Rigging, Signals, Power

Line Safety & Assembly /

Disassembly in
Construction Safety
Standard WAC 296-155

Chuck Lemon
Crane Safety Manager
Topics to be Covered

 Crane Requirements for Const.

Activities
– Rigging & Signal Person
– Part L Changes
– Power Line Requirements
– Assembly / Disassembly
 296-155-Part L
 Phase 1- Effective January 1, 2010 (Crane Safety Rule)

 Crane Certification
 Operator Certification
• Crane Types
 Includes: Mobile, Articulating, Tower cranes
when used in the construction industry
296-155-Part L
 Cranes Included (performing construction activities)
• Mobile Cranes Crawler Cranes
• Lattice Boom Hydraulic Telescoping Boom
• Articulating Rough Terrain Cranes
• Tower Cranes Self Erecting Tower Cranes
• Derricks Digger Derricks
 Exempt (crane certification and operator certification)
• Cranes <2000 # capacity Backhoes
• Automobile Wreckers Pump Hoists
• Forklifts Dedicated Drilling Rig
• Permanently installed overhead/bridge cranes
 Washington State Crane Rule
 Phase 2- Effective February 1, 2012
 WAC 296-155, Safety Standards for Construction Workers,
Part L
• As effective as OSHA
• Incorporated Latest ASME Requirements for Slings and
Rigging Hardware
• 270 pages
 296-155 Part L
 Table of Contents (Reader’s Digest Version)
 Crane certification
 Crane proof load testing-
requirements
 Crane certifier qualifications and
accreditation
 Crane Operator qualifications and
certification
 Signals and Signal person
qualifications
 Rigging and Rigger qualifications
 Crane inspection and operational
requirement
 Duties of assigned personnel
 Assembly/disassembly
 Mobile, Tower, Articulating Overhead
cranes , and Derricks
 Wire Rope Inspections
 Power line safety
 Training
 Safety devices and Operational aids
 Personnel lifting requirements
 Rigging and rigging hardware
Signal Persons Qualifications 296-155-53302
 Signal Person (Required as of Feb 1, 2012)
 This applies to construction activities which involve cranes,
derricks, and powered industrial trucks which have been
configured to hoist and lower by means of a winch or hook

 A Qualified Signal Person is required when:

– Point of operation is not in full view of operator
– View of direction of travel is obstructed
– Site specific safety concerns which the operator or
person handling the load determines it necessary
– working near energized power lines and a dedicated
spotter is used, this spotter must also be a qualified
signal person
 Signal Person Qualifications

 Qualification Requirements:
– Know and understand the type(s) of signals
which will be used
– Competent in the application of the type of
signals used
– Have a basic understanding of equipment
operation and limitations, crane dynamics, and
boom deflection
 Signal Person Qualifications

As of February 1st, 2012

 Qualification Requirements:
– Verbal or written test
– AND practical test

– Documentation from qualified evaluator

must be on site
• A Third Party Qualified Evaluator
• An Employer Qualified Evaluator

– Employer qualification is not portable

Qualified Rigger (296-155-53306)
 What did the Rule say Before?
WAC 296-155-329 Qualified person – Rigging.
Qualified person – A person who, by possession of a
recognized degree or certificate of professional
standing, or who, by extensive knowledge, training,
and experience, has successfully demonstrated the
ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the
subject matter. Also has authorization or authority by
the nature of their position to take prompt corrective
measures to eliminate them. The person shall be
knowledgeable in the requirements of this part.
 Riggers (cont’d)
 Qualification Requirements:
– Know and understand the
requirements of applicable ASME
standards (such as B30.9,Slings
and B30.26, Rigging Hardware)
– Know and understand the type of
sling and hitches used including
removal criteria for rigging gear
– Be competent in the application of
the type of hitches used
 Riggers (cont’d)
 Qualification Requirements:
– Basic understanding of the applicable
slings, rigging hardware, winch,
below-the-hook lifting devices and
their limitations
– Know and understand rigging related
conditions, such as load weight
estimation, center of gravity, effect of
angles on rigging components and
basic hand signals, as applicable.
 Riggers (cont’d)
 Qualification Documents:
 (July 31, 2012) Changed to:
(February 1, 2013)
– Written and Practical test
– Documentation from qualified
evaluator must be on site
• A Third Party Qualified Evaluator
• An Employer Qualified Evaluator
– Employer's qualification is not
portable
 Qualified Rigger
 When required:
– During hoisting activities while Assembling or
Disassembling a crane or derrick
– Whenever workers are :
• Hooking, unhooking, guiding the load or
• in the initial connection of a load to a component or
structure and are within the fall zone
 This applies to all construction material handling activities,
including cranes, derricks, powered industrial trucks,
excavators, backhoes , loaders, come-a-longs, chain falls,
etc. The Department is looking at developing a separate
set of requirements for Material Handling not involving
Cranes.
 Qualified Riggers and Signal Persons
•The employer must make the documentation for whichever option is used
available at the site while the rigger or signal person is employed by the
employer.
• The documentation must specify each type of rigging and signaling type
• The documentation must specify each type of signaling
Sample Documentation
Qualified Rigger________________________________ Qualified Signal Person__________________________
Date _______________________ Date _______________________
Rigging Type: Rigging Hardware: Signaling Type: Crane Type:
 Chain Slings  Shackles  Voice  Mobile
 Wire Rope  Turnbuckles  Hand  Tower
 Synthetic  Eye Bolts  Radio  Articulating
 Metal Mesh  Wire Rope Clips  Other_______________  Overhead
Third Party Evaluator Third Party Evaluator _________________________
__________________________ Employer Evaluator ___________________________
Employer Evaluator ___________________________ Evaluator Signature ___________________________
Evaluator Signature___________________________ Evaluator
Evaluator Company____________________________
Company____________________________
Power Line Safety 296-155-53408
 Power Line Safety Requirements
 If the crane, load, or rigging could get closer than 20/50 feet to an
energized power line there are new safety requirements which
apply. 
 If the crane, load, or rigging can not get closer than 20/50 feet to the
power line even if the crane is operated at its maximum working
radius, the 20/50-foot requirement is satisfied.

