General provisions

• Pages: 47-50

47

Part IV. Technical guidelines for safety and health at the

forestry worksite

12. General provisions

243. A wide variety of working methods are used in forestry operations, and

the work consists of a multitude of different tasks. This code cannot therefore

provide an exhaustive description of safety requirements for every possible variable

used, either in terms of selection or detail. The methods covered in this part of the

code have thus been selected on the basis of those methods and techniques in

common use worldwide, and the activities involving the highest risks for the safety

and health of forestry workers.

244. Work methods deviating in detail or totally from those described in this

code may be used, if they are authorized by a competent body or if employers can

demonstrate that such methods provide an acceptable level of safety and protection

of health.

Planning and organization of forestry work

245. All forestry activities should be thoroughly planned and organized in

advance to prevent inefficiency and to ensure proper levels and control of safe

practice and work progress.

246. The planning and organization of operations should be based on a forest

management plan which should indicate:

(a) what type of work is necessary;

(b) the objectives of the operation;

(c) the location of designated worksites;

(d) the time schedule for specific operations;

(e) specifications for products or other outputs;

(f) specifications for working methods to be used;

(g) the person responsible for carrying out and supervising the operations;

(h) a contingency plan in the event of bad weather or problems with equipment.

247. For each task the best and safest method available should be chosen. Use

should be made of standardized methods which have been approved.

248. As far as practicable, manual and motor-manual work should be supported

by machines, particularly to minimize lifting and carrying of heavy loads and to

reduce hazards arising from the handling of power-driven hand-held machines.

249. Infrastructure requirements should be assessed prior to work, taking into

account the present location, the traffic ability of roads and trails, and the need for

additional installations. They should be planned according to the transport facilities

used for personnel, material and produce.