Chapter 296-56 - Part G - Personal Protection - Safety Standards: Longshore, Stevedore and Related Waterfront Operations

(1) (a) When employees perform work hazardous to the eyes, the employer shall provide eye protection equipment that complies with ANSI Z87.1, American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection, edition 1989, revision 1998, or edition 2003.

Employers may provide alternate eye and face protection if they can demonstrate such devices are at least as effective as those constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards.

(b) For employees wearing corrective spectacles, eye protection equipment required by (a) of this subsection shall be of a type which can be worn over spectacles. Prescription ground safety lenses may be substituted if they provide equivalent protection.

(c) For additional requirements covering eye protection against radiant energy, see WAC 296-56-60235(8).

(2) Eye protection equipment shall be maintained in good condition.

(3) Used eye protection equipment shall be cleaned and disinfected before reissuance to another employee.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 10-09-088 (Order 10-04), § 296-56-60109, filed 04/20/10, effective 06/01/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60109, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60109, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60109, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60109, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60110 Respiratory protection.

The respiratory protection requirements of chapter 296-842 WAC, Respirators apply.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 05-03-093 (Order 04-41), § 296-56-60110, filed 01/18/05, effective 03/01/05. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60110, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60110, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60111 Head protection.

(1) Employees exposed to impact, falling or flying objects, or electric shocks or burns shall wear protective hats.

(2) The employer must ensure that all protective helmets comply with one of the following consensus standards:

• ANSI Z89.1-2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection.

• ANSI Z89.1, 1997, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection.

• ANSI Z89.1-1986, American National Standard for Personnel Protection--Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers--Requirements.

Employers may use alternate head protection if they can demonstrate such devices are at least as effective as those constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards.

(3) Protective hats previously worn shall be cleaned and disinfected before issuance by the employer to another employee.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 10-09-088 (Order 10-04), § 296-56-60111, filed 04/20/10, effective 06/01/10. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60111, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60111, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60111, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60113 Foot protection.

(1) The employer shall ensure that each affected employee wears protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects or objects piercing the sole.

(2) The employer must ensure that all protective footwear complies with one of the following consensus standards:

• ASTM F-2412-2005, Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection, and ASTM F-2413-2005, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear.

• ANSI Z41-1999, American National Standard for Personal Protection--Protective Footwesr.

• ANSI X41-1991, American National Standard for Personal Protection--Protective Footwear.

Employers may use alternate footwear if they can demonstrate it is at least as effective as those constructed in accordance with one of the above consensus standards.

(3) The employer shall, through means such as vendors or local stores, make safety shoes readily available to all employees.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 10-09-088 (Order 10-04), § 296-56-60113, filed 04/20/10, effective 06/01/10. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17.040 RCW. 99-02-024 (Order 98-16), § 296-56-60113, filed 12/30/98, effective 03/30/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60113, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60113, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60115 Other protective measures.

(1) Protective clothing.

(a) Employees performing work that requires special protective clothing shall be directed by the employer to wear the necessary special protective clothing.

(b) When necessary, protective clothing previously worn shall be cleaned and disinfected before reissuance.

(2) Personal flotation devices.

(a) The employer shall provide, and shall direct the wearing of personal flotation devices for those employees, such as line handlers, who are engaged in work in which they may be pulled into the water:

(i) When such employees are working in isolation: or

(ii) Where physical limitations of available working space creates a hazard of falling into the water; or

(iii) Where the work area is obstructed by cargo or other obstacles so as to prevent employees from obtaining safe footing for their work.

(b) Employees working on, over or along water, where the danger of drowning exists, shall be provided with and shall wear approved personal flotation devices.

(i) Employees are not considered exposed to the danger of drowning when:

(A) Working behind standard height and strength guardrails;

(B) Working inside operating cabs or stations which eliminate the possibility of accidental falling into the water;

(C) Wearing approved safety belts with lifeline attached so as to preclude the possibility of falling into the water.

(ii) Prior to and after each use, personal flotation devices shall be inspected for defects which would reduce their designed effectiveness. Defective personal flotation devices shall not be used.

