WAC 296-79-150   Powered industrial trucks and other equipment.  Additional requirements on mobile equipment and lift trucks are in chapter 296-24 WAC, Part D.

     (1) The operator of a power-driven vehicle must test the brakes, steering gear, lights, horns, warning devices, clutches, etc., before operating vehicle.

     (2) Control levers of lift trucks, front end loaders, or similar types of equipment must not be operated except when the operator is in the proper operating position.

     (3) No person may be permitted to ride on a powered hand truck unless it is so designed by the manufacturer. A limit switch must be on the operating handle -- 30 degrees each way from a 45-degree angle up and down.

     (4) Employees must not work below the raised bed of a dump truck, raised buckets of front end loaders, raised blades of tractors or in similar positions without blocking the equipment in a manner that will prevent it from falling.

     (5) Reporting suspected defects. If, in the opinion of the operator, a power-driven vehicle is unsafe, the operator must report the suspected defect immediately to the person in charge. Any defect that would make the vehicle unsafe to operate under existing conditions will be cause to take the vehicle out of service and it must not be put back into use until it has been made safe.

     (6) Vehicle operators must have a reasonably unobstructed view of the direction of travel, or, where this is not possible, the operator must be directed by a person or by a safe guidance means or device. Where practical, mirrors must be installed at blind corners or intersections that will allow operators to observe oncoming traffic.

     (7) Vehicles in congested areas must operate with a warning light.

     (8) Passengers must not be permitted to ride with legs or arms extending outside any vehicle nor must they be permitted to ride unless a passenger seat or other protective device is provided.

     (9) Guard on operator's platform. Every power truck operated from an end platform or standing position must be:

     • Equipped with a platform extending beyond the operator's position, and

     • Strong enough to withstand a compression load equal to the weight of the loaded vehicle applied along the longitudinal axis of the truck with the outermost projection of the platform against the flat vertical surface.

     (10) Cleaning vehicles. All vehicles must be kept free of excessive accumulations of dust and grease that may present a hazard.

     (11) Vehicles must be controlled manually while being pushed or towed except when a tow bar is used. Pushing of vehicles or railroad cars with the forks or clamps of a lift truck is prohibited.

     (12) Aisles or passageways should be at least three feet wider than the widest vehicle or load traveling the aisle or passageway. When this clearance cannot be maintained, adequate precautions must be taken.

     (13) The forks, clamps, or attachments of lift trucks must be kept as low as possible while the vehicle is moving.

     (14) The hoisting of personnel by lift trucks must meet the requirements in WAC 296-24-230.

     (15) Exhaust systems on lift trucks and jitneys shall be constructed to discharge either within 20 inches from the floor or 84 inches or more above the floor.

     (16) Mobile equipment with an enclosed cab must be provided with an escape hatch or other method of exit in case the regular exit cannot be used.

     (17) Suitable methods must be used or devices installed which will prevent the trailer from tipping while being loaded or unloaded.

     (18) Whenever vehicles using LP gas as a fuel are parked overnight or stored for extended periods of time indoors, with the fuel container in place, the service valve of the fuel container must be closed.

     (19) The use of spinners on steering wheels must be prohibited unless an anti-kick device is installed or the equipment has a hydraulic steering system.

     (20) Rolls transported with a grab or clamp attachment must be carried with the core in a vertical position.

     (21) When traveling empty with a grab or clamp attachment, the jaws or blades of those attachments must remain within the running lines of the lift truck.

     (22) When transporting two or more rolls with a roll grab attachment, the bottom roll will have at least sixty percent of the grab attachment on it.

     (23) When transporting two or more rolls or bales with a grab or clamp attachment, there must be no rolls or bales unsecured if there is risk of part or all of the load shifting or falling.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and[49.17].050 . 99-16-083, § 296-79-150, filed 8/3/99, effective 11/3/99; Order 74-24, § 296-79-150, filed 5/6/74; Order 70-6, § 296-79-150, filed 7/10/70, effective 8/10/70.]