WAC 296-45-67503   Definitions.  (1) "Cargo hooks." 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 mechanical and electrical locking/unlocking means.

     (2) "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.

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

     (4) "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.

     (5) "Helicopter," "helicopter crane," and "rotorcraft." Those aircraft whose support in the air is derived solely from the reaction of a stream of air driven downward by propellers revolving around a vertical axis, which are designed for and capable of carrying external loads. The use of the word helicopter in these rules shall also mean helicopter crane, rotorcraft, or similar device.

     (6) "Hooking and unhooking." That process by which an external load is either attached to or released from the cargo hook.

     (7) "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.

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

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

     (10) "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.

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

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

     (13) "Static charge." A stationary charge of electricity.

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



[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 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.]