1910.266(h)(6)(vii): Leave Tie Downs Over Peak Log
Each tie down must stay in place over the peak log to secure all logs until unloading lines or equivalent protection is in place. A stake strong enough to withstand shifting logs counts as equivalent if logs are not loaded higher than the stake.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(h)(6)(vii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $1,160 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting (63 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(h)(6)(vii) is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). 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
(vii) Each tie down shall be left in place over the peak log to secure all logs until the unloading lines or other protection the employer demonstrates is equivalent has been put in place. A stake of sufficient strength to withstand the forces of shifting or moving logs, shall be considered equivalent protection provided that the logs are not loaded higher than the stake. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 2 inspections cited 1910.266(h)(6)(vii) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(h)(6)(vii).
On April 1, 2024, an employee working for a logging company was delivering 12-foot logs to a lumber company. The employee untied the strapped logs, at which they they rolled off the truck and struck the employee. The employee died from multiple crushing injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(h)(6)(vii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(h)(6)(vii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(h) Tree harvesting 63 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2) Manual felling 33 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1) General requirements 23 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(ii) 12 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(i) 9 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(iv) 5 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(vi) 5 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.266(h)(6) Loading and unloading 4 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(viii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(2)(vii) 2 citations
- 1910.266(h)(1)(vii) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When can tie downs be removed?
After the unloading lines or other equivalent protection has been put in place.
What counts as equivalent protection?
A stake strong enough to withstand shifting logs, if logs are not loaded higher than the stake.
Where is the tie down placed?
Over the peak log.
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 2026-11-05
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.