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 must meet the minimum standards as listed in this section.

     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 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.

     (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 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) 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)(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 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.

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

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

     (b) Minimum of one fourteen-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) Minimum of four standard release tools (caging stud assemblies).

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

     (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.

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

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

     (b) Have 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) Meet the requirements of subsection (3)(b), (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) 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)(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 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 five-eighths inch 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 rated at eight tons each.

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

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

     (a) 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.

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

     (c) One snatch block rated at 3.5 tons.

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

     (a) In addition must have:

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

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

     (B) Have tie downs attached to the axle, tires, or frame member of the transported vehicle both front and rear. Factory style "T" hook tie downs 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 tons.

     (iii) Dual tires on the rear axle.

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

     (i) If equipped with a towing system, 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.

     (ii) Class "E" trucks are only required to carry portable lights when used in towing mode.

     (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) 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 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.

     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 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) 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)(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 a fully extended working load limit of at least twelve thousand pounds.

     (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) 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 rated at eight tons each.



[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.]