29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC: OSHA Cranes and Derricks

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, Cranes and Derricks in Construction (1926.1400–1926.1442)

What Is OSHA's Cranes and Derricks Standard?

Subpart CC applies to power-operated equipment used in construction that can hoist, lower and horizontally move a suspended load, such as mobile and tower cranes and derricks.

Why Crane Safety Matters

Crane tip-overs, power line contact, dropped loads and assembly failures cause many fatal construction incidents.

Core Requirements

1. Ground Conditions

Equipment must not be assembled or used unless the ground is firm, drained and graded enough, with supporting materials if needed, to meet the manufacturer's support and leveling specifications. The controlling entity must provide ground preparation and tell the operator about known hazards below, such as voids or utilities.

2. Assembly and Disassembly

Assembly and disassembly must be directed by a person who is both a competent person and a qualified person, or by a competent person assisted by qualified persons. Rigging must be done by a qualified rigger.

3. Power Lines

Before operations, the employer must identify the work zone and determine whether any part of the equipment, load line or load could get closer than 20 feet to a power line. If so, it must confirm the line is deenergized and visibly grounded, keep everything at least 20 feet away, or keep the minimum clearance in Table A for the line's voltage.

4. Inspections

A competent person must visually inspect equipment each shift. Equipment must also be inspected monthly, with documentation kept for at least three months, and annually by a qualified person, with documentation kept for at least 12 months. A qualified person must also inspect equipment after assembly and after modifications or repairs that affect safe operation.

5. Operator Certification and Evaluation

Operators must be trained, certified or licensed, and evaluated before operating covered equipment. Certification can come from an accredited testing organization, an audited employer program or a qualifying state or local license, and the employer must document its own evaluation.

6. Riggers and Signal Persons

A signal person is required when the point of operation isn't in full view of the operator, when the operator's view is obstructed while traveling, or when site-specific safety concerns call for one. When workers are in the fall zone to hook, unhook or guide a load, the load must be rigged by a qualified rigger.

Common Compliance Approaches

Lift Planning

Plan each lift with ground conditions, power line distances, crane configuration and rigging confirmed in advance.

Credential Tracking

Keep operator certifications, evaluation records and signal person qualifications available at the site.

Inspection Logs

Use shift checklists and track monthly and annual inspection dates for each crane.

Example: Crane Safety in Practice

A contractor sets up a mobile crane near a 13.8 kV power line to place rooftop HVAC units. Ground mats are placed to meet the manufacturer's specifications. Because the boom could come within 20 feet of the line, the crew holds a planning meeting, sets an elevated warning line and assigns a dedicated spotter. A certified operator, qualified rigger and signal person handle the lift.

Related regulations: HSE LOLER, Australian WHS plant and structures, OSHA Electrical Work Practices, OSHA Fall Protection.

Note: This summary reflects federal OSHA requirements. States with OSHA-approved State Plans may have additional or different requirements. Always check the current regulation text and any state rules that apply to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do crane operators in construction need certification?

Yes. Operators of most equipment covered by Subpart CC must be certified or licensed and also evaluated by their employer before operating. Certificates from accredited testing organizations are valid for five years.

How close can a crane get to a power line?

If any part of the equipment or load could come within 20 feet of a power line, the employer must take specific precautions. For lines up to 50 kV, Table A sets a minimum clearance of 10 feet, with larger distances for higher voltages.

Who can act as a signal person?

Only a person qualified by a third-party qualified evaluator or the employer's qualified evaluator, after passing an oral or written test and a practical test.