What Personal Protective Equipment is required for chain saw use to clear debris from a storm?
Clearing debris from a storm meets the definition of construction (construction, renovation, and repair, including painting and decorating); therefore Part 1926 of the OSH standards apply. There is no specific construction standard dealing with tree cutting or chain saw use. However, 1926.28(a) – which deals with personal protective equipment – states: “The employer is responsible for requiring the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment in all operations where there is an exposure to hazardous conditions….” and 1926.95(a) states: “Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition whenever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemicals hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury
