Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: There is a need for updates to some of the tow standards to update language regarding the requirements for the application for letter of appointment and minimum tow truck equipment standards and provide clarifying language.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 204-91A-060 and 204-91A-170.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 10-19-095 on September 20, 2010.

     Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 204-91A-060(5) was amended changing "will" to "may" for refusal of an applicant for a misdemeanor.

     Other minor edits were made to WAC 204-91A-060 as well.

     WAC 204-91A-170 (6)(j) and (10)(i) were amended to allow for a grade 7 chain.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: October 28, 2010.

John R. Batiste

Chief

OTS-3635.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 09-09-118, filed 4/21/09, effective 5/22/09)

WAC 204-91A-060   Application and qualifications for letter of appointment.   (1) An application must be approved and a letter of appointment issued by the patrol before an operator is authorized to provide towing services for the patrol pursuant to this chapter. However, nothing herein prohibits the patrol from calling ((the)) a towing business upon the specific request of a person responsible for a vehicle or his/her agent.

     (((1) Who must complete the application?)) (2) An application for letter of appointment must be completed by:

Type of business	Who must complete the application
Tow company	((Operator/owner)) Owner/operator
Partnership	Each partner
Corporation	The patrol may require each of the present and subsequent officers, managers, and stakeholders holding 10% or more of the total issued stock to complete an application.

     (((2) What is required on the application?

     (a) In order)) (3) To be issued a letter of appointment, the applicant(s) must:

     (((i) Fill out)) (a) Complete the application form provided by the patrol((.

     (ii))); and

     (b) Attach to the application a signed "letter of contractual agreement" listing the maximum tow rates to be charged for services resulting from state patrol originated calls; and

     (c) Satisfy the requirements contained in WAC 204-91A-070; and

     (d) Demonstrate through a letter included with the application that they have at least two years of experience within the towing industry, ((including which of the following requirement(s) apply)) or be granted a waiver if the owner/operator does not have the required two years experience.

     (i) The two years of experience must have been acquired within five years of the date of application. The two years of experience may be satisfied by demonstrating any of the following:

     (A) He or she has been a registered tow truck operator for a minimum of two years prior to the date of application with at least one approved "A" or "B" class tow truck, additional trucks are optional, and has a working knowledge of the paperwork requirements for impounds; or

     (B) He or she has worked as an employee of a tow company on the state patrol's rotational tow list and gained experience within the towing industry including, but not limited to, the operation of vehicles, complying with the state and federal standards and regulations, and processing of paperwork for auditing and other purposes; or

     (C) He or she will keep in place the existing management team/employees for a minimum of one year upon purchasing the business.

     (((iii) Be granted a waiver,)) (ii) If the owner/operator does not have the required two years experience, the owner/operator may be granted a waiver of this requirement. If the owner/operator is granted a waiver, ((they will remain on probation)) the letter of appointment may be granted on a probationary basis for a period of one year from the date of the waiver.

     (((iv) Attach to the application a signed "letter of contractual agreement" listing the maximum tow rates to be charged for services resulting from state patrol originated calls.

     (v) An exception may be made if an operator desires a letter of appointment for class "C" tows only. In such situations, only a class "C" truck is required.

     (vi) Upon request, the patrol will advise the applicant of the contents of the department's regulations and of the standards established for the issuance of a letter of appointment.

     (b))) (4) Upon receipt by the patrol of a completed application:

     (a) The district office must:

     (i) Complete the tow zone portion of the application form. The district commander or designee will enter "approved" or "disapproved" next to the zone designation and sign the form; and

     (ii) Forward the application and letter of contractual agreement to the section.

     (((c))) (b) The ((patrol)) section will assign the application a docket number which will be its permanent identification number for all matters relating to appointments, granted or denied, and any other correspondence with the patrol thereafter.

     (((3) When will an application be denied?

     (a))) (5) The patrol ((may)) will refuse to issue or may revoke a letter of appointment or contract if the applicant, partner, corporate officer involved in daily operations, or any employee who operates a tow truck, assists in vehicle auctions, or is involved in daily operations:

     (((i))) (a) Has been convicted of any of the following:

     (i) Any class A felony or any "sex offense" as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, regardless of the date of conviction; or

     (ii) ((Has been convicted of)) Any class B felony within the last ten years; or

     (iii) ((Has been convicted of)) Any class C felony within the last five years; or

     (iv) ((Has been convicted of)) A DUI, as defined in chapter 46.61 RCW, two or more times within the last five years; or

     (v) ((Has been convicted of)) Any gross misdemeanor within the last three years; or

     (vi) ((Has been convicted of any misdemeanor within the last year; or

     (vii))) (b) Must register as a sex offender((.

