1910.266(f)(2): Safe Operation of Logging Machines
Logging machines must be started and run only by a designated person, within rated capacity and the manufacturer's limits, from the operator's station. Stationary machines must be anchored, and the operator must make sure no one is in the machine's path before starting or moving it. No one may ride on loads, and before leaving the station the operator must set brakes, put the transmission in park and lower or secure moving elements.
Key takeaways
- 1910.266(f)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $44,274 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.266(f) Machines (18 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(f)(2) ("Machine operation") is one requirement inside 1910.266 Logging operations, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 16 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
(2) Machine operation. 7 citations
(i) The machine shall be started and operated only by a designated person.
(ii) Stationary logging machines and their components shall be anchored or otherwise stabilized to prevent movement during operation. 1 citations
(iii) The rated capacity of any machine shall not be exceeded.
(iv) To maintain stability, the machine must be operated within the limitations imposed by the manufacturer as described in the operating and maintenance instructions for that machine.
(v) Before starting or moving any machine, the operator shall determine that no employee is in the path of the machine. 1 citations
(vi) The machine shall be operated only from the operator's station or as otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.
(vii) The machine shall be operated at such a distance from employees and other machines such that operation will not create a hazard for an employee. 2 citations
(viii) No employee other than the operator shall ride on any mobile machine unless seating, seat belts and other protection equivalent to that provided for the operator are provided. Open (f)(2)(viii) 1 citations
(ix) No employee shall ride on any load. 1 citations
(x) Before the operator leaves the operator's station of a machine, it shall be secured as follows: 1 citations
(A) The parking brake or brake locks shall be applied;
(B) The transmission shall be placed in the manufacturer's specified park position; and
(C) Each moving element such as, but not limited to blades, buckets, saws and shears, shall be lowered to the ground or otherwise secured. 1 citations
(xi) If a hydraulic or pneumatic storage device can move the moving elements such as, but not limited to, blades, buckets, saws and shears, after the machine is shut down, the pressure or stored energy from the element shall be discharged as specified by the manufacturer.
(xii) The rated capacity of any vehicle transporting a machine shall not be exceeded.
(xiii) The machine shall be loaded, secured and unloaded so that it will not create a hazard for any employee.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.266.
Export the list: 5 inspections cited 1910.266(f)(2) 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(f)(2).
At 8:03 a.m. on April 16, 2024, an Employee #1, Employee #2 and a coworker were topping felled trees in a cleared-out area of a logging site. The coworker was operating the John Deere 843L a Feller Buncher while Employee #1 and Employee #2were riding…
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.266(f)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.266(f)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.266(f) Machines 18 citations
- 1910.266(f)(1) General requirements 10 citations
- 1910.266(f)(3) Protective structures 1 citations
- 1910.266(f)(2)(viii) 1 citations
- 1910.266(f)(3)(xiv)
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Frequently asked questions
Who may operate a logging machine?
Only a designated person may start and operate the machine.
Can other workers ride on a mobile machine?
Only if seating, seat belts and other protection equal to the operator's are provided. No employee may ride on any load.
What must the operator do before leaving the station?
Apply the parking brake or brake locks, put the transmission in park, and lower or secure moving elements like blades, buckets, saws and shears.
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.