saw operator shall clear away brush or other potential obstacles which might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path. Open (e)(2)(x) 3 citations
(xi) The chain saw shall not be used to cut directly overhead.
(xii) The chain saw shall be carried in a manner that will prevent operator contact with the cutting chain and muffler.
(xiii) The chain saw shall be shut off or the throttle released before the feller starts his retreat.
(xiv) The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged whenever a saw is carried further than 50 feet (15.2 m). The chain saw shall be shut down or the chain brake shall be engaged when a saw is carried less than 50 feet if conditions such as, but not limited to, the terrain, underbrush and slippery surfaces, may create a hazard for an employee.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 5 inspections cited 1910.266(e)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(e)(2).
At 11:00 a.m. on February 18, 2025, Employee #1 was working for a site preparation contractor and was felling an approximate 5-foot-diameter 80-foot-tall poplar tree. Employee #1 was attempting to move away from the tree when he became tangled in the roots and underbrush. Employee…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(e)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(e) Hand and portable powered tools 6 citations
- 1910.266(e)(2)(x) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How far from the fueling area must I start a chain saw?
At least 10 feet (3 m) from the fueling area.
Is drop starting allowed?
No. Drop starting a chain saw is prohibited.
Must I use both hands?
Yes, thumbs and fingers of both hands encircling the handles, unless the employer shows that is a greater hazard in that situation.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.266 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-11-06
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.