     (b) The term "conviction" as used in this section will have the same meaning as used in RCW 9.94A.030.

     (c) Crimes referenced in this section are as defined in the criminal code as they existed at the time of the violation, as they now exist or may later be amended in the state of Washington. Out- of-state convictions for offenses will be classified according to the comparable offense definitions and sentences provided by Washington law.

     (4) If an application is denied, when can a new application be submitted?)) or kidnapping offender; or

     (c) Has been granted a deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW for any gross misdemeanor within the last three years.

     (6) The patrol may refuse to issue or may revoke a letter of appointment or contract if the applicant, partner, corporate officer involved in daily operations, or any employee who operates a tow truck, assists in vehicle auctions, or is involved in daily operations:

     (a) Has been convicted of any misdemeanor within the last year; or

     (b) Has been granted a deferred prosecution under chapter 10.05 RCW for any misdemeanor within the last year.

     (7) The patrol may refuse to issue or may revoke a letter of appointment or contract if any applicant, partner or corporate officer involved in daily operations, or any employee who operates a tow truck or assists in vehicle auctions:

     (a) Has demonstrated a willful disregard for complying with ordinances, statutes, administrative rules or court orders, whether at the local, state or federal level; or

     (b) Fails to demonstrate character and general fitness sufficient to command the confidence of the patrol and warrant a belief that the business will be operated honestly, fairly and efficiently in the conduct of towing, impound, and vehicle auction activities. In determining character and general fitness, the patrol may consider:

     (i) Prior contacts with law enforcement; and

     (ii) Criminal record; and

     (iii) Reputation in the community; and

     (iv) Associations.

     (8) Only one application per year to tow on the ((Washington state patrol)) patrol's rotational tow list will be accepted and considered for an applicant who has had their previous application denied or had their letter or contract of appointment revoked. The year will run from the date of application denial or the date of revocation of the letter of ((appointment's revocation)) appointment.

     (9) The term "conviction" as used in this section will have the same meaning as used in RCW 9.94A.030.

     (10) Crimes referenced in this section are as defined in the criminal code as they existed at the time of the violation, as they now exist or may later be amended in the state of Washington. Out-of-state convictions for offenses will be classified according to the comparable offense definitions and sentences provided by Washington law.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 09-09-118, § 204-91A-060, filed 4/21/09, effective 5/22/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.115. 07-02-025A, § 204-91A-060, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-060, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 02-07-056, § 204-91A-060, filed 3/15/02, effective 4/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 97-08-021, § 204-91A-060, filed 3/25/97, effective 4/25/97; 94-18-083, § 204-91A-060, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.61.567. 89-21-044, § 204-91A-060, filed 10/13/89, effective 11/13/89. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-060, filed 6/23/89.]

     ((Equipment standards will be effective one year from the date of adoption.

     (1))) (2) Minimum standards:

     (a) All equipment used in conjunction with the tow truck winching system must be used in such a way as not to exceed the equipment working load limit. All equipment must comply with the Washington safety and health administration (WSHA) regulation if applicable.

     Industry standards set the working load limit of wire rope or equivalent material at one-fifth of the manufacturer's rated nominal or breaking strength.    

     (b) Each wire rope or equivalent material must be capable of being fully extended from and fully wound onto its drum. Each wire rope or equivalent material must meet the industry standards for specified type of use with equipment.

     OSHA (1410.179 (h)(2iiia)) requires no less than two wraps of rope remain on drum when rope is "fully extended." This is to ensure the full load never bears on the rope to drum connection.

     (c) The wire rope on each recovery class truck must be equivalent to a 6 x 19 or 6 x 37 "extra improved plowed steel" (XIP) independent wire rope center (IWRC), and must meet all industry standards for working load limit.

     (i) The operator must retain a receipt of purchase from the manufacturer indicating the type and WLL of wire rope, and document the type and date the wire rope was installed on each vehicle.

     (ii) Class "A," "D," and "E" trucks may utilize either IWRC or fiber core wire rope.

     (d) All wire rope must be in good working order. The following industry standards for out-of-service criteria will apply:

     (i) No more than six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or more than three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.

     (ii) Excessive abrasion causing the loss of more than one-third the original diameter of an outside individual wire.

     (iii) Evidence of rope deterioration from corrosion.

