Section 296-59-120. Ski lift operations.

(1) Operators.

(a) Only trained and qualified lift operators shall be permitted to operate any lift while it is carrying passengers.

(b) Management designated trainees shall only be permitted to operate a lift while under the direct supervision of a qualified operator or trainer.

(c) Initial training of operators shall be accomplished when the lift is not carrying passengers.

(d) Operator training shall include:

(i) Standard and emergency start up procedures;

(ii) Standard and emergency stopping procedures;

(iii) Lockout procedures;

(iv) Corrective actions for operating malfunctions;

(v) Specific instructions on who to contact for different kinds of rescue emergencies;

(vi) Specific instructions on standard operating procedures with respect to the hazard of loading or unloading passengers proximate to the moving lift chairs.

(2) Operators and helpers shall prepare and maintain the loading and unloading work stations in a leveled condition and, to the extent possible, free from slipping hazards caused by ice, ruts, excessive snow accumulation, tools, etc.

(3) Daily start up procedure.

(a) Loading station operators shall test all operating controls and stopping controls before permitting any personnel or passengers to load on the lift.

(b) The lift must travel a distance of two times the longest tower span before any employee can load on a chair to go to the remote station.

(c) A qualified operator shall be the first passenger on each lift each day.

Exception:	The avalanche control team and the emergency rescue team may use any operable lift at anytime for that work. They may use lifts without a remote operator provided that direct communications are maintained to the operator and the operator has successfully completed normal daily safety and operating control checks at the operating station in use.

(d) Enroute to the remote station, the remote operator shall visually inspect each tower as the chair or gondola proceeds to the remote station.

(e) The remote operator shall stop the system when he/she has reached the remote control station. The operator shall then conduct the daily safety and operating control checks on the remote station.

(f) The remote operator shall ensure that the unloading area is groomed to adequately accommodate normal unloading.

(g) When all controls are checked and functioning correctly and the unloading area is prepared, the remote operator shall communicate to the operator that the system can be placed in normal operation.

(4) Operators shall report to their work station wearing adequate clothing for inclement weather which may be encountered. This requirement shall include reasonably water resistant footwear which shall have a slip resistant sole tread.

(5) While the lift is in operation and carrying passengers, operators shall not permit any activity in the loading/unloading areas which could distract their attention from the principle duty of safely loading or unloading passengers.

(6) Means of communication shall be maintained between the top operator and bottom operator stations.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-59-120, filed 7/6/88.]

Chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 88-14-108 (Order 88-11), § 296-59-120, filed 7/6/88.