Section 296-24-23529. Operators.

(1) You must ensure that cranes are operated only by regular crane operators, authorized substitutes who have had adequate experience and training under the supervision of a competent operator, or by crane repairmen or inspectors.

(2) You must ensure that crane operators are able to communicate with others at the worksite sufficiently to understand the signs, notices, operation instructions, and the signal code in use to ensure safe operation of the crane.

(3) You must ensure that no minor under eighteen years of age is employed in occupations involving the operation of any power-driven hoisting apparatus or assisting in such operations by work such as hooking on, loading slings, rigging gear, etc.

(4) You must ensure that no person is permitted to operate a crane whose hearing or eye-sight is impaired, or who may be suffering from heart disease or similar ailments. The following physical qualifications must be minimum requirements for overhead and gantry crane operators and trainees:

(a) They must have vision of at least 20/30 in one eye, and 20/50 in the other, with or without corrective lenses.

(b) They must be able to distinguish colors, regardless of position of colors, if color differential is required for operation.

(c) Their hearing, with or without hearing aid, must be adequate for a specific operation.

(d) They must have sufficient strength, endurance, agility, coordination, and speed of reaction to meet the demands of equipment operation.

(e) They must have normal depth perception, field of vision, reaction time, manual dexterity, coordination and no tendencies to dizziness or similar undesirable characteristics.

(f) Evidence of physical defects, or emotional instability which could render the operator or trainee a hazard to their self or others, or could interfere with their safe performance may be sufficient cause for disqualification. In such cases, you must require specialized clinical or medical judgments or tests (which include annual medical certification for recovered heart attack patients).

(g) Evidence that an operator or trainee is subject to seizures or loss of physical control must be sufficient reason for disqualification. You must require specialized medical tests to substantiate these conditions.

(5) Persons who have recovered from a heart attack must be exempted from the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, as it pertains to their heart condition, provided:

(a) A medical release is obtained from their attending medical doctor.

(b) The release must state that the operation of a crane will not present a hazard to their self or others.

(c) An examination by a medical doctor, and renewal of the work release certification is required annually.

(6) The operator must be fully familiar with all crane rules and with the crane mechanism and its proper care. Needed adjustments or repairs must be reported at once to the proper authority.

(7) The operator must not eat, smoke or read while actually engaged in the operation of the crane, or operate the crane when physically unfit.

(8) The operator or someone especially designated must properly lubricate all working parts of the crane.

(9) You must keep cranes clean.

(10) You must ensure that whenever the operator finds the main or emergency switch open, it is not closed, even when starting on regular duty, until it is determined that no one is on or about the crane. You must not oil or repair the crane unless the main switch is open.

(11) The operator must immediately throw all controllers to "off" position until the power is again available if the power goes off.

(12) The operator must make sure that all controllers are in "off" position until the power is again available before closing the main switch.

(13) You must ensure that the operator recognizes signals only from the employee who is supervising the lift. Operating signals must follow an established standard. Whistle signals may be used where only one crane is in operation.

(14) You must ensure that bumping into runway stops or other cranes is avoided. When the operator is ordered to engage with or push other cranes, it must be done with special care for the safety of persons on or below cranes.

(15) You must ensure that when lowering a load, the operator proceeds carefully and makes sure the load is under safe control.

(16) You must ensure that when leaving the cage the operator throws all controllers to "off" position and open the main switch.

(17) You must ensure that if the crane is located out-of-doors the operator locks the crane in a secure position to prevent it from being blown along or off the track by a severe wind.

(18) Operators must not permit anyone to ride on the load or hooks, unless using a lifeline or safety device approved by the department.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 15-24-100, § 296-24-23529, filed 12/1/15, effective 1/5/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and [49.17].050. WSR 99-17-094, § 296-24-23529, filed 8/17/99, effective 12/1/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-23529, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. WSR 89-11-035 (Order 89-03), § 296-24-23529, filed 5/15/89, effective 6/30/89; Order 73-5, § 296-24-23529, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-23529, filed 5/7/73.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 15-24-100, § 296-24-23529, filed 12/1/15, effective 1/5/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and [49.17].050. WSR 99-17-094, § 296-24-23529, filed 8/17/99, effective 12/1/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-23529, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. WSR 89-11-035 (Order 89-03), § 296-24-23529, filed 5/15/89, effective 6/30/89; Order 73-5, § 296-24-23529, filed 5/9/73 and Order 73-4, § 296-24-23529, filed 5/7/73.