     (iv) Kinking, crushing, or other damage that results in detrimental distortion of the rope structure.

     (v) Any evidence of heat damage.

     (vi) Any marked reduction in diameter either along the entire main length or in one section.

     (vii) Unlaying or opening up of a tucked splice.

     (viii) Core protrusion along the entire length.

     (ix) End attachments that are cracked, deformed, worn, or loosened.

     (x) Any indication of strand or wire slippage in end attachments.

     (xi) More than one broken wire in the vicinity of fittings.

     (e) Wire rope end connections shall be swaged or, if clamped, must have a minimum of three forged clamps spaced a minimum of six rope diameters apart and attached with the base or saddle of the clamp against the longer or "live" end of the cable. The "U" bolt will be placed over the short or "dead" end of the rope and will be of the proper size for the cable being clamped.

     (i) Recovery or tow hooks must be installed, maintained, and used in the manner in which the manufacturer prescribes.

     (ii) Recovery or tow hooks must be replaced if the throat opening has increased beyond the manufacturer recommendations, the load bearing point has been worn by ten percent, or the hook is twisted by more than ten degrees.

     (iii) Wire rope clamps must be installed and torqued per manufacturer specifications.

     (f) All wire rope related equipment, sheaves, etc., must conform to the diameter of the wire rope being used or to the original tow truck equipment manufacturer specifications.

     (g) All winching equipment, booms, snatch blocks, etc., must have permanently affixed durable factory identification, stating the working load limit. If this identification has been removed or is no longer readable, it is criteria for placing the item out-of-service. Equipment may be reinspected by a recognized recertification company. If the equipment is acceptable, it may be reidentified with a working load limit and a recertification company identifier. It will be deemed acceptable if the operator maintains a copy of the certification of winching equipment provided the serial number on the equipment corresponds with the certification provided by the manufacturer.

     (h) Snatch block hooks that were manufactured with a retractable safety retention clip must have a functional clip installed.

     (i) All block and tackle equipment used in the winching system which shows signs of permanent deformation, significant wear or damage is criteria for placing the item out-of-service.

     (j) All "J" hook chain assemblies must be grade "7" chain or better.

     (k) Safety chains must only be used for the securing of vehicles to the truck. Must be minimum grade "7" chain or meet the original manufacturer's recommendations. Safety chain hooks that were manufactured with retractable safety retention clips must have a functional clip installed.

     (l) Comply with legal lighting, equipment, and license requirements.

     (m) Portable tail, stop, and turn signal lights for vehicles being towed. When in use, the lights must be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.

     (n) Have department of licensing registration and truck numbers painted or permanently affixed to both sides of the truck. Have firm's name, city of address, and phone number permanently affixed to both sides of the vehicle. Letters must be a minimum of three inches high with one-half inch strokes.

     (o) Have a revolving, strobe, or intermittent red light with three hundred sixty degrees visibility. Trucks may also be equipped with flashing amber and/or white lights which may be used in conjunction with the red lamps. Additionally, trucks must also be equipped with a warning light visible from the driver seat which is energized when the red revolving light or flashing amber lights are activated.

     (p) Have a broom, minimum twelve inches wide, with a handle at least four feet long.

     (q) Have a scoop type shovel, minimum seven inches wide, overall length minimum three feet long and a minimum of a three-gallon hard or solid sided receptacle (trash bags of any type will not meet this requirement) able to contain debris typically found at collision scenes without breaking.

     (r) Be maintained in a reasonably clean condition.

     (s) Have at least one steel pinch bar four feet long, tapered on one end and flattened on the other with a minimum diameter of three-quarters of an inch.

     (t) Have a two-way radio or mobile telephone ((system)) capable of communicating with a base station. A citizen band radio does not suffice. ((A mobile telephone system is acceptable provided that it)) The communication device must:

     (i) Be in proper working order and function correctly throughout the assigned tow areas for all towing operations including on call drivers.

     (ii) Be used in a lawful manner.

     (u) Have one 20 BC rated or two 10 BC rated fire extinguishers accessible and secured on or in the tow truck.

     (v) Axle weight must comply with the requirements of RCW 46.37.351.

     (w) Carry two gallons of absorbent material designed to and capable of absorbing a one-gallon liquid spill from a motor vehicle. For the purposes of this chapter, vehicular liquids consist of motor oil, antifreeze, transmission fluid, and gear oil.

