WAC 296-79-170
Requirements for crawler and truck
cranes. (1) Boom length indicated. The length must be
plainly marked on each boom section of a mobile crane having a
sectioned boom.
(2) Radius or boom angle indicator. A radius or boom
angle indicator must be installed where it is readily visible
to the operator's normal operating position on all cranes
having a movable working boom.
(3) Safety device for light fixtures. Any light fixtures
attached to crane boom or machinery house must have a safety
strap or other device attached which will prevent the fixture
from falling.
(4) Boom stops. Boom stops must be:
• Installed to govern the upward travel of the boom to a
safe limit.
• Of adequate strength to prevent the boom from traveling
past the vertical position.
(5) Controls marked. Crane operating controls must be
marked or an explanation of the controls' functions must be
posted in full view of the operator.
(6) Locking hydraulic outriggers. Hydraulic outriggers
must be:
• Equipped with a pilot operated check valve or
• Installed with a mechanical lock which will prevent
outriggers from retracting in case of failure of the hydraulic
system.
(7) Top of boom painted. The top six feet of the boom or
jib must be painted bright yellow or other bright contrasting
color if the boom is yellow.
(8) Warning devices. All cranes must be equipped with a
suitable warning device such as a horn or whistle.
(9) Hook safety device. All hooks must be equipped with
a safety device or other effective means must be used to
prevent accidental unhooking of the load.
(10) Counterweight limited. The amount of crane
counterweight must not exceed the maximum amount specified by
the crane manufacturer.
(11) Use proper size wire rope for sheaves. The size and
diameter of sheaves and wire rope must be compatible and
follow the recommendations by the manufacturer, published by
the Wire Rope Institute or other acceptable engineering
practices.
(12) Loading or unloading gear. Unloading gear such as
grapples, tongs, and buckets, must not be left suspended when
not in use or whenever the machine is unattended.
(13) No one under load. Personnel must not position
themselves under crane loads and such loads must not be
carried over workers.
(14) Operating clearance from stationary objects. Where
the area is accessible to workers:
• A distance of 30 inches must be maintained between the
outermost part of a revolving crane and any stationary object
within the swing radius of the crane or
• The hazardous area must be temporarily guarded or
barricaded.
(15) See WAC 296-24-960 when working around energized
lines.
(16) Operators must avoid contacting overhead
obstructions which may damage the boom or adversely affect
stability. In instances where the operator may have
difficulty in observing clearances, a signal person must be
stationed where they can observe clearances and signal the
operator.
(17) Safe travel across thoroughfares or railroad tracks.
• When moving cranes, shovels or similar types of
equipment across thoroughfares or railroad tracks and the
operator does not have a clear vision of approaching traffic,
a flagperson must be used.
• The flag person must be stationed where the equipment
operator can be signaled and other traffic can be controlled.
(18) Only a designated member of the crew may give
signals to the crane operator. Exception: Anyone may give an
emergency stop signal.
(19) Standard hand signals. When using visual signals,
standard hand signals as illustrated, must be used for
directing crane operators.
CRAWLER, LOCOMOTIVE, AND TRUCK CRANES
STANDARD HAND SIGNALS FOR CRANES
STANDARD HAND SIGNALS FOR CONTROLLING OVERHEAD
AND GANTRY CRANES
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and[49.17].050
. 99-16-083, § 296-79-170, filed 8/3/99, effective
11/3/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-13-053 (Order 81-9), § 296-79-170, filed
6/17/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.240, and
chapters 43.22 and 42.30 RCW. 81-03-007 (Order 80-31), §
296-79-170, filed 1/8/81; Order 74-24, § 296-79-170, filed
5/6/74; Order 70-6, § 296-79-170, filed 7/10/70, effective
8/10/70.]