WAC 296-24-23529   Operators.  (1) Cranes shall be 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) Crane operators must be 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) No minor under eighteen years of age shall be 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) No person shall be 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 shall be minimum requirements for overhead and gantry crane operators and trainees:

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

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

     (e) They shall 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, specialized clinical or medical judgments or tests shall be required (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 shall be sufficient reason for disqualification. Specialized medical tests shall be required to substantiate these conditions.

     (5) Persons who have recovered from a heart attack shall 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 shall 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 shall be fully familiar with all crane rules and with the crane mechanism and its proper care. Needed adjustments or repairs shall be reported at once to the proper authority.

     (7) The operator shall 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 shall properly lubricate all working parts of the crane.

     (9) Cranes shall be kept clean.

     (10) Whenever the operator finds the main or emergency switch open, it shall not be closed, even when starting on regular duty, until it is determined that no one is on or about the crane. The crane shall not be oiled or repaired unless the main switch is open.

     (11) If the power goes off, the operator shall immediately throw all controllers to "off" position until the power is again available.

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

     (13) The operator shall recognize signals only from the employee who is supervising the lift. Operating signals shall follow an established standard. Whistle signals may be used where one crane only is in operation.

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

     (15) When lowering a load, the operator shall proceed carefully and make sure the load is under safe control.

     (16) When leaving the cage the operator shall throw all controllers to "off" position and open the main switch.

     (17) If the crane is located out-of-doors the operator shall lock the crane in a secure position to prevent it from being blown along or off the track by a severe wind.

     (18) Operators shall 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 and[49.17].050 . 99-17-094, § 296-24-23529, filed 8/17/99, effective 12/1/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-24-23529, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. 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.]