 Minimum approach distance:

Up to 350kv 20 Feet
Over 350KV 50 Feet
Power Line Safety Requirements
(Part L before 2/1/2012)
 For energized power lines rated at or
below 50kV the minimum approach
distance shall be 10 ft.

 For lines rated over 50 kV., minimum

clearance between the lines and any
part of the crane or load shall be 10
feet plus 0.4 inch for each 1 kV.
over 50 kV., or twice the length of
the line insulator, but never less than
10 feet
Power Line Safety Requirements
(Table 4)

Minimum Clearance Distances Table

at w as
Th
easy
Voltage Minimum clearance distance
up to 50 (kV) 10 (feet)
over 50 to 200 15
over 200 to 345 20
over 345 to 500 25
over 500 to 750 35
over 750 to 1,000 45
 Power Line Safety Requirements

Identify the Work Zone

 Define the work zone by
demarcating boundaries
such as flags, or a device
such as a range limit
device or a range control
warning device and
prohibiting the operator
from operating past those
lags
boundaries. te F
No
If the crane or load COULD get closer than 20/50
feet of Power Lines in the Work Zone
 Crane operations near power
lines, use one of 3 Options
– Option 1 - Deenergize & Ground
Power lines
– Option 2 - Maintain 20/50 foot
clearance
– Option 3 - Obtain power line
voltage from Utility Owner/Operator
and ensure the crane or rigging
does not get closer than the
distances listed in Table 4
 Power Line Safety Requirements
 Options 2 and 3 require the following:
 Conduct a planning meeting with crane
operator, & all workers who will be in the area
of crane & load
 This meeting must address the location of the
power lines and the steps that will be
implemented to prevent encroachment-
electrocution
 If tag lines are used they must be
nonconductive
 Erect elevated warning line, barricade, or line of
signs, in view of the operator, equipped with
flags or similar high-visibility markings
(opt 2 = 20/50 feet; opt 3 = Table 4)
 Nonconductive
 Nonconductive means that, because of the
nature and condition of the materials used,
and the conditions of use (including
environmental conditions and condition of the
material), the object in question has the
property of not becoming energized (that is, it
has high dielectric properties offering a high
resistance to the passage of current under the
conditions of use).
 Power Line Safety Requirements
 Options 2 and 3 also requires at
least one of the following:
• Proximity Alarm *
• Dedicated Spotter that is also a
“Qualified Signal Person”
• Range Control Warning Device
• Range Movement Limiter
• Insulating Link *
• * Currently, Proximity alarms
and Insulating Links do not
meet the National Recognized
Testing Laboratory (NRTL)
requirements.
 Power Line Safety Requirements
 If Dedicated Spotter is used, 5 rqmt.
must be met:
1. Spotter must be in continuous contact
with operator
2. Be equipped with a visual aid to assist
in identifying minimum clearance
distance
• Examples of visual aid include:
Clearly visible line painted on
ground, clearly visible line of
stations, line-of-site landmarks (such
as a fence post and building corner)
 Power Line Safety Requirements
 If Dedicated Spotter is used cont.:
3. Be positioned to effectively gauge
the clearance distance
4. Where necessary, use equipment
that enables spotter to communicate
directly with operator, such as radio
or telephone
5. Give timely information to the
operator so that the required
clearance distance can be
maintained
 Could you get within 20
feet of a power line?