     (((2))) (3) Class "A" tow trucks: Trucks that are capable of towing and recovery of passenger cars, pickup trucks, small trailers, or equivalent vehicles. Class "A" tow trucks must meet the requirements of subsection (((1))) (2)(a) through (w) of this section, and in addition must have:

     (a) A fourteen thousand five hundred pound minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

     (b) Dual tires on the rear axle.

     (c) A minimum of one hundred feet of three-eighths inch continuous length XIP wire rope on each drum, measured from the point of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (d) A minimum eight-ton boom rating with a single hydraulic boom. Dual winches to control a minimum of two service drums. ((Class "A" tow trucks currently in-service with those operators holding a current letter of appointment issued by the patrol not meeting the criteria listed in this section will be allowed to remain on the rotation with that company.))

     (e) A minimum of two snatch blocks rated at ((3.4)) 4.0 tons each.

     (f) A tow sling or other comparable device made of material and used in such manner so as to protect vehicles being towed or recovered.

     (g) A portable dolly or its equivalent for hauling vehicles not otherwise towable. The transported vehicle must be attached to the dolly or its equivalent with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (h) If equipped with a wheel lift system, it must have a fully extended working load rating of at least three thousand pounds and a seven thousand pound tow rated capacity. The transported vehicle must be attached to the wheel lift with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (i) A minimum of one ten-foot or two five-foot recovery chains used in the winching system and must be minimum grade "7" chain with matching fittings.

     (((3))) (j) Permanently affixed safety chains.

     (4) Class "B" tow trucks: Trucks that are capable of towing and/or recovery of medium size trucks, trailers, motor homes, or equivalent vehicles. Class "B" tow trucks must meet the requirements of subsection (((1))) (2)(a) through (w) of this section, and in addition must have:

     (a) Eighteen thousand pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

     (b) A minimum of one ((fourteen-ton)) twelve-ton single hydraulic boom with two independent winches and drums.

     (c) A minimum of one hundred feet of seven-sixteenths inch continuous length XIP IWRC wire rope on each drum, measured from points of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (d) A minimum of four standard release tools (caging stud assemblies).

     (e) A minimum of two snatch blocks rated at ((4.5)) 4.0 tons each.

     (f) A tow sling or other comparable device made of material and used in such manner so as to protect vehicles being towed or recovered.

     (g) A portable dolly or its equivalent for hauling vehicles not otherwise towable when the class "B" tow truck is being used for class "A" tows. The transported vehicle must be attached to the dolly or its equivalent with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (h) If equipped with a wheel lift system, it must have a fully extended working load limit of at least six thousand pounds and a twenty thousand pound tow rated capacity. The transported vehicle must be attached to the wheel lift with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (i) A minimum of one ten-foot or two five-foot one-half inch diameter recovery chains used in the winching system and must be grade "8" chain with matching fittings. ((Class "B" tow trucks currently in-service with those operators holding a current letter of appointment issued by the patrol not meeting the criteria listed in this section will be allowed to remain on the rotation with that company.

     (4))) (j) Permanently affixed safety chains.

     (5) Class "B-2" tow trucks: ((Are)) Trucks that are rated at over 30,000 GVWR with air brakes. Class "B-2" tow trucks must((:

     (a))) meet the requirements of subsection (((1))) (2)(a) through (w) of this section((.

     (b))), and in addition must have:

     (a) A minimum of one hundred fifty feet of seven-sixteenths inch continuous length XIP IWRC wire rope on each drum, measured from points of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (((c))) (b) A minimum of one fourteen-ton single hydraulic boom with two independent winches and drums.

     (c) A minimum of two snatch blocks rated at 6.0 tons each.

     (d) Air brakes and a system capable of supplying air to towed vehicles.

     (e) Permanently affixed safety chains.

     (f) Class "B-2" tow trucks must also meet the requirements of subsection (((3)(b),)) (4)(d), (((e),)) (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this section. ((Class "B-2" tow trucks currently in-service with those operators holding a current letter of appointment issued by the patrol not meeting the criteria listed in this section will be allowed to remain on the rotation with that company.

     (5))) (6) Class "C" tow trucks and class "C" rotator trucks: ((Are)) Trucks that are capable of towing and/or recovery of large trucks, trailers, buses, motor homes, or similar vehicles. Class "C" trucks must meet the requirements of subsection (((1))) (2)(a) through (w) of this section, and in addition must have:

     (a) A forty-six thousand pound manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

     (b) Tandem rear axle truck chassis (both drive axles).