(iii) To meet the requirement of (b) of this subsection, a personal flotation device shall be approved by the United States Coast Guard as a Type I PFD, Type II PFD, Type III PFD, or Type V PFD, or equivalent, pursuant to 46 CFR 160 (Coast Guard Lifesaving Equipment Specifications) and 33 CFR 175.23 (Coast Guard Table of Devices Equivalent to Personal Flotation Devices).

(c) Life rings.

(i) Along docks, walkways or other fixed installations on or adjacent to open water more than five feet deep, approved life rings with line attached shall be provided. The life rings shall be spaced at intervals not to exceed two hundred feet and shall be kept in easily visible and readily accessible locations.

(ii) When employees are assigned work at other casual locations where exposure to drowning exists, at least one approved life ring with line attached shall be provided in the immediate vicinity of the work.

(iii) Work assigned over water where the vertical drop from an accidental fall exceeds fifty feet, is subject to specific procedures approved by the department.

(iv) Lines attached to life rings shall be at least ninety feet (27.43 m) in length, at least one-quarter inch in diameter and have a minimum breaking strength of five hundred pounds.

(v) Life rings must be United States Coast Guard approved thirty inch size (76.2 cm).

(vi) Life rings and attached lines must be maintained to retain at least seventy-five percent of their designed buoyancy and strength.

(3) Emergency facilities. When employees are exposed to hazardous substances which may require emergency bathing, eye washing or other facilities, the employer shall provide such facilities and maintain them in good working order.

(4) Employers shall instruct employees to report every injury, regardless of severity, to the employer.

(5) Stretchers.

(a) There shall be available for each vessel being worked, one Stokes basket stretcher, or its equivalent, permanently equipped with bridles for attaching to the hoisting gear.

(b) Stretchers shall be kept close to vessels and shall be positioned to avoid damage to the stretcher.

(c) A blanket or other suitable covering shall be available.

(d) Stretchers shall have at least four sets of effective patient restraints in operable condition.

(e) Lifting bridles shall be of adequate strength, capable of lifting 1,000 pounds (454 kg) with a safety factor of five, and shall be maintained in operable condition. Lifting bridles shall be provided for making vertical patient lifts at container berths. Stretchers for vertical lifts shall have foot plates.

(f) Stretchers shall be maintained in operable condition. Struts and braces shall be inspected for damage. Wire mesh shall be secured and have no burrs. Damaged stretchers shall not be used until repaired.

(g) Stretchers in permanent locations shall be mounted to prevent damage and shall be protected from the elements if located out-of-doors. If concealed from view, closures shall be marked to indicate the location of the life saving equipment.

(6) Telephone or equivalent means of communication shall be readily available.

(7) Employees working on any bridge or structure leading to a detached vessel berthing installation shall wear United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices except where protected by railings, nets, or safety belts and lifelines.

(8) Life ladders. On all docks there shall be substantial built-in place ladders, spaced at intervals not to exceed four hundred feet, to reach the lowest water use. When portable ladders are to be used, ladders may be bolted to the bull rail or dock structure, or ladders can be secured to an embedded eye bolt in a concrete dock surface. The immediate area where such ladders or fastenings are located shall be painted with a bright color or of a color which contrasts with the surrounding area. There shall be a ladder at each end of the dock.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 09-15-144 (Order 09-03), § 296-56-60115, filed 07/21/09, effective 09/01/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 04-11-066 (Order 04-07), § 296-56-60115, filed 05/18/04, effective 07/01/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60115, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17.040 RCW. 99-02-024 (Order 98-16), § 296-56-60115, filed 12/30/98, effective 03/30/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60115, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60115, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60115, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60115, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60116 Payment for protective equipment.

(1) Except as provided by subsections (2) through (6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.

(2) The employer is not required to pay for nonspecialty safety-toe protective footwear (including steel-toe shoes or steel-toe boots) and nonspecialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job site.

(3) When the employer provides metatarsal guards and allows the employee, at his or her request, to use shoes or boots with built-in metatarsal protection, the employer is not required to reimburse the employee for the shoes or boots.

(4) The employer is not required to pay for:

(a) Everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or

(b) Ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from the weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen.

(5) The employer must pay for replacement PPE, except when the employee has lost or intentionally damaged the PPE.