YES NO

Option #1
Deenergize &
Ground
No Further
Encroachment
Action
Option #2 Prevention Measures
20-foot
Clearance • Planning Meeting
• If Tag Lines are Used, They Must
Option #3 be Nonconductive
Ask Utility for • Elevated Warning Lines,
Voltage and Barricades, or Line of Signs
Use Table 4
(with minimum PLUS (Choose One):
clearance distance)
• Proximity Alarm*, Spotter, Range
Control Warning Device, Range
Limiter, or Insulating Link*
29
 Operation INSIDE Table 4
 ALL of the following MUST be met: (41 items)
 Notify Crane Safety Program at L&I
– (360) 902-4943 or LNICranes@Lni.wa.gov
 Employer determines it is infeasible to perform
job without breaching minimum approach
distances
 After consultation with utility owner/operator it is
determined infeasible to deenergize & ground
power lines or relocate the power lines
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
 Power Line owner/operator determines the
minimum clearance distance
 Hold a planning meeting with utility
owner/operator to determine the procedures
to be followed in order to prevent electrical
contact – procedures must include:
– Deactivation of device that automatically
reenergizes circuit in event of power line contact
– Employ a dedicated spotter – Spotter must:
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
– Be equipped with a visual aid to assist in
identifying the minimum clearance distance
– Be positioned to effectively gauge clearance
distance
– Use equipment that enables the dedicated spotter
to communicate directly with the operator
– Give timely information to the operator
– Dedicated spotter must be a Qualified Signal
Person (see WAC 296-155-53302)
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
 Have an elevated warning line in view of the
operator with high-visibility flags
 Use an insulating link* installed at a point
between the end of the load line and the load
 All employees who may come into contact
with the equipment must wear gloves rated for
the voltage involved
 Use nonconductive rigging
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
 Use range limiter (if equipped) that is set to
prevent breaching minimum clearance
distance
 If tag line is used it must be nonconductive
 Barricade a perimeter at least 10 feet away
from crane to prevent unauthorized entry
 Employees must be prohibited from touching
the load line above the insulating link
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
 Only essential employees are permitted in the
area of the crane and load
 The crane must be properly grounded
 Insulating line hose or cover-up must be
installed by the utility owner/operator
 Procedures are documented and available on-
site
 The following personnel must meet with the
utility owner/operator to discuss procedures:
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
– Crane user, crane operator, ALL workers that will
be in the area of the crane or load
 Employer must ensure procedures are
implemented
 Employer must identify one person who will
direct the implementation of the procedures
 If a problem occurs implementing the
procedures or it is found that the procedures
are inadequate, new procedures must be
developed or deenergize power lines
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
 All safety devices, operational aids must meet
manufacturer’s procedures for use
 The employer must train each employee and
crew member assigned to work with the crane
as follows:
– Procedures to be followed to prevent electrical
contact
– Information regarding the danger of electrocution
from the operator simultaneously touching the
crane and ground
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
– The importance of the operator remaining inside
the cab except where imminent danger of fire,
explosion, or other emergency that necessitates
leaving the cab
– The safest means of evacuating from the crane
that may be energized
– The danger of potentially energized zone around
the crane (step potential)
– The need for crew in the area to avoid approaching
or touching the crane or load
 Operation INSIDE Table 4 cont.
– Safe clearance distance from power lines
– Power lines are presumed energized unless utility
owner/operator confirms them insulated
– The limitations of an insulating link, proximity
alarm, and range control device
– The procedures to be followed to properly ground
crane and limitations of grounding
 Power Line Safety
 Crane assembly/disassembly below energized power lines is prohibited.

 Crane assembly/disassembly inside Table 4 is prohibited.