     (c) A minimum of thirty-ton boom rating with a hydraulic boom. Dual winches to control a minimum of two service drums. ((Class "C" tow trucks currently in-service with those operators holding a current letter of appointment issued by the patrol not meeting the criteria listed in this section will be allowed to remain on the rotation with that company.))

     (d) A minimum of two hundred feet of five-eighths inch continuous length XIP IWRC wire rope on each drum measured from the point of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (e) Air brakes and a system capable of supplying air to towed vehicles.

     (f) A minimum of four standard release tools (caging stud assemblies).

     (g) ((If equipped with)) A wheel lift or underlift system, it must have a fully extended working load limit of at least twelve thousand pounds. The transported vehicle must be attached to the wheel lift or underlift with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (h) A minimum of one ten-foot or two five-foot five-eighths inch recovery chains used in the winching system and must be a minimum grade "8" chain with matching fittings.

     (i) Permanently affixed safety chains.

     (j) All chains must be a minimum of grade "7," except as otherwise specified in this section.

     (k) A tow sling or other comparable device used in such a manner as to protect the vehicle being towed or recovered.

     (((j))) (l) A minimum of two snatch blocks rated at ((eight)) 8.0 tons each.

     (((6))) (7) Class "D" tow trucks: Trucks that are equipped for and primarily used as "wheel lift" or nonrecovery trucks. Class "D" tow trucks must meet the requirements of subsection (((1))) (2)(a) through (w) of this section, and in addition must have:

     (a) A portable dolly or its equivalent for hauling vehicles not otherwise towable. The transported vehicle must be attached to the dolly or its equivalent with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (b) A wheel lift assembly with a fully extended manufacturer's working load limit of three thousand pounds and a seven thousand pound tow rated capacity. The transported vehicle must be attached to the wheel lift with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (((b))) (c) One winch and drum with one hundred feet of three-eighths inch XIP wire rope meeting class "A" requirements.

     (((c))) (d) One snatch block rated at 3.5 tons.

     (((d))) (e) A minimum of one five-foot recovery chain for use in the winching system and must be a minimum of grade "7" chain with matching fittings.

     (((7))) (f) Permanently affixed safety chains.

     (8) Class "E" tow trucks: Trucks that are primarily designed and intended to transport other vehicles by loading and carrying the transported vehicle entirely on the truck. These vehicles may be a flatbed, slide back, tilt bed, or rail design truck. Class "E" trucks, unless specifically factory equipped with a side recovery system, are not designed for vehicle recovery and therefore must not be used as a replacement for a class "A" truck unless specifically requested by the patrol.

     (a) Class "E" trucks must meet the requirements of subsection (((1))) (2)(a) through (w) of this section((.

     (a))), and in addition must have:

     (i) Four ((securing devices)) tiedowns with a minimum working load limit of three thousand four hundred pounds. The ((devices)) tiedowns must((:

     (A))) be grade "7" or stronger chain, wire rope, nylon strap, or steel strap.

     (((B) Have tie downs attached)) All four tiedowns must be used when securing a vehicle. The tiedowns must be affixed to the axle, tires, or frame ((member)) of the transported vehicle both front and rear. All tiedown ends must be affixed to the truck bed or rail in a manner that will prevent movement of the transported vehicle. Factory style "T" hook ((tie downs)) tiedowns may be used for front and rear securement.

     (((C) Ensure all tie down ends are secured to the truck bed or rail in a manner that will prevent movement of the transported vehicle.))

     (ii) One snatch block rated at ((3.5)) 4.0 tons.

     (iii) Dual tires on the rear axle.

     (iv) Fourteen thousand five hundred pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).

     (v) Current licensing and tonnage equal to the maximum combination GVWR.

     (vi) Four-ton winch rating.

     (vii) Fifty feet three-eighths inch XIP fiber core or IWRC wire rope.

     (viii) One five-foot grade "7" chain with matching fittings for use in winching.

     (ix) Nineteen feet of usable bed capable of carrying vehicles.

     (x) Portable lights when the truck is used in towing mode. When in use, the lights must be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable.

     (b) Class "E" tow trucks may ((also)) be equipped with a sling, tow bar, and/or a wheel lift system.

     (i) If equipped with a towing system((,)):

     (A) The system must have a manufacturer's rating appropriate to the vehicle being towed. If used in a towing mode (as opposed to carrying), a sling, tow bar, and/or wheel lift assembly can be used and must have a manufacturer's rating appropriate to the vehicle being towed.

     (B) The tow truck must have permanently affixed safety chains.

