Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Signal Person Qualification

This fact sheet describes the signal person qualification requirements of subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.1419 and 1926.1428. Other requirements related to signal persons can be found at 29 CFR 1926.1404, 1926.1430, 1926.1431, and 1926.1441. These provisions are effective November 8, 2010.

When is a qualified signal person required?

A signal person is required when:

• The point of operation is not in full view of the operator (1926.1419(a)).
• The operator’s view is obstructed in the direction the equipment is traveling.
• Either the operator or the person handling the load determines that a signal person is needed because of site-specific safety concerns.

What does a signal person need to know?

The signal person is considered qualified if he or she:

• Knows and understands the type of signals used at the worksite.
• Is competent in using these signals.
• Understands the operations and limitations of the equipment, including the crane dynamics involved in swinging, raising, lowering and stopping loads and in boom deflection from hoisting loads.
• Knows and understands the relevant signal person qualification requirements specified in subpart CC (1926.1419-1926.1422; 1926.1428).
• Passes an oral or written test and a practical test.

How does a signal person become qualified?

Employers must use one of the following options to ensure that a signal person is qualified (see 1926.1428).

1. Third party qualified evaluator. The signal person has documentation from a third party qualified evaluator showing that he or she meets the qualification requirements.
2. Employer’s qualified evaluator (not a third party). The employer’s qualified evaluator assesses the individual, determines the individual meets the qualification requirements, and provides documentation of that determination. This assessment may not be relied on by other employers.

Refer to 1926.1401 for definitions of qualified evaluators.

How will an employer show that a signal person is appropriately qualified?

Employers must make the documentation of the signal person’s qualifications available at the worksite, either in paper form or electronically. The documentation must specify each type of signaling (e.g., hand signals, radio signals, etc.) for which the signal person is qualified under the requirements of the standard.

When are signal persons required to be qualified?

The qualification requirements for signal persons go into effect on November 8, 2010.

OSTS' Qualified Signal Person solution

Depending on the level of experience and the number of students per class, the class duration can range from 4 to 6 hours. This class is intended to train personnel to have a command of the OSHA signal person requirements

The class will provide the student with an understanding of the fundamentals of proper signaling and the ability to identify potential safety problems.

Subjects covered in the course include:

• Understanding and properly using the standard hand signals provided by ASME.
• Understanding and properly using the required voice signals.
• Understanding crane operations and the limitations associated with the crane they will signal.
• Participating in a practical evaluation

Call 1 877 226-6006 and ask for Gregg or request more information through our Contact Form