Md. Code Regs. 09.12.28.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 09.12.28.03 - Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) "Anti-two block device" means a device attached to a crane which prevents the lower load block or hook assembly from contacting the upper load block or boom point sheave assembly.

(2) "Apex" means the point at which two saw cuts meet to form a notch.

(3) "Approved" means is certified, labeled, or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

(4) "Arborist climbing line" means a line designated to support the employee while aloft in a tree or attached to a crane.

(5) "Arborist saddle" means an arrangement of straps, fittings, and buckles or other elements that form a waist belt with a low attachment element or elements and connecting support by encircling the legs suitably arranged to support the body in a sitting position.

(6) "Back cut" means the cut made in a tree limb or trunk on the side opposite of the intended direction of fall.

(7) "Carabiner" means a connector generally composed of a trapezoidal or oval-shaped body with a closed gate or similar arrangement that may be opened to receive an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object.

(8) "Chopping tool" means a wooden-, fiberglass-, or steel-handled tool with a sharp, single- or double-edged steel head or blade mounted to it that is used to cut or split wood such as an ax or machete.

(9) "Competent person" means an employee who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures.

(10) "Conventional notch" means a directional felling cut into the side of a tree, facing the intended direction of fall and consisting of a horizontal face cut and an angled cut above it, creating a notch of approximately 45 degrees.

(11) "Crotch" means a branch union where an angle is formed by two branches in the tree.

(12) "Drop zone" means the area beneath an employee working aloft where there is the potential hazard of a falling object on another employee.

(13) "Electrical conductor" means any overhead or underground electrical component capable of carrying an electric current, including communications wires and cables, power lines, and other such fixtures or apparatus.

(14) "Ferrule" means a metal ring placed around the handle to prevent splitting.

(15) "Licensed tree expert" means a person who has received from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources a license to allow their entity to perform tree care and tree removal.

(16) "Person being lifted" means an employee who has been trained in fall prevention methods and the requirements of this regulation, and is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards related to the tree care operations.

(17) "Prusik loop" means an endless loop of rope used to fashion a Prusik knot.

(18) "Qualified line-clearance tree trimmer" means an employee who, through related training and on-the-job experience, is familiar with the equipment and hazards in line clearance and has demonstrated the ability to perform the special techniques involved.

(19) "Qualified person" means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated the person's ability to solve or resolve problems relating to recognized and predictable hazards within the tree care industry.

(20) "Secured" means made firm, tight, or fastened or when an employee is safeguarded from unintended movement by utilizing a climbing system that is attached to the employee and connected to a tree or other stable support, or both. Examples include, but are not limited to, being tied in, using a work-positioning lanyard, being on belay, and ascending the arborist climbing line using the foot lock technique while utilizing a Prusik loop or ascenders.

(21) "Snap hook" means a connector composed of a hook-shaped member with a normally closed keeper, or similar arrangement, which may be opened to permit the hook to receive an object and, when released, automatically closes to retain the object.

(22) "Tool lanyard" means a short line or strap used to secure a tool while working aloft.

(23) "Tree care" means cutting, pruning, or other work on a standing tree.

(24) "Tree removal" means the act of tree elimination whether cut down by sectioning or felling.

(25) "Vehicle" means a car, bus, or truck that is owned, leased, or rented by the employer and is used for transportation of employees.

(26) "Wedge" means a piece of material with two sides meeting at an angle that is used to raise or split objects by applying a driving force.

(27) "Workline" means a rope used for lifting, lowering, or guiding limbs or equipment, or both, into or out of the tree.

Md. Code Regs. 09.12.28.03