 Non-Exempt Crane Exempt Excavator Excavator Forklift W/O Forklift W
Crane 52900-53300 W /rigging W/O rigging attachment hook winch

Crane Follow Follow

Certification Yes N/A EXEMPT EXEMPT 296-863 296-863
Operator Follow Follow
Certification Yes N/A EXEMPT EXEMPT 296-863 296-863
**Qualified When When When When When When
Rigger ** Required Required Required Required Required Required
53306 296-155-55600(1) 296-155-55600(1) 296-155-55600(1) 296-155-55600(1) 296-155-55600(1) 296-155-55600(1)

**Qualified When When When

Signal Required Required EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT Required
Person ** 296-155-53406(1) 296-155-53406(1) 296-155-53406(1)
53302
Power Line
296-155 Applicable Applicable EXEMPT EXEMPT EXEMPT Applicable
Part L
Power Line
296-155 N/A N/A Applicable Applicable Applicable N/A
Part I
Operator
Power Lines
Certification 296-155-Part L or Part I

Equipment
Certification

Qualified Rigger
Qualified Signal Person
(Part L 53306)
(Part L 53302)
? ?
Power Lines Operator
296-155-Part L or Part I Certification Qualified Rigger
(Part L 53306)
Equipment ?
Qualified Signal Person Certification
(Part L 53302)
?

863
Responsibilities: Duties of Assigned Personnel
 Crane Owner: has custodial control of the crane by
virtue of lease or ownership
 Crane User: arranges the crane’s presence on a
worksite and controls its use there
 Site Supervisor: exercises supervisory control over
the work site on which a crane is being used and over
the work that is being performed on that site
 Lift Director: directly oversees the work being
performed by a crane and the associated rigging crew
 Crane Operator: directly controls the crane’s
function
Assembly/Disassembly
 Assembly/Disassembly
 Crane assembly or disassembly must be
controlled by an Assembly/Disassembly (A/D)
Director
 Must comply with:
– Manufacturer procedures,
or
– Employer procedures, which must be
developed by a qualified
person.
 Assembly/Disassembly
 Preassembly inspection.
– Prior to assembling crane components or attachments
the A/D director must visually inspect the components
and attachments to ensure:
• Sound physical condition
• Meet manufacturer’s recommendations
• Functional per manufacturer's recommendations
 Documentation of this inspection must remain at
the job site while the crane/derrick is in use.
Assembly/Disassembly Procedures
– Assembly/Disassembly procedures must address:
• Ways to prevent unintended dangerous movement or
collapse of any part of the equipment;
• Adequate support and stability of all parts of the equipment;
and
• Positioning employees involved in the assembly/disassembly
operation that will minimize their exposure to unintended
movement or collapse of the equipment.
– The A/D director must follow any manufacturer
prohibitions that apply to the assembly/disassembly
operation.
Assembly/Disassembly Director
 Crane assembly or disassembly must be controlled by
an Assembly/Disassembly Director.

 An assembly/disassembly director is an individual

who meets the criteria for both a competent person
and a qualified person, or by a competent person
who is assisted by one or more qualified persons.

 The A/D director must know & understand the

applicable assembly/disassembly procedures. 
Assembly/Disassembly Director

 The A/D director must ensure that the crew

members understand all of the following:
– Their tasks
– The hazards associated with their tasks
– The hazardous positions & locations that they need
to avoid
Assembly/Disassembly Director
 Assembly/Disassembly Director must cover
12 Key Hazards with their crew:
1. Adequate site and ground conditions
2. Sufficient blocking for load and stability
3. Suitable boom and jib pick points
4. Identify center of gravity
5. Stability for pin removal
6. Consider wind speed and weather
Assembly/Disassembly Director
 12 Key Hazards (continued):
7. The suitability of blocking material
8. Verification of the loads for assist cranes
9. Snagging of cables or components
10. Struck by counterweights
11. Boom hoist brake failure
12. Loss of backwards stability
Personnel Lifting Platforms 296-155-547
 20 Pages
 Personnel Lift Design
 Personnel Lifting Hoisting Equipment
 Crane Derrick Requirements
 Inspections (Platform and Cranes)
 Lift proof Load Tests
 Trial Lift
 Crane Operation Requirements
 Employer’s Responsibilities
 Personnel Lift Supervisor’s Responsibilities
 Lifting Personnel
Rigging 296-155-556 - 562
 70 Pages
 Slings
– Chain
– Wire Rope
– Metal Mesh
– Synthetic Rope Slings, Web Slings, Round Slings
 Includes
– Design
– Maintenance & Repair
– Testing
– Use
Rigging 296-155-556 - 562
 Rigging Hardware
– Shackles
– Turnbuckles
– Eyebolts & Eye Nuts
– Swivel Hoist Rings
– Wire Rope Clips
– Wedge Sockets

 Includes
– Design
– Maintenance & Repair
– Testing
– Operation
Rigging 296-155-556 - 562
 Lifting Device by Types
– Structural & Mechanical Lifters
– Vacuum Lifters
– Lifting Magnets
– Grapples
 Includes
– Design
– Maintenance & Repair
– Testing
– Operation
 Questions?

Chuck Lemon
360-902-4669
Lemc235@Lni.wa.gov