WAC 296-155-54115
Self-erecting tower
cranes -- Operations. (1) The operator must not engage in any
practice that diverts their attention while actually engaged
in operating the crane.
(2) Before leaving the crane unattended the operator
must:
(a) Set down the load, rigging gear, bucket, lifting
magnet, or other devices;
(b) Land any load suspended below the hook;
(c) Put controls in the off or neutral position;
(d) Set brakes and other locking devices;
(e) Disengage the main control circuit;
(f) Stop the engine: An exception to this may exist when
crane operation is frequently interrupted during a shift and
the operator must leave the crane. Under these circumstances,
the engine may remain running and (a) through (e) of this
subsection must apply. The operator must be situated where
any entry to the crane can be observed.
(g) Leave the superstructure free to weathervane unless
provisions for nonweathervaning have been specified by the
manufacturer or by a qualified person.
Note:
Additional information relating to cranes being unattended are located in WAC 296-155-53400(52) of this part.
(3) If power fails during operation, the operator must:
(a) Set all brakes and locking devices;
(b) Move all clutch or other power controls to the "off"
or "neutral" position;
(c) If practical, the suspended load must be landed under
brake control, according to the manufacturer's procedures.
(4) The operator must be familiar with the crane and its
proper care. If adjustments or repairs are necessary, the
operator must report the condition to the competent person.
The next operator must be notified of the condition.
(5) All controls must be tested by the operator at the
start of a new shift, if possible. If any controls fail to
operate properly, they must be adjusted or repaired before
operations are initiated.
(6) Cranes must not be operated when wind speeds exceed
the maximum velocity recommended by the manufacturer. Where
the manufacturer does not specify this information, an RPE
must determine the maximum allowable velocity.
(7) Prior to daily operation, operator aids must be
checked to determine if they are working properly as required
in WAC 296-155-53405(3).
(8) During adverse weather conditions which reduce
visibility, operations must be performed in accordance with
the manufacturer's specifications, when not available follow
RPE's recommendations for reduced function speeds and with
signaling means appropriate to the situation.
(9) No less than two full wraps of rope must remain on
the load hoist drum(s) at any time during operation.
(10) When slewing the boom (jib), trolleying a load, or
traveling the crane, sudden starts and stops must be avoided.
Slew and travel speeds must be such that the load does not
swing out beyond the radius at which it can be controlled. A
tag or restraint line must be used when uncontrolled rotation
of the load is hazardous.
(11) Cranes must not be operated without the ballast or
counterweight in place as specified by the manufacturer.
Under specific conditions, such as during crane assembly or
disassembly, the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount
of partial ballast or counterweight must be adhered to. The
maximum ballast or counterweight approved by the manufacturer
for use on a given crane must not be exceeded.
(12) The load must be free when lifted; it must not be
caught on nor attached to other objects. Side loading of jibs
must be limited to freely suspended loads. Cranes must not be
used for dragging loads.