Multiple-crane lift requirements

A qualified person must develop the multiple-crane/derrick lift plan before the operation begins. This is required by 1926.1432(a)(1).

• The standard uses the term “qualified person” but does not define that term in this paragraph; consult the definitions in 29 CFR Part 1926 and other applicable crane/derrick provisions to determine who meets your employer’s qualification criteria.

(See 1926.1432(a)(1).)

The planning must be completed before beginning any crane/derrick operation where more than one crane/derrick will support the load. That requirement is explicit in 1926.1432(a).

• Do not start the lift until the plan has been developed by a qualified person and the employer has arranged any needed engineering expertise (see 1926.1432(a)(3)).

The plan must be designed to ensure that the requirements of Subpart CC (Cranes and Derricks in Construction) are met. That is the requirement in 1926.1432(a)(2).

• In practice this means the plan should address applicable Subpart CC rules (for example, rigging, load charts, ground conditions, signaling, and clearances) so the lift can be done in compliance with the subpart.

(See 1926.1432(a)(2).)

If the qualified person determines that engineering expertise is needed, the employer must ensure that engineering expertise is provided. This is required by 1926.1432(a)(3).

• “Ensure it is provided” means the employer is responsible for arranging access to the needed engineering resources (in-house engineer, contracted professional engineer, or other competent engineer) before the lift begins.

(See 1926.1432(a)(3).)

The lift must be directed either by a single person who meets the criteria for both a competent person and a qualified person, or by a competent person who is assisted by one or more qualified persons (the lift director arrangement). This requirement is stated in 1926.1432(b)(1).

• The rule allows one person who holds both competencies to act as director, or a competent person to lead with support from qualified persons (often called a lift director supported by engineering/technical staff).

(See 1926.1432(b)(1).)

Yes. The lift director must review the plan in a meeting with all workers who will be involved with the operation. That is required by 1926.1432(b)(2).

• The rule requires a meeting that includes every worker involved in the lift (riggers, crane operators, signal persons, rigging assistants, and any other on-site personnel who participate in or are affected by the lift).

(See 1926.1432(b)(2).)

1926.1432 requires that a plan be developed before the lift but does not explicitly state in the text provided whether the plan must be written or may be oral. See 1926.1432(a).

• Because the standard does not specify the format, many employers use a written plan to ensure clarity, consistent implementation, and an auditable record.
• Other OSHA rules (for example, PPE hazard assessment requirements) show that OSHA sometimes requires written documentation in related contexts; see the PPE hazard assessment interpretation at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 for discussion of when written certification is required under other standards.

(See 1926.1432(a) and OSHA interpretation https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28.)

The employer is responsible for ensuring that engineering expertise is provided when the qualified person determines it is needed. That duty is set out in 1926.1432(a)(3).

• This means the employer must arrange for the engineering support (internal or contracted) identified during planning before the lift begins.

(See 1926.1432(a)(3).)

Yes. A single person who meets the criteria for both a competent person and a qualified person may direct the multiple-crane/derrick lift, as allowed by 1926.1432(b)(1).

• Alternatively, a competent person may direct the lift while being assisted by one or more qualified persons (the lift director arrangement described in the same paragraph).

(See 1926.1432(b)(1).)

The standard requires the lift director to review the plan with all workers but does not prescribe a specific agenda; however, practical topics to cover in that meeting include roles and responsibilities, communication/signals, sequence of the lift, rigging details, load paths, hazards and exclusion zones, contingencies, and emergency procedures. This follows the meeting requirement in 1926.1432(b)(2).

• Use the plan review meeting to confirm each worker’s tasks and expectations, verify that necessary engineering input and equipment are on site, and ensure PPE and hazard controls are in place (see OSHA’s PPE hazard assessment discussion at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28 for related employer responsibilities).

(See 1926.1432(b)(2) and OSHA interpretation https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-03-28.)

No. A multiple-crane/derrick lift may not begin without a plan developed by a qualified person as required in 1926.1432(a).

• The rule is explicit that the operation must be planned before beginning whenever more than one crane/derrick supports the load.

(See 1926.1432(a).)

The lift director is responsible for directing the multiple-crane/derrick lift and ensuring the plan is implemented; that person must meet the criteria in 1926.1432(b)(1) and must conduct the plan review required by 1926.1432(b)(2).

• The lift director leads coordination among crane operators, riggers, and signal persons, enforces the plan on site, and should be the point of contact for stop-work or changes to the plan.

(See 1926.1432(b)(1) and 1926.1432(b)(2).)

The qualified person who develops the plan must design it to ensure compliance with Subpart CC requirements, per 1926.1432(a)(2). If the qualified person determines specialized engineering is needed to ensure compliance, the employer must provide that expertise (1926.1432(a)(3)).

• Practical steps: have the qualified person review applicable Subpart CC provisions, document how the plan addresses those provisions, and obtain engineering input when required by the qualified person.

(See 1926.1432(a)(2) and 1926.1432(a)(3).)