(1) The signal person must meet the qualification requirements (subsection (3) of this section) prior to giving any signals to a crane/equipment operator. This requirement must be met by using either Option (1) or Option (2).

(a) Option (1) - Third-party qualified evaluator. The signal person has documentation from a third-party qualified evaluator showing that the signal person meets the qualification requirements listed in subsection (3) of this section.

(b) Option (2) - Employer's qualified evaluator. The employer's qualified evaluator assesses the individual and determines that the individual meets the qualification requirements listed in subsection (3) of this section, and provides documentation of that determination. An assessment by an employer's qualified evaluator under this option is not portable, meaning other employers are not permitted to use this qualification to meet the requirements of this section.

(c) The employer must make the documentation for whichever option is used available at the site while the signal person is employed by the employer. The documentation must specify each type of signaling (e.g., hand signals, radio signals, etc.) for which the signal person meets the requirements of subsection (3) of this section.

(2) If subsequent actions by the signal person indicate that the individual may not meet the qualification requirements listed in subsection (3) of this section, the employer must not allow the individual to continue working as a signal person until retraining is provided, and a reassessment is made in accordance with subsection (1) of this section that confirms that the individual meets the qualification requirements.

(3) Qualification requirements. Each signal person must:

(a) Know and understand the type of signals used. For example, if hand signals are used, the signal person must know and understand the standard method for hand signals;

(b) Be competent in the application of the type of signals used;

(c) Have a basic understanding of crane/equipment operation and limitations, including the crane dynamics involved in swinging and stopping loads and boom deflection from hoisting loads;

(d) Know and understand the relevant requirements of WAC 296-155-53406 and this section; and

(e) Demonstrate that they meet the requirements in (a) through (d) of this subsection through the successful passing of a written or oral test, and a practical test. All tests must be documented.

(4) Qualification period. A signal person qualification cannot exceed a five-year period; this qualification must be renewed every five years to ensure signal persons maintain qualified status. At a minimum, this renewal must include a documented written or oral exam.