1910.266(e)(2)(x): Clear Brush Before Felling
Before felling any tree, the chain-saw operator must clear away brush or other potential obstacles that might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(e)(2)(x) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $11,925 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)(x) 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
(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. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 3 inspections cited 1910.266(e)(2)(x) 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)(x).
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)(x).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(e) Hand and portable powered tools 6 citations
- 1910.266(e)(2) Chain saws 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who clears brush before felling?
The chain-saw operator.
What must be cleared?
Brush or other potential obstacles that might interfere with cutting the tree or using the retreat path.
When must it be done?
Prior to felling any tree.
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.