Crane Operator
Operators of mobile, crawler, tower and overhead cranes.
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
BOTH (1) certification by accredited org / audited employer program / state licence (type or type+capacity, written + practical, ≤5 yr) AND (2) employer evaluation of skills/knowledge on the equipment and tasks assigned.
Training
Safe operation of assigned equipment; power lines; friction-crane boom practice; emergency procedures; tag-out; crush/pinch & work-area control. Trainee only under continuous trainer monitoring.
Who may evaluate
Employee or agent with knowledge, training & experience to assess operators.
Records OSHA requires
Evaluation: operator name, evaluator name + signature, date, make/model/configuration - available at worksite.
Retraining / re-evaluation
Retrain + re-evaluate when performance/evaluation indicates; recertify ≤5 yr; re-evaluate for equipment needing substantially different skills.
Portability
Certification (d) portable; employer program (e) and employer evaluation not portable.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.5 operator qualification by written + practical exam, physical criteria, familiarization; B30.2/B30.17 for overhead cranes.
Key citations: 1926.1427; 1926.1430(a),(c),(e),(f),(g); 1910.179(b)(8); 1910.180(b)(3)
Specific to this role 17
Tests may be given verbally (with written literacy demonstration) and in any language the candidate understands; the operator may then only run equipment furnished with materials in that language.
Derricks, sideboom cranes and equipment rated 2,000 lb or less are excluded from 1427 and governed by their own sections (sideboom operators trained per 1430(c)).
Operator qualification by written and practical examination specific to the crane type, via certification, licensing or employer program; employer documents qualification.
Physical/medical criteria (vision, depth perception, color perception, hearing, no condition causing sudden loss of control) and substance-use provisions - mix of 'shall' and 'should' items.
Overhead and underhung crane operators must be trained and qualified per the volume's operator training chapter.
Operator must hold (c) a qualifying state/local license where required, or (d) certification from an accredited testing organization by equipment type (or type and capacity), or (e) certification through an audited employer program. Valid max 5 years.
Certification/licensing must include a written test (controls, performance characteristics, load/capacity calculations, power lines, Appendix C criteria, ground conditions, Subpart CC, ability to read the manual) and a practical test (shift inspection, operational and maneuvering skills, load chart use, shutdown/securing).
General industry: only designated persons may operate overhead/gantry cranes and crawler/locomotive/truck cranes. No OSHA certification rule in 1910.
Employer must ensure each operator is qualified through an evaluation demonstrating skills and knowledge (incl. safety devices, operational aids, configuration) and the ability to safely perform the hoisting activities they will be assigned. A certificate or degree alone does not satisfy this.
Before operating covered equipment, employer must ensure the operator is trained, certified/licensed, and evaluated. Uncertified persons may operate only as operators-in-training under (b).
Operator-in-training: formal + practical instruction, tasks within ability, continuous monitoring by a qualified trainer; restricted from power-line proximity, personnel hoisting, multi-crane lifts and lifts over shafts/cofferdams/tank farms; multiple-lift rigging only if trainer judges skills sufficient.
Operators must be trained in safe operation of the equipment they will operate, plus: raising the boom slightly before swinging off a support on friction equipment, and the manufacturer's emergency procedures for halting unintended movement.
Power-line safety training on the 1408(g) topics (procedures if contact occurs, insulating link limits, de-energizing, etc.).
Tag-out and start-up procedure training (1926.1417(f),(g)) for operators and anyone authorized to start/energize equipment.
Before operating a specific crane, operator is familiarized with its controls, manual, load charts and configuration.
Evaluation documentation must include the operator's name, evaluator's name and signature, date, and make, model and configuration of equipment used. Must be available at the worksite while the operator works for the employer.
Employer must provide retraining when an operator's performance or an evaluation shows the need; operator must then be re-evaluated under (f).
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.
Qualified Rigger
Riggers assigned where OSHA or ASME call for a qualified rigger.
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
Employer determination that rigger meets 'qualified person' criteria. No mandated test format. Required for A/D rigging and when workers are in the fall zone hooking/unhooking/guiding.
Training
Subpart CC requirements applicable to duties (1430(d)); multiple-lift rigging training (steel erection); general hazard training.
Who may evaluate
Employer (method not specified).
Records OSHA requires
None specified - employer must be able to demonstrate basis.
Retraining / re-evaluation
Event-driven (1430(g)(2)).
Portability
Employer-specific.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.5-2021: ≥1 qualified rigger wherever a mobile crane is used; employer designation based on evidence of passing written + practical exam on hardware, hitches, weight/CG/angles, inspection. B30.9/B30.26 user training. A10.42 criteria.
