WAC 204-91A-170   Minimum tow truck equipment standards.  All tow/recovery trucks used by a registered tow operator for public or private impounds or in response to patrol requests shall meet the minimum standards as listed in this section.

Note:

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

     (1) Minimum standards:

     (a) All equipment used in conjunction with the tow truck winching system shall have a working load limit at least twenty-five percent more than the working load limit of the wire rope or equivalent material being used. All equipment shall comply with the Washington safety and health administration (WSHA) regulation if applicable.

Note:

Industry standards set the working load limit of wire rope or equivalent material at 1/5 of its nominal or breaking strength.

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

Note:

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) All wire rope or equivalent material meeting industry standards for specified type of use with equipment shall be 6 X 19 or 6 X 37 classification graded "extra improved plow steel" (XIP).

Notes:

Documentation from the supplier must be kept on file showing the type of wire rope installed and the date of installation for each truck. 6 X 19 wire rope classification includes wire ropes with six strands having wire combinations from fifteen through twenty-six wires per strand but not more than twelve outer wires in each strand. 6 X 37 wire rope classification includes wire ropes with six strands having wire combinations from twenty-seven through forty-nine wires per strand but not more than eighteen outer wires in each strand.

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

Note:

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

     (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, shall 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.

Note:

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., shall have permanently affixed durable factory identification, stating working load limit (WLL). 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 (WLL) and a recertification company identifier.

     (h) 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.

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

     (j) Safety chains must only be used for the securing of vehicles to the truck. Must be minimum grade "4" chain or meet the original manufacturer's recommendations.

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

     (l) Portable tail, stop, and turn signal lights for vehicles being towed.

     (m) 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.

     (n) Have a revolving/intermittent red light with three hundred sixty degrees visibility. May also be equipped with flashing amber and/or white lights which may be used in conjunction with the red lamps. 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.

     (o) Have a broom, minimum twelve inches wide, handle four feet long.

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

     (q) Be maintained in a reasonably clean condition.

     (r) Have two tempered steel pinch bars or equivalent devices, one tapered and one flattened; one at least three feet long and one at least four feet long, with a minimum diameter of three-quarters of an inch.

     (s) 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 if:

     (i) The equipment is of a recognized and established manufacture and is properly installed.

     (ii) The equipment is in proper working order and functions correctly throughout the assigned tow areas.

     (iii) The equipment does not utilize a siren to signal incoming calls.

     (iv) The equipment is used in a correct and lawful manner.

     (t) Have one 20 BC rated or two 10 BC rated fire extinguishers.

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

     (2) 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 shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) A ten thousand minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating.

     (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 six-ton boom rating with single or dual booms. Dual winches to control a minimum of two service drums.

     (e) A minimum of two snatch blocks.

     (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 that are not otherwise towable.

     (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.

     (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) 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 shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) Seventeen thousand pounds minimum manufacturer's gross vehicle rating.

     (b) Minimum ten-ton boom rating, single or dual booms, with two independent winches and drums.

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

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

     (e) A minimum of two snatch blocks.

     (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 that are not otherwise towable when the class B tow truck is being used for class A tows.

     (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 when operating as a class B truck. May be equipped with a three thousand pound fully extended working load wheel lift system with a seven thousand pound tow rated capacity if operating as a class A truck.

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

     (4) Class B** trucks are rated at 30,000 GVWR (or more) with air brakes. Class B** trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have a minimum of one hundred fifty feet of seven-sixteenths inch continuous length XIP wire rope on each drum, measured from points of attachment at the drum to the hook.

     Class B** trucks shall also meet the requirements of subsection (3)(b), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), and (i) of this section.

     (5) 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 shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) A forty thousand pound manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or equivalent.

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

     (c) A minimum of twenty-five-ton boom rating with single or dual booms. Dual winches to control a minimum of two service drums.

     (d) A minimum of one hundred fifty feet of nine-sixteenths inch continuous length XIP 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 system, it must have a fully extended working load limit of at least twelve thousand pounds.

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

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

     (j) A minimum of two snatch blocks.

     (6) Class "D" tow trucks: Trucks that are equipped for and primarily used as "wheel lift" trucks.

     Class "D" trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) A wheel lift assemble with a fully extended manufacturer's working load limit of three thousand pounds and a seven thousand pound tow rated capacity.

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

     (c) One snatch block.

     (d) 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) Class "E" tow trucks: Trucks that are primarily designed and intended to transport other vehicles by loading the vehicle entirely onto the truck. These vehicles may be a flatbed, slide back, tilt bed, or rail design truck. Class "E" trucks shall meet the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (u) of this section and in addition shall have:

     (a) Four securing devices with a minimum working load limit of three thousand nine hundred pounds. The devices may be chain (minimum grade "7"), wire rope, nylon strap, or steel strap. The tie downs shall be attached to the axle or frame member of the transported vehicle both front and rear. All ends shall be secured to the truck bed or rail in a manner that will prevent movement of the transported vehicle. Factory style "T" hook tie-downs may also be used (front and rear).

     (b) One snatch block.

     (c) Dual tires on the rear axle.

     (d) 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 manufacturers' rating appropriate to the vehicle being towed.

     (e) Additional minimum requirements include:

	(i) Gross vehicle weight rating	14,500
	(ii) Purchased tonnage	14,500
	(iii) Winch rating	4 ton
	(iv) XIP wire rope	50 feet 3/8 inch
	(v) One five-foot chain use in the winching system and must be a minimum of grade "7" chain with matching fittings.
	(vi) Car carrier (bed)	17 feet

Note:

Bed may be shorter in a collapsed mode, but must be capable of telescoping to a minimum of seventeen feet.

     (8) 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).

     To have a truck designated as class "S" the tow operator must submit a request for approval through the district commander to the section. The written request shall indicate why the truck is needed, what it will be used for, its size, purchased tonnage (if appropriate), capability, and the equipment carried or used with the truck. Gross vehicle weight rating of the class "S" truck will determine the appropriate equipment required.

     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 for review and final approval. If approval is granted, the equipment shall be inspected as outlined in WAC 204-91A-040 with reports forwarded in the normal manner.

Note:

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 shall be correctly classified within one year of adoption of these rules.

[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.]