Cranes and derricks requirements

Employers must keep records that document crane inspections, tests, and maintenance actions required by the cranes standard.

• Keep results of pre-shift and periodic inspections, any repairs, load tests, and certification tests so you can show the crane was inspected and maintained as required.
• Make records available to inspectors and to employees affected by the work.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for details on inspection and maintenance recordkeeping under the cranes standard.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that any employee assigned to rig a load is a qualified rigger for that specific lift.

• Employers may consider third-party training or apprenticeship program determinations when evaluating a rigger, but the final responsibility stays with the employer to confirm the rigger's knowledge and experience for the task.
• The needed level of skill and experience depends on the rigging type and site conditions.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements and OSHA's Qualified rigger training requirements interpretation for guidance.

Yes, compressed gas cylinders can be hoisted in the horizontal position on a cradle, slingboard, or pallet for short periods when secured properly.

• The rule allows cylinders to be secured on a cradle, slingboard, or pallet and hoisted that way, but it does not allow hoisting cylinders individually by magnets or choker slings.
• When a crane is used to hoist such loads, the employer must also follow the requirements of 1926 Subpart CC.

See OSHA's interpretation on Hoisting compressed gas cylinders and the 1926 Subpart CC requirements.

Yes, an employer may rely on a qualified evaluator (third party) as an alternative means to document a signal person's qualifications when the standard permits it.

• The cranes standard allows documentation from a qualified evaluator for signal persons; employers may use third-party evaluation records to demonstrate competency.
• However, the employer retains responsibility to ensure the signal person is competent for site conditions.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements and the Qualified rigger training requirements interpretation for related discussion of third-party roles.

Before assembling or disassembling a crane, the employer must follow the manufacturer's instructions and the procedures required by the cranes standard to ensure safe assembly/disassembly.

• Create and follow an assembly/disassembly plan when the procedure is complex or required by the manufacturer.
• Assign qualified personnel to perform assembly/disassembly and ensure controls are in place to protect workers on the ground and nearby.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for specific duties related to assembly and disassembly.

Crane operators must be trained and certified or qualified as required by the cranes standard and applicable operator qualification provisions.

• Employers must verify an operator's ability to operate the specific type of crane and attachments used on the job.
• Maintain documentation of operator qualification and make it available for inspection.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for details on operator qualification and certification requirements.

A pre-shift inspection is required and periodic on‑going inspections or checks must be done as necessary during crane operation to ensure safe condition.

• Perform the manufacturer's required pre-start and daily checks, and address any defects before use.
• Keep records of inspections as required by the standard.

Refer to the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for inspection frequency and content.

Employers must evaluate and ensure ground or supporting surfaces are adequate to support the crane and its load before positioning and operating the crane.

• Perform soil and surface assessments, use outrigger mats or cribbing if needed, and follow manufacturer guidance for support conditions.
• Document evaluations and corrective measures taken to stabilize the crane foundation.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for obligations related to ground conditions and crane stability.

When lifting near power lines, employers must ensure required clearance distances and take measures to prevent electrocution hazards as required by the cranes standard.

• Establish and enforce minimum approach distances, use a qualified signal person or an observer, de-energize or insulate lines when possible, and follow employer procedures to prevent contact.
• Document hazard assessments and the control measures selected.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for the specific duties related to operations near power lines.

Yes, a truck-mounted hydraulic crane powered by an engine or electric motor is considered a powered vehicle for the purpose of hoisting compressed gas cylinders.

• If cylinders are hauled in a similar manner as a truck, the crane is treated as a powered vehicle under the construction rules for hoisting cylinders.
• Employers must comply both with the cylinder hoisting rule and the cranes standard when a crane is used.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements and OSHA's interpretation on Hoisting compressed gas cylinders.

When multiple cranes are used to lift a single load, the employer must plan the lift, use qualified personnel to supervise and ensure load sharing and stability are properly managed.

• Develop a lift plan, identify a competent person to coordinate, verify capacities and rigging, and ensure synchronized movement.
• Ensure operators and riggers are qualified for multi-crane lifts and document the safety procedures.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for requirements relevant to multiple-crane lifts.

Employers and operators must use the crane manufacturer's load charts, rated capacities, and operational instructions when planning and executing lifts.

• Follow the rated capacity tables, boom and jib configuration limits, and any special instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Do not exceed the crane's rated capacities and ensure rigging and attachments are compatible with the crane and load.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for duties to follow manufacturer guidance.

Employers must ensure cranes are equipped with devices or procedures to prevent two-blocking when required by the standard and the equipment configuration.

• Use effective anti-two-block devices or implement procedures and trained personnel to prevent the load block from contacting the boom tip.
• Maintain and test any installed devices according to manufacturer and standard requirements.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for provisions about safety devices and two-block prevention.

Employers must use taglines or other controls when necessary to control the load and prevent uncontrolled rotation or swing that could endanger workers.

• Assign qualified riggers or signal persons to control the load, keep nonessential personnel clear of the swing path, and use taglines to stabilize when needed.
• Ensure taglines do not create additional hazards and that workers using them are trained.

Refer to the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for guidance on controlling suspended loads.

A competent person or qualified inspector must perform initial inspections after assembly and periodic inspections as required by the cranes standard.

• Ensure the inspector has the knowledge and authority to identify hazards and require corrective action.
• Address any deficiencies before placing the crane into service.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for which inspections are required and who is responsible.

If a crane component is found defective, the employer must remove it from service and repair or replace it before further operation.

• Tag or otherwise secure the crane to prevent use until repairs are completed and verified.
• Document the defect, corrective action, and re-inspection before returning the crane to service.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for obligations related to defects and equipment removal from service.

Yes, employers must stop or restrict crane operations when wind or other environmental conditions create unsafe operating conditions for the crane and load.

• Follow the crane manufacturer's maximum wind limits and perform a site-specific hazard assessment; reduce or stop operations as required.
• Communicate wind-condition thresholds to operators and crews and document decisions to suspend operations.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for weather-related safety obligations.

Employers must control pedestrian access to areas within the crane's swing radius and take steps to protect workers from striking hazards.

• Establish barricades, signs, or spotters to keep workers and the public clear of the crane's swing path.
• Ensure operators and riggers are aware of exclusion zones and maintain communication to prevent accidental entry.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for requirements related to site controls around cranes.

An employer may rely on documentation of completion or evaluations from a third-party apprenticeship program as evidence when assessing whether a rigger is qualified, but the employer retains final responsibility.

• Use certificates, course completion records, or evaluator determinations as part of the employer's verification process.
• Ensure the documented training or evaluation matches the specific rigging tasks and site conditions for the lift.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements and OSHA's Qualified rigger training requirements interpretation for further guidance.

Employers must use proper attachments, secure loads, maintain rigging hardware, and set exclusion zones to protect workers from dropped objects during lifts.

• Inspect hooks, slings, and attachments before use, ensure loads are balanced and properly secured, and keep workers clear of suspended loads.
• Use secondary retention or taglines where appropriate and enforce hard-hat and other personal protective equipment requirements in lift areas.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for specific duties to prevent dropped-object hazards.

If a qualified signal person or rigger is not available, the employer must not proceed with the lift until qualified personnel are provided or until an alternative method that provides equivalent safety is implemented.

• Consider delaying the lift, using alternative handling equipment, or redesigning the lift so it can be done safely with available qualified personnel.
• Document decisions and ensure all workers understand the change before proceeding.

See the 1926 Subpart CC requirements for requirements regarding use of qualified signal persons and riggers.