Key citations: 1926.1401; 1926.1425(c)(3); 1926.1404(r); 1926.1430(d),(g); 1926.251; 1910.184(d)
Specific to this role 14
A qualified rigger is a rigger who meets the 'qualified person' criteria: a recognized degree, certificate or professional standing, or extensive knowledge, training and experience, AND has successfully demonstrated ability to solve problems related to the work.
At least one qualified rigger where a mobile crane is used. Employer designates the rigger as qualified based on evidence of passing a written and practical exam covering: selection/use of rigging hardware; application of standard hitches; estimating load weight, center of gravity, sling angles/loading and load movement; and inspection of rigging equipment.
Sets minimum knowledge and performance criteria for a qualified rigger in construction and demolition, and related responsibilities.
When employees hook, unhook or guide a load (or make initial connection) within the fall zone, the materials must be rigged by a qualified rigger.
Rigging work during assembly/disassembly must be done by a qualified rigger.
Competent persons and qualified persons must be trained in the Subpart CC requirements applicable to their duties.
Steel erection: employees engaged in multiple lift rigging must receive specific training in the procedure and hazards.
Personnel performing rigging tasks who are not yet qualified must work under the direct supervision of a qualified rigger.
Sling users must be trained in selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, environmental effects and rigging practices.
Rigging hardware users must be trained in selection, inspection, cautions, environmental effects and rigging practices.
Rigging equipment must be inspected before use on each shift and as necessary during use; defective equipment is removed from service.
Each day before use, a competent person designated by the employer inspects slings and all fastenings and attachments for damage or defects; damaged or defective slings are removed from service immediately.
General industry: slings and fastenings/attachments inspected each day before use by a competent person designated by the employer.
Rigger selects, configures and assembles rigging for attaching, supporting, controlling and detaching the load, and confirms rigging suitability/condition.
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.
Signal Person
Hand and radio signal persons, and dedicated power-line spotters.
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
Before signaling: pass oral or written test AND practical test on signal types, equipment basics/dynamics and 1926.1419-.1422/.1428 - evaluated by a third-party qualified evaluator or the employer's qualified evaluator.
Training
If not already qualified, train in 1428(c) topics.
Who may evaluate
Third-party qualified evaluator, or employer's qualified evaluator (demonstrated competence).
Records OSHA requires
Qualification document at site listing each signal type qualified for.
Retraining / re-evaluation
Stop signaling, retrain and reassess if actions show they no longer meet requirements.
Portability
Third-party: portable. Employer evaluator: not portable.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.5 signalperson qualification and responsibilities (2021); 5-3.3 standard signals.
Key citations: 1926.1428; 1926.1430(b),(g); 1926.1419-.1422
Specific to this role 9
Before giving any signals, signal person must be qualified via (1) documentation from a third-party qualified evaluator (portable) or (2) assessment by the employer's qualified evaluator (not portable).
Signalperson qualified in standard signals, basic crane operation and limitations, with demonstration by oral/written and practical exam; 2021 added explicit signalperson responsibilities.
General industry has no OSHA signal-person qualification rule; employer relies on ASME B30 and the OSH Act General Duty Clause.
Must know and apply the signal types used (Standard Method for hand signals where applicable), understand basic equipment operation and limits (incl. dynamics of swinging/stopping loads and boom deflection), know 1926.1419-.1422 and .1428, and demonstrate this through an oral or written test AND a practical test.
Signal persons who do not meet 1428(c) must be trained in the areas addressed in that paragraph.
Documentation must be available at the site while the person works for the employer and must state each type of signaling (hand, radio, etc.) the person is qualified for.
If later actions show the person no longer meets requirements, employer must stop them from signaling until retrained and reassessed.
A signal person must be provided when the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, when the view in the direction of travel is obstructed, or when the operator or person handling the load decides one is needed. Non-standard hand signals and voice signals must be agreed in advance by the operator, signal person and lift director (if any).
Standard hand signals used and available at the site; special signals agreed in advance; one designated signalperson at a time; operator obeys stop from anyone.
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.
Lift Crew Member
Tag-line handlers, helpers, spotters and anyone else working in the crane work area, plus people being hoisted.
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
Evaluate understanding of training (1430(g)(1)). Dedicated spotters must meet signal-person qualification.
Training
Crush/pinch & swing-radius hazards; power-line hazards if near lines; tag-out if authorized to energize; pre-lift / A/D / multi-crane / personnel-hoist briefings.
Who may evaluate
Employer.
Records OSHA requires
None specified beyond training evidence; meeting/briefing records advisable.
Retraining / re-evaluation
Event-driven.
Portability
Not addressed by OSHA.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.5 lift director ensures roles understood; P30.1 pre-lift meeting.
