1910.266(e): Hand and Portable Powered Tools in Logging
Logging employers must keep every hand and portable powered tool, including tools workers bring, in serviceable condition and inspected before first use each shift. Inspections cover handles, guards, controls, chain-saw chains, mufflers, chain brakes, mushroomed heads, cutting edges and other safety devices. Tools must be used only as designed, repaired or removed when heads chip, sharpened when dull, and stored and transported safely.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(e) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $20,809 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(e)(2) Chain saws (5 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(e) ("Hand and portable powered tools") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 31 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
(e) Hand and portable powered tools — 6 citations
(1) General requirements. 1 citations
(i) The employer shall assure that each hand and portable powered tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is maintained in serviceable condition.
(ii) The employer shall assure that each tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is inspected before initial use during each workshift. At a minimum, the inspection shall include the following: 1 citations
(A) Handles and guards, to assure that they are sound, tight-fitting, properly shaped, free of splinters and sharp edges, and in place;
(B) Controls, to assure proper function;
(C) Chain-saw chains, to assure proper adjustment;
(D) Chain-saw mufflers, to assure that they are operational and in place;
(E) Chain brakes and nose shielding devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly;
(F) Heads of shock, impact-driven and driving tools, to assure that there is no mushrooming;
(G) Cutting edges, to assure that they are sharp and properly shaped; and
(H) All other safety devices, to assure that they are in place and function properly. 1 citations
(iii) The employer shall assure that each tool is used only for purposes for which it has been designed.
(iv) When the head of any shock, impact-driven or driving tool begins to chip, it shall be repaired or removed from service.
(v) The cutting edge of each tool shall be sharpened in accordance with manufacturer's specifications whenever it becomes dull during the workshift.
(vi) Each tool shall be stored in the provided location when not being used at a work site.
(vii) Racks, boxes, holsters or other means shall be provided, arranged and used for the transportation of tools so that a hazard is not created for any vehicle operator or passenger.
(2) Chain saws. Open (e)(2) 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: 6 inspections cited 1910.266(e) 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).
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).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(e)(2) Chain saws 5 citations
- 1910.266(e)(2)(x) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Do worker-owned tools have to be inspected?
Yes. Each tool, including any tool provided by an employee, must be inspected before initial use during each workshift.
What if a striking tool head starts to chip?
It must be repaired or removed from service.
When must cutting edges be sharpened?
Whenever they become dull during the workshift, following the manufacturer's specifications.
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.