(1) Size of load. You must ensure that the crane is not loaded beyond its rated load except for test purposes as provided in WAC 296-24-23521.

(2) Attaching the load.

(a) You must ensure that the hoist chain or hoist rope is free from kinks or twists and is not be wrapped around the load.

(b) The load must be attached to the load block hook by means of slings or other approved devices.

(c) You must take care to make certain that the sling clears all obstacles.

(3) Moving the load.

(a) You must ensure that 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.

(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 cranes are not used for side pulls except when specifically authorized by a responsible person who has determined that the stability of the crane is not thereby endangered and that various parts of the crane will not be overstressed.

(e) While any employee is on the load or hook, you must ensure that there is no hoisting, lowering, or traveling.

(f) The employer must require that the operator avoid carrying loads over people.

(g) The operator must test the brakes each time a load approaching the rated load is handled. You must test the brakes by raising the load a few inches and applying the brakes.

(h) The load must not be lowered below the point where less than two full wraps of rope remain on the hoisting drum.

(i) When two or more cranes are used to lift a load one qualified responsible person must be in charge of the operation. The qualified person must analyze the operation and instruct all personnel involved in the proper positioning, rigging of the load, and the movements to be made.

(j) The employer must assure that the operator does not leave the control position while the load is suspended.

(k) When starting the bridge and when the load or hook approaches near or over personnel, you must sound the warning signal.

(4) Hoist limit switch.

(a) At the beginning of each operator's shift, the operator must try out the upper limit switch of each hoist under no load. Extreme care must be exercised; the block must be "inched" into the limit or run in at slow speed. If the switch does not operate properly, the appointed person must be immediately notified.

(b) You must never use the hoist limit switch which controls the upper limit of travel of the load block as an operating control.