This rule adoption moves the rigging requirements for material handling equipment to a separate part under WAC 296-155 Part F-1. The rigger qualification requirements for material handling will be changed to be more consistent with the previous rigger qualifications for material handling equipment, eliminating the requirement for written and practical testing for riggers to be considered qualified when conducting rigging on material handling equipment. This rule language also includes the following changes: extending the date by which the requirement relating to written and practical testing requirements for qualified riggers is effective under WAC 296-155 Part L; the addition of language to be at least as effective as the federal rule; and clarification of the scope of the rule to include personnel lifting with attached or suspended platforms using cranes or derricks (WAC 296-155-547). The changes were adopted 12/31/2012 and became effective on 2/1/2013.658.

The department is repealing two sections in Chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L. The two sections being repealed are: (1) WAC 296-155-526, Crane attached personnel platforms; and (2) WAC 296-155-528, Crane or derrick suspended personnel platforms. These sections should have been repealed in the recent adoption of the Cranes Phase II filing, which was adopted on December 20, 2011 (WSR 12-01-086). These sections are now covered under the personnel lifting requirements located in WAC 296-155-547 through 296-155-55405. The department is also changing the title of Chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L, from “Cranes, Derricks, Hoists, Elevators, and Conveyors” to “Cranes, Rigging, and Personnel Lifting.” The changes were adopted 4/17/2012 and became effective on 5/18/2012.646.

This rule adoption is to address the requirements that employers must follow with regard to inspection, maintenance, and operation of cranes used in the construction industry. It also includes updates to current rigging and personnel lifting requirements. RCWs 49.17.400 through 49.17.440 require L&I to establish by rule a crane certification program for cranes used in the construction industry and to establish requirements that must be met to be considered a qualified crane operator. In addition, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) adopted their final rule. L&I’s rule adoption includes requirements OSHA has in their rule in order for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to be at least as effective as the federal rule. The changes were adopted 12/20/2011 and became effective on 2/1/2012.532.

In 2007, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) began working with a fall protection stakeholder group to consolidate the fall protection requirements located in Chapter 296-155 WAC, Safety Standards for Construction Work, into one coherent set of requirements. DOSH is merging Parts C-1 and K, creating one location where fall protection requirements would be located for construction. In addition, DOSH asked the stakeholder group to help identify any technical changes needed due to industry developments and to ensure that any gap in current fall protection requirements would be addressed and rectified by this rule update. Throughout the process, clear and concise language in the proposal was a focal point. The changes were adopted 2/4/2013 and became effective on 4/1/2013.662.