29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC — Cranes & Derricks in Construction
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Identify the scope of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC and the types of crane equipment it covers
- •Match each Subpart CC section number to its subject matter for efficient exam and field reference
- •Explain the distinction between competent person, qualified person, and operator as defined in 1926.1401
- •Describe the operator certification requirements under OSHA 1926.1427
Topics Covered
- •Scope of 1926 Subpart CC (§1926.1400): applies to cranes and derricks used in construction — includes crawler cranes, truck cranes, tower cranes, derricks; does NOT cover floating cranes, pile driving equipment used exclusively for that purpose, or aerial lifts covered by other subparts
- •Key definitions (§1926.1401): "competent person" — able to identify hazards AND has authority to correct them; "qualified person" — knowledge/training through degree, certification, or experience; "operator" — licensed by state or certified per §1926.1427
- •Ground conditions (§1926.1402): firm, drained, graded; supporting materials when needed
- •Assembly/Disassembly (§§1926.1403–1926.1406): directed by both competent AND qualified person or competent plus qualified assistant; no pins removed from boom sections under load
- •Power line safety (§§1926.1407–1926.1411): 20-foot default clearance up to 350 kV; encroachment prevention plan required within Table A distances
- •Inspections (§1926.1412): pre-shift by competent person; monthly documented; annual by qualified person
- •Wire rope inspection (§1926.1413): shift, monthly, and annual; broken wire, wear, and structural defect thresholds
- •Safety devices (§1926.1415): crane level indicator, boom stops, jib stops, foot pedal brake locks, horn — all must work before operations begin
- •Operational aids (§1926.1416): boom angle indicator; anti-two-block device for lattice boom post-November 8, 2011; LMI for >6,000-lb cranes post-March 2003
- •Operation (§1926.1417): rated capacity must not be exceeded; load chart in cab; verify weight over 75% of rated capacity; minimum two drum wraps; no side-loading; no dragging loads
- •Authority to stop operations (§1926.1418): operator authority to stop for safety
- •Signal requirements (§§1926.1419–1926.1422): when signal person required; hand, radio, voice, audible signals; standard method
- •Work area control (§1926.1424): swing radius barriers and warnings; train workers on struck-by and pinch/crush zones
- •Operator certification (§1926.1427): operator must be certified by an accredited certifier, licensed by a government entity (such as Massachusetts), or qualified by auditor; Massachusetts 1A license satisfies the "licensed by government entity" requirement
- •Multiple crane lifts (§1926.1432): qualified person develops plan; competent + qualified person directs; pre-lift meeting required
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: Under OSHA 1926.1401, what is the difference between a "competent person" and a "qualified person"?
- A. Competent person has a college degree; qualified person has field experience only
- B. Competent person can identify hazards and has authority to correct them; qualified person has knowledge through training, education, or experience to solve problems related to the task(correct)
- C. They are interchangeable terms under OSHA
- D. A qualified person is a licensed crane operator; a competent person is the site safety officer
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1401 defines these terms distinctly. A competent person must both recognize hazards AND have the authority to take corrective action. A qualified person has the knowledge, training, and experience to solve specific technical problems — often without the authority/action component. Some tasks require both: assembly/disassembly must be directed by someone who meets both criteria, or a competent person assisted by qualified persons.
Question 2: Does a Massachusetts 1A hoisting license satisfy OSHA's operator certification requirement under 29 CFR 1926.1427?
- A. No — OSHA only accepts certifications from NCCCO or NCCER
- B. Yes — a state-issued hoisting license from a government entity satisfies the OSHA requirement(correct)
- C. Only if the operator also holds an ASME B30.5 certification
- D. Yes, but only for cranes under 25 tons rated capacity
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1427 accepts operators who are "licensed by a government entity" as meeting the certification requirement. Massachusetts issues the 1A license through the Division of Occupational Licensure — a government entity — so a valid 1A license satisfies the federal OSHA operator certification requirement for equipment within its scope.
Question 3: Which OSHA Subpart CC section specifically grants the crane operator the authority to stop operations when a safety concern warrants it?
- A. 1926.1412 — Inspections
- B. 1926.1417 — Operation
- C. 1926.1418 — Authority to stop operation(correct)
- D. 1926.1424 — Work area control
Show Explanation
Explanation:
1926.1418 is the specific section that grants operators the right and obligation to stop when they believe safety warrants it. Knowing this section number matters on the exam — the authority to stop is not part of the general operation section (1417) but has its own dedicated section.
Question 4: What does OSHA 1926 Subpart CC require regarding who must direct assembly and disassembly of lattice boom cranes?
- A. Any qualified crane operator may direct the procedure
- B. The job site superintendent must be present
- C. A person meeting both competent person and qualified person criteria, or a competent person assisted by a qualified person(correct)
- D. OSHA must approve the assembly procedure in advance
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1404 requires A/D (assembly/disassembly) to be directed by a person who meets criteria for both competent person and qualified person, OR a competent person assisted by one or more qualified persons. This high standard reflects the serious hazards of lattice boom assembly — improper pinning or sequencing has caused catastrophic collapses.
Question 5: Under OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, what is the primary purpose of the "work area control" section (1926.1424)?
- A. To require barriers keeping the public away from all crane operations
- B. To train workers and establish physical barriers against struck-by and pinch/crush hazards from the rotating superstructure(correct)
- C. To define who may direct crane travel on the job site
- D. To require written crane operation plans for all projects
Show Explanation
Explanation:
1926.1424 focuses specifically on the hazards created by the rotating superstructure — the counterweight and boom sweeping through the work area. It requires both training workers to recognize swing/crush zones and establishing physical barriers (control lines, warning lines, railings) to prevent workers from entering those zones.