(1) Size of load.
(a) You must not load any crane beyond the rated load, except for test purposes as provided in WAC
296-24-24009.
(b) When loads which are limited by structural competence rather than by stability are to be handled, you must ascertain that the weight of the load has been determined within plus or minus 10% before it is lifted.
(2) Attaching the load.
(a) You must ensure that the hoist rope is not wrapped around the load.
(b) You must ensure that the load is attached to the hook by means of slings or other approved devices.
(3) Moving the load.
(a) The employer must ensure that:
(i) The crane is level and where necessary blocked properly.
(ii) The load is well secured and properly balanced in the sling or lifting device before it is lifted more than a few inches.
(b) Before starting to hoist, you must note the following conditions:
(i) Hoist rope must not be kinked.
(ii) Multiple part lines must not be twisted around each other.
(iii) The hook must be brought over the load in such a manner as to prevent swinging.
(iv) If there is a slack rope condition, it should be determined that the rope is properly seated on the drum and in the sheaves.
(c) During hoisting you must take care that:
(i) There is no sudden acceleration or deceleration of the moving load.
(ii) The load does not contact any obstructions.
(d) You must ensure that side loading of booms is limited to freely suspended loads. You must not use cranes for dragging loads sideways.
(e) You must not do any hoisting, lowering, swinging, or traveling while anyone is on the load or hook.
(f) The operator should avoid carrying loads over people.
(g) On truck mounted cranes, you must not lift any loads over the front area except as approved by the crane manufacturer.
(h) The operator must test the brakes each time a load approaching the rated load is handled by raising it a few inches and applying the brakes.
(i) You must use outriggers when the load to be handled at that particular radius exceeds the rated load without outriggers as given by the manufacturer for that crane. Where floats are used they must be securely attached to the outriggers. Wood blocks used to support outriggers must:
(i) Be strong enough to prevent crushing.
(ii) Be free from defects.
(iii) Be of sufficient width and length to prevent shifting or toppling under load.
(j) You must not lower either the load or the boom below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on their respective drums.
(k) Before lifting loads with locomotive cranes without using outriggers, you must apply means to prevent the load from being carried by the truck springs.
(l) When two or more cranes are used to lift one load, one designated person must be responsible for the operation. The designated person must be required to analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.
(m) In transit you must exercise the following additional precautions.
(i) The boom must be carried in line with the direction of motion.
(ii) The superstructure must be secured against rotation, except when negotiating turns when there is an operator in the cab or the boom is supported on a dolly.
(iii) The empty hook must be lashed or otherwise restrained so that it cannot swing freely.
(n) Before traveling a crane with load, a designated person must be responsible for determining and controlling safety. Decisions such as position of load, boom location, ground support, travel route, and speed of movement must be in accord with their determinations.
(o) You must not travel a crane with or without load with the boom so high that it may bounce back over the cab.
(p) When rotating the crane, you must avoid sudden starts and stops. You must ensure that rotational speed is such that the load does not swing out beyond the radii at which it can be controlled. You must use a tag or restraint line when rotation of the load is hazardous.
(q) When a crane is to be operated at a fixed radius, you must engage the boom-hoist pawl or other positive locking device.
(r) You must ensure that ropes are not be handled on a winch head without the knowledge of the operator.
(s) While a winch head is being used, the operator must be within convenient reach of the power unit control lever.
(4) Holding the load.
(a) The operator must not be permitted to leave the control position while the load is suspended.
(b) No person should be permitted to stand or pass under a load on the hook.
(c) If the load must remain suspended for any considerable length of time, the operator must hold the drum from rotating in the lowering direction by activating the positive controllable means of the operator's station.
