Crane operator exam criteria

The written exam should test knowledge of wire rope functions, inspection, removal-from-service criteria, and selection of the proper rope. Appendix C lists background information needed to understand the inspection and removal criteria in 1926.1413 and 1926.1414, how to determine the manufacturer's recommended rope, when multi-part rope is required, the relationship between line pull and safe working load, and capacity considerations for rope.

The exam should require the operator to calculate net capacity for any crane configuration using the manufacturer's load chart and to understand chart limitations. Appendix C requires knowing how to calculate net capacity for every possible configuration, interpret range and work area diagrams, recognize footnotes and operational limits, distinguish structural capacity from stability-limited capacity, and use load indicators or load moment devices together with the chart (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

The exam should cover the identification and proper use of common rigging devices and fittings such as slings, spreaders, lifting beams, saddles, clamps, and wire rope fittings (clips, shackles, wedge sockets). Appendix C explicitly lists these items and expects operators to know selection, use, and how they affect safe lifting capacity (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

An operator must be able to evaluate ground/support suitability, identify below- and above-surface weaknesses, and determine proper use of mats, blocking, outriggers or crawlers. Appendix C requires operators to recognize weaknesses such as voids or slopes, use blocking or crawler tracks properly, identify site hazards like power lines and piping, review operation plans (boom length, load radius, travel clearance), and determine room for outriggers/counterweights (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

Operators must know how to use required safety devices and operational aids and how those devices affect safe operation. Appendix C requires knowledge of how to use the safety devices required under 1926.1415 and 1926.1416, including load indicators, limiting devices, and other operational aids, and how to interpret their readings together with load charts (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

The exam should assess the ability to pick, carry, swing, and place loads smoothly and safely whether the crane is on rubber tires, outriggers/stabilizers, or crawlers. Appendix C emphasizes controlled movements during lifts in each support condition and understanding the differences in machine stability and handling for these configurations (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

The exam should test understanding of load share, load transfer, and planning required for multi-crane lifts including coordination and effects on each crane's capacity. Appendix C requires knowledge of the effects of load share/load transfer in multi-crane lifts and that such lifts require specific procedures and higher skill levels (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

Operators must know emergency response procedures for fires, power line contact, loss of stability, control malfunctions, two-blocking, overloads, and carrier/travel malfunctions. Appendix C lists these specific emergencies and expects operators to be able to recognize them and follow the appropriate shutdown, rescue, and notification steps (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

Operators must know that hoisting personnel requires specific procedures and skill, including appropriate equipment, rigging, and adherence to manufacturer and regulatory restrictions. Appendix C identifies hoisting personnel as an operation that requires special procedures and skill levels and ties to the requirements in 1926.1414 for inspections and safe rigging practices (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

The exam should test knowledge of grounding, proximity warning devices, insulated links, boom cages, and safe working distances from electric power lines and microwave structures, including the technical limitations of those measures. Appendix C requires operators to understand protective measures against electrical hazards and the limits of devices and methods used to reduce risk of power-line contact (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

An operator should know the basics of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and combination power flow systems. Appendix C explicitly lists these systems and expects familiarity with how each affects operation, diagnostics, and safe control of the crane (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

Key site hazards include power lines, buried or exposed piping, vehicle traffic, weak ground conditions, slopes, excavations, and obstacles that affect boom swing or travel. Appendix C requires operators to identify these hazards, determine working heights, boom lengths, load radii, and travel clearances, and to coordinate with supervisors and signal persons when reviewing operation plans (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

The exam should test procedures for proper reeving of single- and multiple-part lines, selecting correct parts-of-line, and choosing the appropriate load block or ball for the lift. Appendix C specifies proper reeving methods, multiple-part line considerations, and selection of the proper load block/ball as required technical knowledge for operators (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926 and inspection/removal criteria in 1926.1413).

Operators must know how environmental conditions (wind, rain, temperature) affect crane capacity, safe operating procedures, and how to apply manufacturer specifications for various weather conditions. Appendix C requires knowledge of environmental effects on dynamic loading (wind, stopping/starting, impact) and following manufacturer guidance for operation in differing weather (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

An operator must understand dynamic loading effects from wind, stopping/starting, impact, and moving with the load, as well as the risks and causes of side loading and how to avoid it. Appendix C highlights the importance of recognizing dynamic forces that can reduce safety margins and cause instability, including side loading and backward stability principles (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

Exams should require operators to verify the weight, rigging weight, and center of gravity of the load before lifting and to know how to obtain those values from manufacturers, load plans, or measurements. Appendix C explicitly requires knowledge of how to obtain dimensions, weight, and center of gravity of the load and verifying weight and rigging prior to initiating the lift (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

The appendix lists multi-crane lifts, hoisting personnel, clamshell/dragline operations, pile driving/extracting, concrete operations (poured-in-place and tilt-up), demolition, operations on water, magnet operations, and multi-drum operations as tasks requiring special procedures and skills. Appendix C identifies these operations and notes they require specific procedures and higher skill levels for safe execution (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

The exam should test proper procedures for load control, including use of hand-held tag lines to prevent uncontrolled rotation or swing, and techniques to maintain load stability during lifts. Appendix C requires operators to know proper procedures for load control and using tag lines safely to guide loads and prevent hazards (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).

Operators must know how to carry out the required pre-operation and shift inspections, recognize defects that require removal from service, and how inspection findings relate to the requirements in 1926.1413 and 1926.1414. Appendix C lists background information necessary to understand pre-operation inspections and specifies shift inspection knowledge as part of operator competency (see Appendix C to Subpart CC of 29 CFR 1926).