If you’re running a mobile crane (crawler/locomotive/truck) – 29 CFR 1910.180

• Load chart posted: A durable rating chart must be fixed in the cab and visible to the operator. Legal Information Institute

• Inspection program:

  • Frequent (daily to monthly) and periodic (1–12 months) inspections, plus monthly written certification for critical items (brakes, hooks, ropes). Legal Information Institute

• Testing: New/altered cranes require operational tests; rated-load tests capped at 110% of rated load (with records). Legal Information Institute

• Rope inspections: Monthly by an appointed/authorized person, with a certification record. Legal Information Institute

• Operating practices (highlights): Don’t exceed rated load; attach loads with proper slings; keep hook over the load; avoid sudden starts/stops; limit side-loading; no one on the load or hook. Legal Information Institute

• Near power lines: Follow 1910.333(c)(3) (electrical work practices). Keep 10 ft clearance from energized lines ≤50 kV; add 4 in per 10 kV above 50 kV; specific exceptions require barriers/insulation/qualified persons. OSHA+1

If you’re running an overhead/gantry crane – 29 CFR 1910.179

• The operator must be designated by the employer. OSHA

• Rated load marking and (for most non-floor-operated cranes) an audible warning device are required. OSHA

• Inspection program: OSHA specifies inspection classes (frequent/periodic) and requires monthly records for hooks, chains, and related items. OSHA

• Operator conduct rules (e.g., do not carry loads over people, test controls/brakes, proper signaling) are spelled out in 1910.179(n). OSHA

Rigging & slings (applies to both) – 29 CFR 1910.184

• Before each use: A competent person (designated by the employer) inspects slings, hardware, and attachments; defective gear is removed. OSHA

• Alloy chain slings: Thorough inspection at least annually with a record; proof-test new/ repaired slings and keep certificates. Similar rules exist for wire-rope, metal-mesh, and synthetic-web slings, including removal-from-service criteria. OSHA

Important context (1910 vs. 1926)

• In General Industry (1910), OSHA does not mandate third-party operator certification the way the Construction rule (1926 Subpart CC) does. Instead, the employer must ensure the operator is designated/qualified and that all 1910 requirements above are met. (State/local licensing may still apply.) OSHA+1

OSHA 1926 Crane & Rigging Requirements (Construction) — 3P Safety

This page summarizes 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC requirements to legally and safely operate cranes on construction sites—what employers must do before anyone runs a crane. OSHA

Who Must Comply (Scope)

Subpart CC covers power-operated equipment used in construction to hoist, lower, and horizontally move a suspended load (mobile, tower, articulating/knuckle-boom, overhead/gantry, derricks, carry-deck, floating cranes, etc.). Limited carve-outs exist (e.g., ≤2,000 lb max rated capacity follow §1441 instead of the full rule). OSHAeCFR

The Big Three for Operators

1) Train. 2) Certify/License. 3) Evaluate.
Before operating covered equipment, the employer must ensure each operator is trained, certified/licensed, and evaluated. Accepted paths: state/local license (if it meets OSHA criteria), accredited third-party certification (portable, 5-year), audited employer program (not portable, 5-year), or U.S. military qualification (Federal employees only). Employer evaluation on the specific crane/config is always required and must be documented and kept at the worksite. OSHA

Operators-in-Training (OIT). OITs must be continuously monitored by a qualified trainer and are restricted from certain activities (e.g., near power lines inside 20 ft/50 ft thresholds, personnel hoisting, multi-crane lifts, over shafts/tank farms). Retrain when performance indicates gaps. OSHA

Qualified Signal Persons & Riggers

• Signal person: Must meet §1428 qualification (knowledge of signals, competency in their use, basics of crane dynamics). Re-assess if performance shows gaps. OSHA

• Qualified rigger: Required during assembly/disassembly hoisting and whenever workers are in the fall zone, hooking, unhooking, guiding, or making initial connections. A/D rigging must be done by a qualified rigger. OSHA+1

Work Area & Power-Line Safety

• Work area control: Mark swing/crush zones; use barriers or high-visibility markings/signs when barriers aren’t feasible. OSHA

• Power lines (≤350 kV): Choose one: (1) De-energize & ground, (2) 20-ft clearance with specified controls, or (3) Table A minimum approach distances with planning and visual line-clearance controls. OSHA

Ground Conditions & Setup

Do not assemble/use equipment unless the ground is firm, drained, graded, and (with mats/cribbing as needed) meets the manufacturer’s level/support specs. The controlling entity must provide needed ground preparations and be notified if conditions are inadequate. OSHA+1

Inspections (Shift • Monthly • Annual)

• Conduct shift and monthly inspections by a competent/qualified person; repair hazards before use.

• Annual/Comprehensive inspection by a qualified person with documentation (items checked, results, inspector name/signature, date) kept ≥12 months. Annuals are due on or before the anniversary of the prior annual. OSHA+1

Wire rope: Visual inspection each shift; follow removal-from-service criteria and manufacturer’s instructions. OSHA

Safety Devices & Operational Aids

Equipment must have required safety devices (e.g., crane level indicator) and operational aids (e.g., anti-two-block, boom/jib angle/length indicators), subject to the manufacturer date and equipment type rules. Maintain and use them per the standard. OSHA+1

Assembly/Disassembly (A/D)

A/D must be directed by an A/D Director (competent + qualified) using applicable procedures; address site hazards (ground bearing, blocking, pick points, stability, weather). Special rules apply to outriggers/stabilizers and post-assembly inspection. Rigging during A/D must be by a qualified rigger. OSHA

How 3P Safety Helps

• Operator Prep & Exams (type or type & capacity) and testing coordination

• Employer Evaluations (forms, coaching, on-your-crane verification)

• Qualified Rigger & Signal Person Training (records provided)

• Inspection Programs (shift/monthly/annual) & documentation kits

• Power-Line Safety Plans and site briefings

Disclaimer: Summary only—use with the full OSHA standard and manufacturer manuals. OSHA