(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 the crane unattended:
(a) Set down the load, rigging gear, bucket, lifting magnet, or other devices.
(b) Position trolley in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, unless the site specific application drawing requires a different position.
(c) Leave the superstructure free to weathervane, unless provisions for nonweathervaning have been specified by the manufacturer or by a qualified person.
(d) Disconnect power to operating controls or disengage the master clutch, as applicable.
(e) Place all controls in the "off" or "neutral" position.
(f) Secure the crane against accidental travel.
(g) Stop the internal combustion engine, when provided. If crane operation is frequently interrupted during a shift, the internal combustion engine may remain running while the operator remains on the crane.
(h) Restrain the crane from travel with rail clamps, or other means provided, when a wind alarm is given or on leaving the crane overnight.
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 trolley, hoist, and travel brakes and locking devices, as applicable;
(b) Move all clutch or other power controls to the "off" or "neutral" position;
(c) If practical, the operator must land the suspended load under brake control.
(4) Cranes must not be operated when wind speed exceeds the maximum speed.
(5) Reconfiguration operations are not allowed until tie-ins at the new support level, as specified by a qualified person, are in place.
(6) Prior to using the crane for each shift, the operator must first perform and inspection as required in WAC 296-155-53405, along with visually inspecting the following:
(a) Tower (mast) bolts and other structural bolts (for loose or dislodged condition) from the base of the tower crane up or, if the crane is tied to or braced by the structure, those above the upper-most brace support.
(b) The upper-most tie-in, braces, floor supports and floor wedges where the tower crane is supported by the structure, for loose or dislodged components.
(7) During adverse weather conditions which reduce visibility, the employer must perform operations according to the manufacturer's specifications. When the manufacturer's specifications are not available, an RPE's written instructions for reduced function speeds and with signaling means appropriate to the situation must be followed.
(8) The operator must not lower the load below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on the drum.
(9) When slewing the boom (jib), trolleying a load, or traveling the crane, the operator must avoid sudden starts and stops. Slew and travel speeds must be such that the load does not swing out beyond the radius at which it can be controlled. The employer must use a tag or restraint line when swinging of the load is hazardous.
(10) The employer must prohibit operating cranes without the ballast or counterweight in place as specified by the manufacturer. Under specific conditions, such as during crane assembly or disassembly, the employer must adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of partial ballast or counterweight.
(11) The employer must not exceed the maximum ballast or counterweight approved by the manufacturer. Where the manufacturer does not specify the maximum ballast or counterweight, a RPE familiar with the crane/equipment involved must determine this limitation in writing, which must not be exceeded.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060, and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 25-16-089, s 296-155-53915, filed 8/5/25, effective 9/5/25. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 16-09-085, § 296-155-53915, filed 4/19/16, effective 5/20/16. 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. WSR 12-01-086, § 296-155-53915, filed 12/20/11, effective 2/1/12.]