WAC 296-56-60085   Crane load and limit devices.  (1) Except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, every crane shall be fitted with a load indicating device or alternative device in proper working condition.

     The type or model or any load indicating or alternate device which is used shall provide:

     (a) A direct indication in the cab of actual weight hoisted or a means of determining this by referencing a weight indication to crane ratings posted and visible to the operator. The use of a dynamometer or simple scale alone shall not meet this requirement; or

     (b) Indications in the cab according to the radius and load at the moment; or

     (c) A direct means to prevent an overload from occurring.

     (2) Accuracy of the devices required by this section shall be such that any indicated load (or limit), including the sum of actual weight hoisted and additional equipment or "add ons" such as slings, sensors, blocks, etc., is within the range from no less than ninety-five percent of the actual true total load (five percent overload) to one hundred ten percent of the actual true total load (ten percent underload). Such accuracy shall be required over the range of the daily operating variables to be expected under the conditions of use.

     (3) The device shall permit the operator to determine, before making any lift, that the indicating or substitute system is operative. In the alternative, if a device is so

mounted or attached to preclude such a determination, it may not be used unless it has been certified by the manufacturer to remain operable within the limits stated in subsection (2) of this section for a specific period of use. Checks for accuracy, using known values of load, shall be performed at the time of every certification survey (see WAC 296-56-60093) and at such additional times as may be recommended by the manufacturer.

     (4) When a load indicating device or alternative system is so arranged in the supporting system (crane structure) that its failure could cause the load to be dropped, its strength shall not be the limiting factor of the supporting system (crane structure).

     (5) Marking shall be conspicuously placed giving: Units of measure in pounds or both pounds and kilograms, capacity of the indicating system, accuracy of the indicating system, and operating instructions and precautions. In the case of systems utilizing indications other than actual weights, the marking shall include data on: The means of measurement, capacity of the system, accuracy of the system, operating instructions and precautions. If the system used provides no read-out, but it is such as to automatically cease crane operation when the rated load limit under any specific condition of use is reached, marking shall be provided giving the make and model of the device installed, a description of what it does, how it is operated, and any necessary precautions regarding the system. All weight indications, other types of loading indications, and other data required shall be readily visible to the operator.

     (6) All load indicating devices shall be operative over the full operating radius. Overall accuracy shall be based on actual applied load and not on full scale (full capacity) load.

     Explanatory note. For example, if accuracy of the load indicating device is based on full scale load and the device is arbitrarily set at plus or minus ten percent, it would accept a reading between ninety thousand and one hundred ten thousand pounds, at full capacity of a machine with one hundred thousand pounds, maximum rating, but would also allow a reading between zero and twenty thousand pounds, at that outreach (radius) at which the rating would be ten thousand pounds capacity -- an unacceptable figure. If, however, accuracy is based on actual applied load under the same conditions, the acceptable range would remain the same with the one hundred thousand pound load but becomes a figure between nine thousand and eleven thousand pounds, a much different and acceptable condition, at the ten thousand pound load.

     (7) When the device uses the radius as a factor in its use or in its operating indications, the indicated radius (which may be in feet and/or meters, or degrees of boom angle, depending on the system used) shall be a figure which is within the range of a figure no greater than one hundred ten percent of the actual radius to a figure which is no less than ninety-seven percent of the actual (true) radius. A conversion chart shall be provided whenever it is necessary to convert between degrees of radius and feet or meters.

     (8) The load indicating device requirements of this section do not apply to a crane:

     (a) Of trolley equipped bridge type while handling container known to be and identified as empty, or loaded, and in either case in compliance with the provisions of WAC 296-56-60103, or while hoisting other lifts by means of a lifting beam supplied by the crane manufacturer for the purpose, and in all cases within the crane rating;

     (b) While handling bulk commodities or cargoes by means of clamshell bucket or magnet;

     (c) While used to handle or hold hoses in connection with transfer of bulk liquids or other hose handled products; or

     (d) While the crane is used exclusively to handle cargo or equipment the total actual gross weight of which is known by means of marking of the unit or units hoisted, when such total actual gross weight never exceeds eleven thousand two hundred pounds, and when eleven thousand two hundred pounds, is less than the rated capacity of the crane at the maximum outreach that is possible under the conditions of use at the time.

     (9) Limit switches shall be installed on the main line and whip line assemblies, of all cranes and derricks, which will deactivate the hoisting power when a load reaches the upper limits of travel and at such other places as required by this chapter. Line limit switches shall be tested prior to or at the beginning of each shift to determine if they are functioning properly. Any malfunction shall be reported to the person in charge immediately and shall be repaired prior to use.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040. 99-02-024, § 296-56-60085, filed 12/30/98, effective 3/30/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60085, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60085, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60085, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60085, filed 12/11/84.]