Key citations: 1926.21(b)(2); 1926.1430(a),(e),(f),(g); 1926.1425; 1926.1431(m); 1926.1432(b)(2); 1926.1404(d)
Specific to this role 10
A dedicated spotter for power-line encroachment must meet the signal person qualification requirements of 1926.1428 and be positioned/assigned per the standard.
Each employee who works with the equipment must be trained to keep clear of holes and crush/pinch points and on the work-area-control (swing radius) hazards of 1926.1424.
Any employee authorized to start/energize equipment or operate its controls (e.g., maintenance) trained in tag-out and start-up procedures.
Personnel hoisting: pre-lift meeting attended by the operator, signal person (if used), employees to be hoisted and the person responsible for the task; held before the trial lift at each new work location and repeated for newly assigned employees.
Multiple-crane lifts: lift director reviews the plan in a meeting with all workers who will be involved.
A/D crew members instructed on their tasks, hazards and hazardous positions before starting; repeated for new crew/changed tasks.
Personnel involved in the load handling activity are identified, informed of roles and hazards, and attend a pre-lift meeting appropriate to the lift category (standard vs critical).
Only employees needed to hook/unhook/guide or receive the load may be in the fall zone; none directly under the load (limited exception for tilt-up/down).
Lift director ensures personnel involved understand their roles and that a pre-lift briefing is held; anyone may signal emergency stop.
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.
Load Handling Equipment User
Users of hoists, jacks, rollers, gantries, winches, below-the-hook devices, forklifts, telehandlers and side booms.
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
Forklifts: workplace performance evaluation before operating and at least every 3 years. Other LHE: no OSHA qualification rule.
Training
General hazard instruction (1926.21); forklifts: formal + practical training and evaluation; sidebooms/≤2,000 lb equipment per their sections.
Who may evaluate
Forklift: person with knowledge, training & experience to train/evaluate.
Records OSHA requires
Forklift: employer certification (name, training date, evaluation date, trainer/evaluator).
Retraining / re-evaluation
Forklift: refresher on triggers + 3-year evaluation. Others: event-driven.
Portability
Not portable.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.1, B30.7, B30.16, B30.20, B30.21, B30.23 operator/user training; P30.1 planning applies to all LHE.
Key citations: 1926.21; 1926.553-.554; 1910.178(l) via 1926.602(d); 1926.1440-.1441
Specific to this role 12
Refresher training and evaluation after unsafe operation, accident/near miss, poor evaluation, new truck type or changed conditions; performance evaluated at least once every 3 years.
General hazard instruction - the only explicit OSHA training duty for most non-crane LHE (chain/lever hoists, jacks, rollers, gantries, winches).
Powered industrial truck (forklift/telehandler) operators: formal + practical training and workplace evaluation before operating; trainees only under direct supervision.
Sideboom operators trained per 1430(c); operators of equipment rated 2,000 lb or less trained per 1441.
Operators/users of jacks, rollers, air casters and hydraulic gantries trained and competent per personnel competence and operation chapters.
Overhead (underhung) and lever hoist operators trained; B30.21-2025 adds that signal/communication means be established before operating when signals are needed.
Winch operators trained/qualified per volume.
Operators of BTH devices trained in use per manufacturer and volume.
Personnel lifting participants trained and pre-lift meeting held.
Planning, roles and pre-lift meeting provisions apply to all load handling equipment, not just cranes.
Employer certifies each operator was trained and evaluated: operator name, training date, evaluation date, identity of trainer/evaluator.
Overhead hoists operated within manufacturer limits; base-mounted drum hoists meet the incorporated ANSI B30.7 edition.
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.
Lift Director
The person who directly oversees the lift (called PIC, lift supervisor or person-in-charge at some companies).
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
Federal OSHA sets a qualification only for multiple-crane lifts: the lift director must meet both competent and qualified person criteria, or be a competent person assisted by one or more qualified persons (1432(b)(1)). Otherwise no standalone qualification rule.
Training
Subpart CC requirements applicable to duties.
Who may evaluate
Employer.
Records OSHA requires
None specified.
Retraining / re-evaluation
Event-driven.
Portability
Not addressed by OSHA.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.5 lift director responsibilities; B30.5-2025 (effective ~30-Dec-2026) adds lift director qualification criteria (knowledge + abilities incl. load charts and lift plans); P30.1-2024 lift director role.
Key citations: 1926.1432(b); 1926.1419(c); 1926.1421; 1926.1430(d),(g)
Specific to this role 7
Multiple-crane/derrick lifts must be directed by a person who meets the criteria for both a competent and a qualified person, or a competent person assisted by one or more qualified persons (lift director).
