29 CFR 1926.550
2 hours
Learning Objectives
- •Explain the historical role of 29 CFR 1926.550 and its replacement by 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC
- •Identify the key sections of 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC that govern 1B crane operations
- •Apply OSHA 1926.1408 power-line rules and 1926.1412 inspection rules to realistic scenarios
- •Describe the operator certification and qualification requirements under 1926.1427
Topics Covered
- •29 CFR 1926.550: the original OSHA crane standard (pre-2010); replaced by Subpart CC but still referenced on older state exams
- •Subpart CC (29 CFR 1926.1400–1926.1442): the current comprehensive cranes & derricks in construction standard
- •1926.1400 — Scope: applies to cranes, derricks, and similar equipment used in construction
- •1926.1401 — Definitions: competent person, qualified person, qualified rigger, rated capacity, working radius
- •1926.1402 — Ground conditions: firm, drained, graded; controlling entity responsibility
- •1926.1407/1408 — Power line safety: minimum clearances, presumed energized, Table A distances
- •1926.1412 — Inspections: pre-shift, monthly, annual; documentation requirements
- •1926.1413 — Wire rope inspection: removal-from-service criteria (broken wires, kinks, corrosion)
- •1926.1416 — Operational aids: anti-two-block (Category I, 7-day repair), LMI/load weighing (Category II, 30-day repair)
- •1926.1417 — Operation: load chart in cab, brake test at 90% line pull, prohibited operations
- •1926.1419–1921 — Signals: one signaler, emergency stop, radio requirements
- •1926.1427 — Operator certification: employers must ensure operators are qualified
- •1926.1431 — Hoisting personnel: strict requirements for personnel platforms (written plan, trial lift, fall protection)
Resources
Self-Check Questions
Question 1: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.550 was the original crane standard. Which regulation replaced it for construction crane operations?
- A. 29 CFR 1926.1400–1926.1442 (Subpart CC — Cranes and Derricks in Construction)(correct)
- B. 29 CFR 1910.179 (Overhead and Gantry Cranes)
- C. 29 CFR 1926.600 (Equipment)
- D. ASME B30.5 (Mobile and Locomotive Cranes)
Show Explanation
Explanation:
29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC (sections 1926.1400–1926.1442), which took effect in 2010, replaced the original crane provisions in 1926.550. Subpart CC is significantly more comprehensive. The exam may reference both, so know that 1926.550 is old law and Subpart CC is current.
Question 2: Under OSHA 1926.1427, what is an employer's obligation regarding crane operator qualification?
- A. Employers must verify operators hold a state hoisting license — no additional obligation exists
- B. Employers must ensure crane operators are qualified to operate the specific equipment being used(correct)
- C. Employers need only verify operators have completed any OSHA 10-hour construction course
- D. No operator qualification is required for cranes under 25-ton capacity
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1427 requires employers to ensure each crane operator is qualified to operate the specific equipment. Qualification can be demonstrated through third-party certification (e.g., NCCCO), an audited employer program, or a state/local license meeting federal criteria. The employer — not OSHA — bears the verification burden.
Question 3: Under OSHA 1926.1431, what is required before using a crane to hoist personnel on a personnel platform?
- A. Only verbal approval from the site superintendent is required
- B. A written plan, a trial lift, and full compliance with all 1926.1431 requirements including fall protection(correct)
- C. A 50% reduction in rated capacity and a spotter on the ground
- D. Personnel hoisting is prohibited in all construction applications
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1431 imposes strict requirements for hoisting personnel on a crane-suspended platform: a written plan, a trial lift to the maximum height and extent of lift, a pre-lift meeting, fall protection for all occupants, and limiting the use to situations where other safer means are infeasible. This is not casual work.
Question 4: Which OSHA definition distinguishes a "competent person" from a "qualified person"?
- A. A competent person holds a college degree in engineering; a qualified person does not
- B. A competent person can identify hazards and has authority to correct them; a qualified person has specialized knowledge, training, or credentials sufficient for the specific task(correct)
- C. They are synonymous terms used interchangeably in Subpart CC
- D. A competent person must be NCCCO-certified; a qualified person must hold a state license
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1401 defines these differently: a competent person can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authority to take corrective measures. A qualified person has specific knowledge, training, or certification for the task — such as engineering judgment or equipment-specific expertise. Pre-shift inspections need a competent person; annual inspections need a qualified person.
Question 5: The Category I operational aids (anti-two-block, boom hoist limiter) are found to be non-functional during a pre-shift inspection. How long does the employer have to repair them before the crane cannot be operated?
- A. 24 hours
- B. 7 calendar days (with temporary alternative measures in place)(correct)
- C. 30 calendar days
- D. Immediately — the crane must not be operated until repaired
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1416 categorizes anti-two-block devices and boom hoist limiters as Category I aids: they must be repaired within 7 calendar days. During that window, the employer must implement the specified temporary alternative measures (cable marking, spotter) or halt operations requiring those aids. Category II aids (LMI, boom angle indicator) have a 30-day window.
Question 6: Which OSHA section specifically addresses the requirement that the load chart must be in the crane cab at all times during operation?
- A. 1926.1412 (Inspections)
- B. 1926.1416 (Operational aids)
- C. 1926.1417 (Operation)(correct)
- D. 1926.1402 (Ground conditions)
Show Explanation
Explanation:
OSHA 1926.1417 (Operation) requires that rated capacities (load charts), recommended operating speeds, special hazard warnings, instructions, and operator's manual be readily available in the cab at all times. If the load chart is missing, operations must cease until it is provided.