1910.265(c)(26): Mechanical Stackers and Unstackers in Sawmills
Employers in sawmills must design lumber lifting devices on stackers to minimize lumber falling, block the hoisting platform when workers go beneath it, and mark manually operated controls clearly within the operator's reach. Main control switches must lock in the open position, side, hoistway and lower landing openings must be guarded, stackers must be inspected at frequent intervals with defects fixed immediately, and pits need a safe way in and out for cleaning.
Key takeaways
- 1910.265(c)(26) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $39,705 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1910.265(c) Building facilities, and isolated equipment (103 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.265(c)(26) ("Mechanical stackers and unstackers") is one requirement inside 1910.265 Sawmills, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 11 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
(26) Mechanical stackers and unstackers. 8 citations
(i) [Reserved]
(ii) Lumber lifting devices. Lumber lifting devices on all stackers shall be designed and arranged so as to minimize the possibility of lumber falling from such devices.
(iii) Blocking hoisting platform. Means shall be provided to positively block the hoisting platform when employees must go beneath the stacker or unstacker hoist.
(iv) Identifying controls. Every manually operated control switch shall be properly identified and so located as to be readily accessible to the operator. 2 citations
(v) Locking main control switches. Main control switches shall be so designed that they can be locked in the open position.
(vi) Guarding side openings. The hoistway side openings at the top level of the stacker and unstacker shall be protected by enclosures of standard railings. 1 citations
(vii) Guarding hoistway openings. When the hoist platform or top of the load is below the working platform, the hoistway openings shall be guarded.
(viii) Guarding lower landing area. The lower landing area of stackers and unstackers shall be guarded by enclosures that prevent entrance to the area or pit below the hoist platform. Entrances should be protected by electrically interlocked gates which, when open, will disconnect the power and set the hoist brakes. When the interlock is not installed, other positive means of protecting the entrance shall be provided. 5 citations
(ix) Inspection. Every stacker and unstacker shall be inspected at frequent intervals and all defective parts shall be immediately repaired or replaced.
(x) Cleaning pits. Safe means of entrance and exit shall be provided to permit cleaning of pits.
(xi) Preventing entry to hazardous area. Where the return of trucks from unstacker to stacker is by mechanical power or gravity, adequate signs, warning devices, or barriers shall be erected to prevent entry into the hazardous area.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.265.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.265(c)(26), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.265(c)(26).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.265(c) Building facilities, and isolated equipment 103 citations
- 1910.265(c)(18) Conveyors 34 citations
- 1910.265(c)(18)(i) Standards 34 citations
- 1910.265(c)(4) Walkways, docks, and platforms 30 citations
- 1910.265(c)(4)(iv) Elevated walks 21 citations
- 1910.265(c)(5) Stairways 13 citations
- 1910.265(c)(5)(ii) Handrails 7 citations
- 1910.265(c)(4)(vi) Hazardous locations 2 citations
- 1910.265(c)(2) Work areas 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must be done before going beneath a stacker hoist?
The hoisting platform must be positively blocked when employees must go beneath it.
Can main control switches be locked?
Yes. They must be designed so they can be locked in the open position.
How often are stackers inspected?
At frequent intervals, and defective parts must be repaired or replaced immediately.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.265 (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 2026-10-21
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.