Section 296-45-67503. Definitions.

"Approved rubber gloves." Rubber insulating gloves used for protection of electrical workers from electric shock while working on energized conductors and equipment.

"Cargo hooks." The cargo hook is the FAA approved primary attachment means to the aircraft. A device attached or suspended from an aircraft which is used to connect an external load to the aircraft through direct couplings or by lead lines. This unit has both primary and secondary release mechanisms.

"Designated employees." Those employees selected or designated by the employer to work under or near helicopters who have first been instructed in hooking, unhooking, guiding and securing the load, including the signalperson, all of whom have been instructed in the hazards of helicopter work and who know the provisions of this section.

"Downwash." A down and outward air column from the main rotor system.

"Ground personnel or crew." Those employees who are physically and mentally capable, who are familiar with the hazards of helicopter use in power distribution and transmission line work, and who know these rules and the methods of operation.

"Helicopter," "helicopter crane," and "rotorcraft." A heavier-than-air aircraft that depends principally for its support in flight on the lift generated by one or more rotors. The use of the word helicopter in these rules shall also means helicopter crane, rotorcraft, or similar device.

"Helicopter service provider." Entity that holds the appropriate FAA operating certification and provides helicopter support services.

"Hooking and unhooking." The process by which an external load is either attached to or detached from the helicopter hook or sling line.

"Pilot in command, pilot or PIC." The person who:

• Has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight;

• Has been designated as pilot in command before or during the flight; and

• Holds the appropriate category, class and type rating for the conduct of the flight if applicable.

"Positive guide system." A system or method of installing a load into position so that the load is capable of being released from the helicopter without being otherwise secured so that the load will remain in position permanently or until otherwise secured by physical means.

"Rotors." That system of blades which rotates or revolves to supply lift or direction to the rotorcraft.

"Signalperson." That member of the ground crew that is designated by an employer to direct, signal and otherwise communicate with the operator of the helicopter.

"Sling line." A strap, chain, rope or the like used to securely hold something being lifted, lowered, carried or otherwise suspended.

"Sock line." A rope(s), cable(s) or similar line(s) that is used to pull a conductor line or other wire from a reel or to remove existing strung conductors from poles or towers.

"Static charge." A stationary charge of electricity.

"Tag line." A rope or similar device used to guide or control the direction or movement of a load.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 16-10-081, § 296-45-67503, filed 5/3/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-45-67503, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-45-67503, filed 12/30/76.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 16-10-081, § 296-45-67503, filed 5/3/16, effective 7/1/16. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 94-20-057 (Order 94-16), § 296-45-67503, filed 9/30/94, effective 11/20/94; Order 76-38, § 296-45-67503, filed 12/30/76.