Virginia Law

A. Lifting. Before lifting any weight, workers shall:

1. Be sure there is a clear path available if the weight is to be carried from one place to another;

2. Decide exactly how the object should be grasped to avoid sharp edges, slivers, splinters, or other factors that might cause injury;

3. Make a preliminary lift to be sure the load can be safely handled;

4. Place feet solidly on the walking surface;

5. Crouch as close to the load as possible, with legs bent at an angle of about 90 degrees;

6. Lift with the legs, not the back, keeping the weight as close to the body as possible; and

7. Use additional workers or material-handling equipment when necessary.

B. Control of hazardous energy. When a worker, hereafter referred to as the "authorized person," is doing mechanical work, precautions must taken to prevent injury caused by moving or elevated parts, or the release of stored energy, such as hydraulic pressure. Failure to do so could result in a serious, potentially maiming, or fatal injury. The authorized person performing maintenance/repair shall comply with the employer's procedures. The specific Control of Hazardous Energy requirements established by VOSH may be obtained by consulting 16VAC25-90-1910.147.

1. The following is a sample procedure.

Sequence for Securing Equipment (Sample):

a. The authorized person shall notify the crew and/or affected employees that maintenance or repair is to be done and that such equipment must be shut down and secured.

b. The authorized person shall refer to the manufacturer's manual for proper procedures (as needed).

c. If equipment is in an operational mode, it shall be shut down by normal procedures.

d. Rotating parts, such as chipper blades, shall be stopped before maintenance or repair. Keyed ignition systems must be in working order.

e. Keys shall be removed and pocketed by the foreman or mechanic. When there is no keyed ignition system, the battery cables or spark plug wires shall be disconnected.

f. The power takeoff shall be disengaged before beginning service or repair tasks, such as hose replacement. All hydraulic tools shall be disconnected before equipment is adjusted or serviced.

g. An employee shall never attempt to stop a hydraulic leak with his body.

h. Materials or parts that must be raised or disconnected and suspended shall be properly secured, such as with an appropriate sling or jackstand. Flywheels, such as chipper cutter heads, are to be blocked to prevent pinch points.

i. Before proceeding with maintenance or repair, the authorized person shall ensure that equipment is isolated and will not operate.

j. Any piece of equipment being serviced or repaired shall not be started, energized, or used by any other worker not under the direction of the authorized person.

k. When the engine must be running for tuning or adjustment, special care must be given to moving parts.

2. Restoring equipment to service (sample). When maintenance or repair is complete and equipment is ready to return to normal operation, the following steps shall be taken by the authorized person to restore the equipment to service:

a. To prevent accidental contact with moving or electrical components when the equipment is engaged, check for loose parts or tools that may have been left in the immediate area.

b. Ensure that all guards are in place and employees are in the clear.

c. Confirm that controls are in neutral.

d. Reconnect key, cable, or plug wires.

e. Notify affected employees that equipment is ready to return to service.