     (ii) ((Class "E" trucks are only required to carry portable lights when used in towing mode.)) If using a wheel lift system, the transported vehicle must be attached to the wheel lift with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (c) If factory equipped with a side vehicle recovery system, such system must meet all the winch and wire rope minimum requirements listed for a class "A" truck.

     (((d) Additional minimum class "E" truck requirements include:

     (i) Fourteen thousand five hundred pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR);

     (ii) Current licensing and tonnage equal to the maximum combination GVWR;

     (iii) Four ton winch rating;

     (iv) Fifty feet three-eighths inch XIP fiber core or IWRC wire rope;

     (v) One five-foot grade "7" chain with matching fittings for use in winching; and

     (vi) Seventeen feet of usable bed capable of carrying vehicles.

     (e) Class "E" tow trucks currently in-service with those operators holding a current letter of appointment issued by the patrol not meeting the criteria listed in this section will be allowed to remain on the rotation with that company.

     (8))) (9) Class "S" tow/recovery trucks: Tow/recovery trucks that cannot meet the requirements of class "A," "B," "C," "D," or "E" and are not eligible for appropriate waiver as outlined in WAC 204-91A-070(4), may be approved as class "S" (special).

     (a) To be designated as a class "S" truck, the operator must submit a request for approval through the district commander to the section ((which)) that must include:

     (i) Why the truck is needed;

     (ii) What the truck will be used for;

     (iii) The vehicle size;

     (iv) Purchased tonnage if required;

     (v) Capability; and

     (vi) The equipment carried or used with the truck.

     (b) The gross vehicle weight rating of the class "S" truck will determine the appropriate equipment required.

     (c) If the district commander approves the request, the request will be forwarded with recommendations for equipment and/or operation instructions or limitations to the ((patrol)) section for review and final approval. If approval is granted, the equipment must be inspected as outlined in WAC 204-91A-040 with reports forwarded in the normal manner.

     (((c) If the provisions of this section require a change in classification for a previously approved tow truck, such change may be made upon the next annual reinspection. In any case, all tow trucks must be correctly classified within one year of adoption of these rules.

     (9))) (10) Class "S-1 rotator" trucks: ((Are tow)) Trucks that are capable of recovery, towing, or both of large trucks, trailers, buses, motor homes, or similar vehicles. Class "S-1 rotator" trucks must meet the requirements of subsection (((1))) (2)(a) through (w) of this section, and in addition must have:

     (a) A fifty-two thousand pound manufacturer's GVWR.

     (b) Tandem or triple rear axle truck chassis with at least two drive axles.

     (c) A minimum of forty ton rotating boom rating with a single boom.

     (d) A minimum of two hundred feet of five-eighths inch continuous length XIP IWRC wire rope on two drums measured from the point of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     (e) Air brakes and a system capable of supplying air to towed vehicles.

     (f) A minimum of four standard release tools (caging stud assemblies).

     (g) ((Equipped with)) A wheel lift system ((and have)) that has a fully extended working load limit of at least twelve thousand pounds. The transported vehicle must be attached to the wheel lift or underlift with an adjustable tiedown, or as otherwise required by the equipment manufacturer.

     (h) A minimum of one ten-foot or two five-foot five-eighths inch recovery chains used in the winching system and must be a minimum grade "8" chain with matching fittings.

     (i) All chains must be a minimum of grade "7," except as otherwise specified in this section.

     (j) A tow sling or other comparable device used in such a manner as to protect the vehicle being towed or recovered.

     (((j))) (k) A minimum of two snatch blocks rated at eight tons each.

     (l) Permanently affixed safety chains.

     (11) Tow trucks rated as class "A," "B," "B-2," "C," or "E" that are currently in-service with operators holding a current letter of appointment issued by the patrol, not meeting the criteria for classification listed in this section will be allowed to remain on the rotation with those companies.

     (12) This section shall be effective on March 1, 2011.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 09-09-118, § 204-91A-170, filed 4/21/09, effective 5/22/09. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.115. 07-02-025A, § 204-91A-170, filed 12/22/06, effective 1/22/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005. 04-20-021, § 204-91A-170, filed 9/28/04, effective 10/29/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005, 46.55.050, and 46.55.115. 02-07-056, § 204-91A-170, filed 3/15/02, effective 4/15/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.37.005 and 46.55.050. 94-18-083, § 204-91A-170, filed 9/2/94, effective 10/3/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 46.35.005 [46.37.005]. 89-14-015 (Order 89-04-ESR), § 204-91A-170, filed 6/23/89.]

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