This rulemaking is to address the requirements that employers must follow with regard to inspection, maintenance and operation of cranes used in the construction industry. This phase will also include updates to our current rigging and personnel lifting requirements. RCW 49.17.400 through 49.17.440 requires the department 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.532.

Safety Standards for Construction Work - Cranes: This rulemaking is in response to Chapter 27, Laws of 2007 (Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2171) requiring the Department of Labor and Industries to have rules relating to certification of crane inspectors and cranes. The legislature intends to promote the safe condition and operation of cranes used in construction work by establishing certification requirements for construction cranes. The legislature intends that standards for safety of construction cranes and for certification of personnel operating cranes in construction work be established.

More information can be found at http://www.lni.wa.gov/safety/topics/atoz/cranes/default.asp The changes were adopted 11/4/2008 and became effective on 1/1/2009.456.