New logging technical notes from FESA cover safety and log tracking

The three notes focus on RFID tags to track logs, safety requirements of excavators in logging operations, and risk based chainsaw trouser selection.

Forest Engineering Southern Africa (FESA) has published three technical notes, which are aimed at logging contractors, equipment suppliers and harvesting foresters. The contents of the notes are as follows:
 

• Safety requirements for excavators in forest operations: This note applies to construction excavators converted for use in logging applications. The publication adopts an approach of having the safety modifications matching the risk of the operation being performed. Some general safety considerations are described, such as seat belts, polycarbonate safety glass, chain catchers and guarding.
• RFID Tags - A method for tracking sawtimber through the supply chain: Current methods used to track logs are summarised, followed by an overview of what radio-frequency identification (RFID) is. The note then explains how the RFID tag is applied and the advantages and disadvantages of RFID tagging.
• Risk based chainsaw trouser selection: The standard types of chainsaw trousers are described followed by an overview of chainsaw fabric and how it carries out its protective function. The maintenance of the trousers is explained, and finally the applicable codes and legal requirements relating to chainsaw trousers listed.

The Forest Engineering Technical Notes were all authored by Glynn Hogg and can be downloaded for free from the FESA website at http://www.icfr.ukzn.ac.za/publications/technical-notes/