WAC 296-155-54215   Overhead/bridge and gantry cranes -- Operations.  (1) The operator must not engage in any practice that diverts their attention while actually engaged in operating the crane.

     (2) The operator must do the following before leaving a cab-operated crane or a cab-operated carrier unattended:

     (a) Remove any attached load and raise the hook to the highest allowable position.

     (b) Place controllers or master switches in the "off" position and deenergize the main switch (crane disconnect) of the specific crane.


Note: Additional information relating to cranes being unattended is located in WAC 296-155-53400(52) of this part.

     (3) If power fails during operation, the operator must:

     (a) Move all clutch or other power controls to the "off" position;

     (b) Prior to reuse of the crane operating motions must be checked for proper direction.

     (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) The load must not be lowered below the point where less than two full wraps of wire rope remain on the drum.

     (6) When two or more cranes are used to lift a load, one qualified person must be in charge of the operation. This person must analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.

     (7) The operator must not leave the position at the controls while the load is suspended over an area accessible to people.

     (8) For cab and remote operated cranes, when the load or hook approaches near or over personnel, a warning signal must be sounded.

     (9) Hoist limit switch.

     (a) At the beginning of each operator's shift, the upper limit switch of each hoist must be tested under no load.

     (b) The hoist limit switch which controls the upper limit of travel of the load block must never be used as an operating control.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.440, 49.17.060, and 29 C.F.R. 1926, Subpart CC. 12-01-086, § 296-155-54215, filed 12/20/11, effective 2/1/12.]