(6) Where an employee provides adequate protective equipment he or she owns, the employer may allow the employee to use it and is not required to reimburse the employee for that equipment. The employer shall not require an employee to provide or pay for his or her own PPE, unless the PPE is excepted by subsection (2) through (6) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050, and .060. 09-05-071 (Order 08-35), § 296-56-60116, filed 02/17/09, effective 04/01/09.]

WAC 296-56-60117 Maintenance and load limits.

(1) The structural integrity of docks, piers, wharves, terminals and working surfaces shall be maintained.

(2) Maximum safe load limits, in pounds per square foot (kilograms per square meter), of floors elevated above ground level, and pier structures over the water shall be conspicuously posted in all cargo areas.

Exception: Pier structures used primarily for vehicle traffic may be posted in maximum pounds per axle weight.

(3) Maximum safe load limits shall not be exceeded.

(4) All walking and working surfaces in the terminal area shall be maintained in good repair.

(5) All steel plates, boards, etc., used to temporarily cover small holes or weakened surfaces shall be secured in such a manner as to prevent movement.

(6) All large openings or weakened surfaces shall be barricaded on all exposed sides with barricades equipped with blinkers, flashing lights, or reflectors.

(7) Areas around bitts or cleats where workers perform their duties shall be lighted as required in this section and have a nonslip surface around each bitt or cleat.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60117, filed 1/17/86; 85-10-004 (Order 85-09), § 296-56-60117, filed 4/19/85; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60117, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60119 Protection from falling.

Employees doing maintenance work on cranes, spouts or similar types of equipment, eight feet or more above the ground or surface and not in an area that is protected by any standard safeguards such as walkways with standard railings, or ladders with protective cages, shall wear a safety belt and lanyard which can be attached to the structure.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60119, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60119, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60121 Minimum safety requirements for docks and dock facilities.

No provision of this section shall be construed to imply that an employer or employees are responsible for repair, construction or otherwise bringing into compliance facilities over which they have no control.

(1) Working prohibited on unsafe docks or dock facilities. Employers shall not allow employees to perform work on docks or dock facilities which the employer should know do not meet the minimum safety requirements of this section.

(2) Known unsafe conditions by employees. Employees shall not work on docks or dock facilities which they should know do not meet the minimum safety requirements of this section.

(3) Bulletin boards. At each dock, pier, warehouse or designated area at the job site, there shall be installed a safety bulletin board.

(4) Posting of notices. It shall be the responsibility of the employer to post at prominent places in or adjacent to the work area, legible notices stating:

(a) The location of stretchers, blankets, first-aid equipment and telephones. (Where possible, directional arrows should point to locations.)

(b) The phone numbers of doctors, ambulance services and hospitals within the area and the phone numbers of the police department or other law enforcement agency. (Where possible these numbers shall also be posted on or inside the cover of first-aid cabinets and kits.)

(5) Ventilation. All areas where employees are required to work shall be ventilated as required by the “general occupational health standards, chapter 296-62 WAC.

(6) Power outlets. Power outlets installed to supply power to vessels shall be located in such a manner that the workers will not come into contact with supply lines. Unprotected power lines shall not be driven over by equipment. If located on the underside or waterside of the bull rail, a well lighted walkway with hand rails shall be provided to the power outlets.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60121, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60121, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60122 Access to vessels.

(1) Access to vessels. The employer shall not permit employees to board or leave any vessel, except a barge or river towboat, until the following requirements have been met:

(a) Whenever practical a gangway of not less than twenty inches wide walking surface of adequate strength, maintained and secured shall be used. If a gangway is not practical a substantial straight ladder, extending at least thirty-six inches above the upper landing surface and adequately secured against shifting or slipping shall be provided. When conditions are such that neither a gangway nor a straight ladder can be used, a Jacob's ladder meeting the requirements of subsection (4) of this section may be used.

(b) Each side of such gangway, and the turn table if used, shall have a railing with a minimum height of thirty-three inches measured perpendicularly from rail to walking surface at the stanchion, and a mid rail. Rails shall be of wood, pipe, chain, wire or rope and shall be kept taut at all times.

(c) Gangways on vessels inspected and certified by the United States Coast Guard are deemed to meet the foregoing requirements, except in cases where the vessel's regular gangway is not being used.

(d) The gangway shall be kept properly trimmed at all times.

