WAC 296-155-54115

(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 internal combustion engine, when provided. 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 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.

(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 prior to beginning the shift. If any controls fail to operate properly, the employer must adjust or repair them before operations are initiated.

(6) The employer must not operate cranes when wind speed exceeds the maximum wind speed.

(7) Prior to daily operation, the operator must check operator aids to determine if they are working properly as required in WAC 296-155-53405(3).

(8) During adverse weather conditions which reduce visibility, the employer must perform operations in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. When 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.

(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, 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 uncontrolled rotation of the load is hazardous.

(11) The employer must not operate cranes without the ballast or counterweight in place, as specified by the manufacturer. Under specific conditions, such as during crane assembly, disassembly, or reconfiguration, the employer must adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of partial ballast or counterweight. The employer must not exceed the maximum ballast or counterweight approved by the manufacturer for use on a given crane.

(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. The employer must not use cranes for dragging loads.