1910.266(d)(7): Logging Signals
Logging crews must use hand signals or audible contact, such as whistles, horns or radios, whenever noise, distance, restricted visibility or other factors prevent clear voice communication. Engine noise, such as from a chain saw, is not an acceptable signal, and only a designated person may give signals except in an emergency.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(d)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $2,109 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(d) General requirements (90 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.266(d)(7) ("Signaling and signal equipment") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 3 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
(7) Signaling and signal equipment. 4 citations
(i) Hand signals or audible contact, such as but not limited to, whistles, horns, or radios, shall be utilized whenever noise, distance, restricted visibility, or other factors prevent clear understanding of normal voice communications between employees. Open (d)(7)(i) 4 citations
(ii) Engine noise, such as from a chain saw, is not an acceptable means of signaling. Other locally and regionally recognized signals may be used.
(iii) Only a designated person shall give signals, except in an emergency.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.266(d)(7).
At 12:00 a.m. on May 16, 2024, Employee #1, employed in tree felling operations,was struck by a tree limb that broke from the canopy of a nearby tree. While felling an adjacent tree, the limb fell unexpectedly, striking Employee #1 in the head and neck…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(d)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(d)(7).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(d) General requirements 90 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1) Personal protective equipment 40 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2) First-aid kits 24 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(iv) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(i) 14 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vi) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii) 11 citations
- 1910.266(d)(6) Work areas 10 citations
- 1910.266(d)(4) Fire extinguishers 9 citations
- 1910.266(d)(2)(ii) 8 citations
- 1910.266(d)(1)(vii)(B) 7 citations
- 1910.266(d)(6)(iii) 5 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must signals be used in logging?
Whenever noise, distance, restricted visibility, or other factors prevent clear voice communication.
Can a chain saw's engine noise be used as a signal?
No. Engine noise is not an acceptable means of signaling.
Who may give signals?
Only a designated person, except in an emergency.
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 2026-10-22
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.