(e) When a fixed tread accommodation ladder is used, and the angle is low enough to require employees to walk on the edge of the treads, cleated duckboards shall be laid over and secured to the ladder.

(f) When the lower end of a gangway overhangs the water between the ship and the dock in such a manner that there is danger of employees falling between the ship and the dock, a net or other suitable protection shall be rigged at the foot of the gangway in such a manner as to prevent employees from falling from the end of the gangway into the water or into the surface.

(g) If the foot of the gangway is more than one foot away from the edge of the apron, the space between them shall be bridged by a firm walkway equipped with railings, with a minimum height of thirty-three inches with midrails on both sides.

(h) Supporting bridles shall be kept clear so as to permit unobstructed passage for employees using the gangway.

(i) When the upper end of the means of access rests on or flush with the top of the bulwark, substantial steps properly secured and equipped with at least one substantial handrail approximately thirty-three inches in height shall be provided between the top of the bulwark and the deck.

(j) Obstructions shall not be laid on or across the gangway.

(k) The means of access shall be illuminated for its full length.

(l) Unless construction of the vessel makes it impossible, the means of access shall be so located that drafts of cargo do not pass over it. Loads shall not be passed over the means of access while employees are on it.

(2) Access to vessels in dry dock or between vessels. Gangways meeting the requirements of subsection (1)(a), (b), (i), (j) and (k) of this section shall be provided for access from wing wall to vessel or, when two or more vessels other than barges or river towboats are lying abreast, from one vessel to another.

(3) Access to barges and river towboats.

(a) Ramps for access of vehicles to or between barges shall be of adequate strength, provided with side boards, well maintained and properly secured.

(b) Unless employees can step safely to or from the wharf, float, barge, or river towboat, a ramp meeting the requirements of subsection (1)(a) of this section shall be provided. When a walkway is impractical, a substantial straight ladder, extending at least thirty-six inches above the upper landing surface and adequately secured against shifting or slipping, shall be provided. When conditions are such that neither a walkway nor a straight ladder can be used, a Jacob's ladder meeting the requirements of subsection (4) of this section may be used.

(c) The means of access shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(i), (j), and (k) of this section.

(4) Jacob's ladders.

(a) Jacob's ladders shall be of the double rung or flat tread type. They shall be well maintained and properly secured.

(b) A Jacob's ladder shall either hang without slack from its lashings or be pulled up entirely.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60122, filed 1/17/86.]

WAC 296-56-60123 Guarding of edges.

(1) Vehicle protection.

(a) Vehicle curbs, bull rails, or other effective barriers at least six inches (15.24 cm) in height and six inches in width, shall be provided at the waterside edges of aprons and bulkheads, except where vehicles are prohibited. Curbs or bull rails installed after January 1, 1985, shall be at least ten inches (22.9 cm) in height.

(b) The provisions of (a) of this subsection also apply at the edge of any fixed level above the common floor area from which vehicles may fall, except at loading docks, platforms and skids where cargo is moved by vehicles.

(2) Employee protection.

(a) Guardrails shall be provided at locations where employees are exposed to falls of more than four feet from floor or wall openings or waterside edges, including bridges or gangway-like structures leading to pilings, vessel mooring or berthing installations.

(b) Guardrails are not required:

(i) At loading platforms and docks;

(ii) At waterside edges used for cargo or mooring line handling;

(iii) On the working sides of work platforms, skids, or similar workplaces which abut the work area; or

(iv) On railroad rolling stock, highway vehicles, intermodal containers, or similar equipment.

(c) Where guardrails are impractical due to machinery requirements or work processes, an alternate means of fall protection, such as nets, shall be used.

(3) Criteria for guardrails. Guardrails shall meet the following criteria:

(a) They shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least two hundred pounds (890 N) applied in any direction at mid-span of the top rail (when used), or at the uppermost point if there is no guard rail.

(b) If not of solid baluster, grillwork, slatted, or similar construction, guardrails shall consist of top rails and midrails. Midrails, when used, shall be positioned at approximately half the height of the top rail.

(c) The top surface of guardrails installed before October 3, 1983, shall be at least thirty-six inches (.091 m) high. Those installed after October 3, 1983, shall be forty-two inches (1.07 m) high, plus or minus two inches (5.1 cm), high.

