(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 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, you must adjust or repair them before operations are initiated.
(6) You must not operate cranes 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, you 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, you must perform operations 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, you 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. You must use a tag or restraint line when uncontrolled rotation of the load is hazardous.
(11) You must not operate cranes without the ballast or counterweight in place as specified by the manufacturer. Under specific conditions, such as during crane assembly or disassembly, you must adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of partial ballast or counterweight. You 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. You must not use cranes for dragging loads.