New lift director qualification requirement: evidence of satisfactory demonstration of knowledge of site/weather hazards, personnel roles and qualifications, crane characteristics and limits, rigging equipment, signaling, power lines, special lifts, applicable regulations; and ability to set traffic/access controls, place personnel, read/write/do arithmetic, read load charts, and read and discuss lift plans.
As a competent/qualified person, trained in Subpart CC requirements applicable to the role.
Lift director reviews the multi-crane plan in a meeting with all workers who will be involved.
Where there is a lift director, he/she participates with operator and signal person in agreeing on signals/voice communication.
Lift director directly oversees the crane work and rigging crew: confirms lift needs and crane suitability, ensures personnel are qualified and understand roles, holds pre-lift briefing, controls work area, stops work when unsafe.
Lift director verifies the lift category, reviews and implements the lift plan, conducts pre-lift meeting and post-lift review.
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.
Assembly/Disassembly Director
The person directing crane assembly and disassembly, or tower crane erection, climbing and dismantling.
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
Must meet criteria for both competent AND qualified person (or competent person assisted by qualified persons); must understand and review A/D procedures.
Training
Subpart CC requirements applicable to duties.
Who may evaluate
Employer.
Records OSHA requires
None specified (A/D plan and briefing records advisable).
Retraining / re-evaluation
Event-driven.
Portability
Not addressed by OSHA.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.5/B30.3 A/D under a designated qualified person per manufacturer.
Key citations: 1926.1403-.1406; 1926.1404(a)-(d),(r); 1926.1435; 1926.1430(d),(g)
Specific to this role 9
Assembly/disassembly must be directed by a person meeting criteria for both competent and qualified person, or a competent person assisted by one or more qualified persons; if one person does the work, they must be both.
A/D director must understand the applicable assembly/disassembly procedures.
A/D rigging work done by a qualified rigger.
Trained in Subpart CC requirements applicable to A/D director duties.
Review the applicable procedures immediately before starting, unless already understood and previously applied to the same type and configuration of equipment.
Ensure crew members understand their tasks, hazards and hazardous positions before starting, and when tasks change or new personnel join.
Use manufacturer procedures or employer procedures developed by a qualified person; address site/ground, blocking, boom support, pin removal, component weights, wind and other listed hazards.
Tower cranes: erecting, climbing and dismantling provisions (A/D director duties apply; pre-erection inspection).
Assembly/disassembly performed per manufacturer instructions under direction of a designated qualified person.
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.
Operator Evaluator
People who evaluate crane operators under OSHA's employer-evaluation rule, and often train operators-in-training.
OSHA minimum qualification / evaluation
Must have knowledge, training & experience to assess operators and be an employee or agent; if running an audited program, independent certified auditor requirements apply.
Training
No role-specific OSHA training rule for the evaluator, beyond the general rows that apply to everyone.
Who may evaluate
n/a (employer designates).
Records OSHA requires
Evaluator name + signature on each evaluation.
Retraining / re-evaluation
Not specified by OSHA.
Portability
Not addressed by OSHA.
ASME / ANSI adds
B30.5 practical exam by designated/qualified person; NCCCO/NCCER examiner accreditation = benchmark only.
Key citations: 1926.1427(b)(4),(e),(f); 1926.1401 (qualified evaluator); 1910.178(l)(2)(iii)
Specific to this role 8
Evaluator must have the knowledge, training and experience necessary to assess equipment operators, and be an employee or agent of the employer. Employer remains responsible for compliance.
Operator trainer (for operators-in-training): employee/agent with knowledge, training and experience to direct the trainee; no tasks that detract from monitoring; line-of-sight + communication (direct communication for tower cranes).
If an employer runs an audited employer certification program: tests developed by an accredited organization or approved by an independent certified auditor; audit within 3 months of start and at least every 3 years; deficiencies reported; records kept 3 years.
Employer's signal-person evaluator must be employed by the signal person's employer and have demonstrated competence in accurately assessing signal persons against 1428.
Forklift trainers/evaluators must have the knowledge, training and experience to train operators and evaluate competence.
Practical operating exam administered/observed by a designated or qualified person.
Accredited bodies accredit practical examiners for certification exams. Not required for employer evaluations.
Evaluator name and signature recorded on each operator evaluation, with date and equipment make/model/configuration.
Applies to everyone on the lift 5 general requirements, including this role
Employer must instruct each employee in recognizing and avoiding unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to their work environment.
Employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under Subpart CC to confirm the employee understands the information provided in the training.
Refresher training is required when an employee's conduct or an evaluation indicates retraining is necessary.
Training required by Subpart CC must be provided at no cost to the employee.
Persons performing functions identified in the volume must meet its qualifying criteria and be trained in and familiar with the volume, through education, training, experience, skill and physical fitness as necessary.