(d) Any nonrigid railing such as chain or wire rope shall have a maximum sag, at the mid-point between posts, of not more than six inches (15.24 cm).

(e) Top rails shall be free of sharp edges and maintained in good repair.

(f) Rail ends shall not overhang. This does not prohibit scrollwork, boxed ends or similar nonhazardous projections.

(4) Toeboards. Toeboards shall be provided when employees below could be exposed to falling objects such as tools. Toeboards shall be at least three and one-half inches (8.9 cm) in height from top edge to floor level, and be capable of withstanding a force of fifty pounds (222 N) applied in any direction. Drainage clearance not in excess of one-eighth inch under toeboards is permitted.

(5) Stair railings. Stair railings shall be capable of withstanding a force of at least two hundred pounds (890 N) applied in any direction, and shall not be more than thirty-six inches (0.91 m) nor less than thirty-two inches (0.81 m) in height from the upper top rail surface to the tread surface in line with the leading edge of the tread. Railings and midrails shall be provided at any stairway having four or more risers, as follows:

(a) For stairways less than forty-four inches (1.12 m) wide, at least one railing; and

(b) For stairways more than forty-four inches (1.12 m) but less than eighty-eight inches (2.24 m) wide, a stair rail or handrail on each side, and if eighty-eight or more inches wide, an additional intermediate handrail.

(6) Condition. Railings shall be maintained free of sharp edges and in good repair.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60123, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17.040 RCW. 99-02-024 (Order 98-16), § 296-56-60123, filed 12/30/98, effective 03/30/99. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60123, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60123, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60123, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60125 Clearance heights.

Clearance heights shall be prominently posted where the height is insufficient for vehicles or equipment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60125, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60125, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60127 Cargo doors.

(1) Mechanically operated cargo doors.

(a) Cargo door counterweights shall be guarded.

(b) Lift trucks and cranes shall not be used to move mechanically operated doors except when necessary during repair to the doors. Ropes or other guarding shall be provided to prevent entry into any area if the door may fall or slide.

(c) Vertically operated doors partially opened for work or ventilation shall be secured to prevent accidental closing.

(2) Tackle operated cargo doors.

(a) Doors shall be connected to their lifting tackle with shackles or other secure means.

(b) Lifting bridles and tackles shall have a safety factor of five, based upon maximum anticipated static loading conditions.

(c) Devices shall be provided to hold overhead doors in the open position and to secure them when closed.

(d) Lifting gear and hardware shall be maintained in safe condition.

(e) Lifting ropes shall be placed out of the work area and off the floor.

(3) Horizontal sliding.

(a) Horizontal sliding door rollers shall be constructed to prevent the door from disengaging from overhead tracks.

(b) Sliding doors shall be secured to prevent them from swinging.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60127, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60127, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60129 Platforms and skids.

(1) Platforms and skids extending from piers, transit sheds or lofts and used for landing or hooking drafts shall be provided with guardrails meeting the requirements of WAC 296-56-60123(3) on all open sides. Alternate means, such as nets or safety belts and lifelines, may be used if guardrails are impractical.

(2) Any employee working below a second-story platform or skid shall be protected from falling objects.

(3) Platforms and skids shall be strong enough to bear the loads handled and shall be maintained in safe condition. Safe working loads, which shall be posted or marked on or adjacent to platforms and skids, shall have a minimum safety factor of five for all parts, based upon maximum anticipated static loading conditions and the ultimate strength of the construction material.

(4) The employer shall provide and maintain platform and skid attachments that will prevent accidental movement of the skid or platform.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60129, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60129, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60131 Elevators and escalators.

(1) “Elevator” means a permanent hoisting and lowering mechanism with a car or platform moving vertically in guides and serving two or more floors of a structure. The term excludes such devices as conveyors, tiering or piling machines, material hoists, skip or furnace hoists, wharf ramps, lift bridges, car lifts, and dumpers.

(2) “Escalator” means a power-driven continuous moving stairway principally intended for the use of persons.

(3) No elevator or escalator with a defect which affects safety shall be used.

(4) Elevator safety devices shall not be overridden or made inoperable.

(5) Elevators and escalators shall be thoroughly inspected at intervals not exceeding one year. Additional monthly inspections for satisfactory operation shall be conducted by designated persons. Records of the results of the latest annual elevator inspections shall be posted in elevators. Records of annual escalator inspections shall be posted in the vicinity of the escalator or be available at the terminal.

