Washington L&I Sets December Meetings on Draft Crane and Forklift Rule Updates
Planned clarifications include certification and qualification for forklift operators who lift suspended loads, lift director qualifications, and proof load testing and certification.
- By Danielle Naidu
- Nov 10, 2026
Stakeholders can ask questions and give feedback on preliminary language revising Washington's construction crane rules at one of three sessions Dec. 8-10, the state's Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) said.
At issue is chapter 296-155 WAC, Part L, Cranes, Rigging, and Personnel Lifting. The rulemaking will address potential confusion and make the current rules more consistent, L&I said.
L&I is preparing preliminary rule language. Among the items it is working to clarify are what certification and qualification forklift operators need when they lift suspended loads, how lift directors are qualified, and the rules on proof load testing and certification.
Ahead of the meetings, stakeholders will receive a preliminary draft rule to review, L&I said. It will also appear on the agency's Rulemaking Stakeholder Information page.
A virtual session by Microsoft Teams and phone opens the series Dec. 8. In-person meetings follow Dec. 9 at CenterPlace Event Center in Spokane Valley, Washington, and Dec. 10 at L&I in Tukwila, Washington.
The rulemaking's Preproposal Statement of Inquiry was filed July 21. Other filing documents are on the Agency Rulemaking Page.
About the Author
Danielle Naidu is assistant editor for Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.