The first phase of the crane rules for operator certification, crane certification and crane certifier requirements will go to public hearings August 26 through September 5, 2008. The current adoption date is November 4, 2008 with the effective date being January 1, 2009.
All hearings will be at 10:00 am. The locations and dates are as follows:
* Heathman Lodge, Vancouver, September 3
* Doubletree Hotel Seattle Airport, Seattle, September 4
* Tumwater Comfort Inn, Tumwater, September 5
You may submit written comments to Cindy Ireland, safety and health specialist, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, PO Box 44620, Olympia, WA 98504-4620 by 5:00 pm on September 12, 2008. They may also be faxed to (360) 902-5619. Faxed comments must be 10 pages or less.
If you have crane operators, they must be keeping track of their hours of operation and by the type(s) of crane operated. On January 1, 2010 they will have to be certified by the state to operate cranes of any size. The hours of operation required differs by type of crane. There will be no grandfathering of operators. In other words, if they do not have the documented training and hours of experience they will no longer be able to operate a crane until they meet the training requirements.
If you have any questions contact
Ann Jarvis, vice president of safety and education, (425) 646-8000 or (800) 640-7789.