WAC 296-56-60006   Personnel.  (1) Qualifications of machinery operators.

     (a) Only those employees determined by the employer to be competent by reason of training or experience, who understand the signs, notices, and operating instructions and are familiar with the signal code in use shall be permitted to operate a crane, winch, or other power-operated cargo handling apparatus, or any power-operated vehicle, or give signals to the operator of any hoisting apparatus. Employees being trained and supervised by a designated individual may operate such machinery and give signals to operators during training.

     (b) No employee known to have defective uncorrected eyesight or hearing, or to be suffering from heart disease, epilepsy, or similar ailments which may suddenly incapacitate the employee shall be permitted to operate a crane, winch, other power-operated cargo handling apparatus, or a power-operated vehicle.

     (c) Persons who have recovered from a heart attack shall be exempted from the provisions of (b) of this subsection, as it pertains to their heart condition, provided:

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

     (ii) The release shall state that the operation of a crane, winch, power-operated cargo handling apparatus, or power-operated vehicle, will not present a hazard to themselves or others.

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

     (2) Supervisory accident prevention proficiency.

     (a) Immediate supervisors of cargo-handling operations of more than five persons shall satisfactorily complete a course in accident prevention. Employees newly assigned to supervisory duties shall be required to meet the provisions of this subsection (2)(a) within ninety days of such assignment.

     (b) The course shall consist of instruction suited to the particular operations involved.

     (c) No minor under eighteen years of age shall be employed in occupations involving the operation of any power-operated hoisting apparatus or assisting in such operations by performing work such as hooking on or landing drafts, rigging gear, etc.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-02-024, § 296-56-60006, filed 12/30/98, effective 3/30/99.]