(6) Elevator landing openings shall be provided with doors, gates, or equivalent protection, which shall be in place when the elevator is not at that landing, to prevent employees from falling into the shaft.

(7) The elevator or escalator maximum load limits shall be posted and shall not be exceeded. Elevator load limits shall be posted conspicuously both inside and outside of the car.

(8) Elevators shall be operated only by designated persons except for automatic or door interlocking elevators which provide full shaft door closing and automatic car leveling.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-56-60131, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60131, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60131, filed 12/11/84.]

WAC 296-56-60133 Manlifts.

(1) Inspection. Manlifts shall be inspected monthly by a designated person. Safety switches shall be checked weekly. Manlifts found to be unsafe shall not be operated until repaired. Inspections shall include at least the following:

(a) Step fastenings;

(b) Rails;

(c) Rail supports and fastenings;

(d) Roller and slides;

(e) Belt and belt tension;

(f) Handholds and fastenings;

(g) Floor landings;

(h) Guardrails;

(i) Lubrication;

(j) Safety switches;

(k) Warning signs and lights;

(l) Illumination;

(m) Drive pulley;

(n) Bottom (boot) pulley and clearance;

(o) Pulley supports;

(p) Motor;

(q) Drive mechanism;

(r) Brake;

(s) Electrical switches;

(t) Vibration and misalignment;

(u) “Skip” on up or down run when mounting the step (indicating worn gears); and

(v) Emergency exit ladders.

(2) Inspection records. Inspection records shall be kept for at least one year. The record of the most recent inspection shall be posted in the vicinity of the manlift or in the terminal.

(3) Emergency stop. An emergency stop device shall be available within easy reach from any position on the belt.

(4) Instructions. Manlift use instructions shall be conspicuously posted.

(5) Top floor warning sign and light. An illuminated sign and red light that are visible to the user shall be provided under the top floor opening of the manlift to warn the user to get off at that floor.

(6) Bottom floor warning sign. A sign visible to descending passengers shall be provided to warn them to get off at the bottom floor.

(7) Upper limit stop. An automatic stop device shall be provided to stop the manlift when a loaded step passes the top landing, except that manlifts installed after October 3, 1983, shall have two such devices.

(8) Handholds and steps. Each step shall be provided with a corresponding handhold.

(9) Emergency ladder. A fixed emergency ladder accessible from any position on the lift and meeting the requirements of WAC 296-56-60209 shall be provided for the entire run of the manlift.

(10) Landings.

(a) Clear and unobstructed landing spaces shall be provided at each level. Manlifts constructed after October 3, 1983, that have a distance of fifty feet (15.24 m) or more between floor landings shall have an emergency landing every twenty-five feet (7.62 m) or less of manlift travel.

(b) Open sides of emergency landings shall be protected by guardrails.

(c) Floor landing entrances and exits shall be guarded by mazes, self-closing gates, or equivalent protection.

(d) Landings shall be of sufficient size and strength to support two hundred fifty pounds (1112 N).

(11) Floor opening guards. The ascending sides of manlift floor openings shall be provided with cones or bevel guards to direct the user through the openings.

(12) Maintenance. Manlifts shall be equipped, maintained, and used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications, which shall be available at the terminal.

(13) Bottom pulley.

(a) The lower pulley shall be supported by the lowest landing.

(b) Sides of the bottom pulley support shall be guarded to prevent contact with the pulley or the steps.

(14) Top clearance. A clearance of at least eleven feet (3.35 m) shall be provided between the top landing and the ceiling.

(15) Brakes. Manlifts shall be equipped with brakes that are:

(a) Self-engaging;

(b) Electrically released; and

(c) Capable of stopping and holding the manlift when the descending side is loaded with the maximum rated load.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, .040, .050. 00-21-103 (Order 00-16), § 296-56-60133, filed 10/18/00, effective 02/01/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 86-03-064 (Order 86-02), § 296-56-60133, filed 1/17/86; 85-01-022 (Order 84-24), § 296-56-60133, filed 12/11/84.]

Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Rules & Policies

Longshore, Stevedore and Waterfront Related Operations

Personal Protection