1926.1401 Definitions
Assembly/Disassembly means the assembly and/or disassembly of equipment covered under this standard. With regard to tower cranes, “erecting and climbing” replaces the term “assembly,” and “dismantling” replaces the term “disassembly.” Regardless of whether the crane is initially erected to its full height or is climbed in stages, the process of increasing the height of the crane is an erection process.
A/D director (Assembly/Disassembly director) means an individual who meets this subpart’s requirements for an A/D director, irrespective of the person’s formal job title or whether the person is non-management or management personnel.
Fall zone means the area (including but not limited to the area directly beneath the load) in which it is reasonably foreseeable that partially or completely suspended materials could fall in the event of an accident.
Qualified person means a person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, successfully demonstrated the ability to solve/ resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project.
Qualified rigger is a rigger who meets the criteria for a qualified person.
1926.1404 Assembly/Disassembly — general requirements (applies to all assembly and disassembly operations)
(a) Supervision — competent-qualified person
(1) Assembly/disassembly must be directed by a person who meets the criteria for both a competent person and a qualified person, or by a competent person who is assisted by one or more qualified persons (“A/D director”).
(2) Where the assembly/disassembly is being performed by only one person, that person must meet the criteria for both a competent person and a qualified person. For purposes of this standard, that person is considered the A/D director.
(b) Knowledge of procedures. The A/D director must understand the applicable assembly/disassembly procedures.
(c) Review of procedures. The A/D director must review the applicable assembly/disassembly procedures immediately prior to the commencement of assembly/disassembly unless the A/D director understands the procedures and has applied them to the same type and configuration of equipment (including accessories, if any).
(d) Crew instructions
(1) Before commencing assembly/disassembly operations, the A/D director must ensure that the crew members understand all of the following:
(i) Their tasks.
(ii) The hazards associated with their tasks.
(iii) The hazardous positions/locations that they need to avoid.
(2) During assembly/disassembly operations, before a crew member takes on a different task, or when adding new personnel during the operations, the requirements in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(iii) of this section must be met.
(r) Rigging. In addition to following the requirements in 29 CFR 1926.251 and other requirements in this and other standards applicable to rigging, when rigging is used for assembly/disassembly, the employer must ensure that:
(1) The rigging work is done by a qualified rigger.
1926.1408 Power line safety (up to 350 kV) — equipment operations
(b) Preventing encroachment/electrocution
(1) Conduct a planning meeting with the operator and the other workers who will be in the area of the equipment or load to review the location of the power line(s), and the steps that will be implemented to prevent encroachment/electrocution.
(g) Training
(1) The employer must train each operator and crew member assigned to work with the equipment on all of the following:
(i) The procedures to be followed in the event of electrical contact with a power line. Such training must include:
(A) Information regarding the danger of electrocution from the operator simultaneously touching the equipment and the ground.
(B) The importance to the operator’s safety of remaining inside the cab except where there is an imminent danger of fire, explosion, or other emergency that necessitates leaving the cab.
(C) The safest means of evacuating from equipment that may be energized.
(D) The danger of the potentially energized zone around the equipment (step potential).
(E) The need for crew in the area to avoid approaching or touching the equipment and the load.
(F) Safe clearance distance from power lines.
(ii) Power lines are presumed to be energized unless the utility owner/operator confirms that the power line has been and continues to be deenergized and visibly grounded at the worksite.
(iii) Power lines are presumed to be uninsulated unless the utility owner/operator or a registered engineer who is a qualified person with respect to electrical power transmission and distribution confirms that a line is insulated.
(iv) The limitations of an insulating link/device, proximity alarm, and range control (and similar) device, if used.
(v) The procedures to be followed to properly ground equipment and the limitations of grounding.
(2) Employees working as dedicated spotters must be trained to enable them to effectively perform their task, including training on the applicable requirements of this section.
(3) Training under this section must be administered in accordance with 1926.1430(g).
1926.1419 Signals — general requirements
(c) Non-standard hand signals.
(2) When using non-standard hand signals, the signal person, operator, and lift director (where there is one) must contact each other prior to the operation and agree on the non-standard hand signals that will be used.
1926.1423 Fall protection
(k) Training. The employer must train each employee who may be exposed to fall hazards while on, or hoisted by, equipment covered by this subpart on all of the following:
(1) the requirements in this subpart that address fall protection.
(2) the applicable requirements in 1926.500 and 1926.502
1926.1424 Work area control
(a) Swing radius hazards
(2) To prevent employees from entering these hazard areas, the employer must:
(i) Train each employee assigned to work on or near the equipment (“authorized personnel”) in how to recognize struck-by and pinch/crush hazard areas posed by the rotating superstructure.
(ii) Erect and maintain control lines, warning lines, railings or similar barriers to mark the boundaries of the hazard areas. Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is neither feasible to erect such barriers on the ground nor on the equipment, the hazard areas must be clearly marked by a combination of warning signs (such as “Danger— Swing/Crush Zone”) and high visibility markings on the equipment that identify the hazard areas. In addition, the employer must train each employee to understand what these markings signify.
(3) Protecting employees in the hazard area.
(i) Before an employee goes to a location in the hazard area that is out of view of the operator, the employee (or someone instructed by the employee) must ensure that the operator is informed that he/she is going to that location.
(ii) Where the operator knows that an employee went to a location covered by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the operator must not rotate the superstructure until the operator is informed in accordance with a pre-arranged system of communication that the employee is in a safe position.
(b) Where any part of a crane/derrick is within the working radius of another crane/derrick, the controlling entity must institute a system to coordinate operations. If there is no controlling entity, the employer (if there is only one employer operating the multiple pieces of equipment), or employers, must institute such a system.
1926.1425 Keeping clear of the load
(c) When employees are engaged in hooking, unhooking, or guiding the load, or in the initial connection of a load to a component or structure and are within the fall zone, all of the following criteria must be met:
(1) The materials being hoisted must be rigged to prevent unintentional displacement.
(2) Hooks with self-closing latches or their equivalent must be used. Exception: “J” hooks are permitted to be used for setting wooden trusses.
(3) The materials must be rigged by a qualified rigger.
1926.1427 Operator qualification and certification
(f) Pre-qualification/certification training period. An employee who is not qualified or certified under this section is permitted to operate equipment only as an operator-in-training and only where the requirements of this paragraph are met.
(1) The employer must provide each operator-in-training with sufficient training prior to operating the equipment to enable the operatorin-training to operate the equipment safely under limitations established by this section (including continuous monitoring) and any additional limitations established by the employer.
(2) The tasks performed by the operator-in-training while operating the equipment must be within the operator-in-training’s ability.
(3) Trainer. While operating the equipment, the operator-in-training must be continuously monitored by an individual (“operator’s trainer”) who meets all of the following requirements:
(i) The operator’s trainer is an employee or agent of the operator-in-training’s employer.
(ii) The operator’s trainer is either a certified operator under this section, or has passed the written portion of a certification test under one of the options in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section, and is familiar with the proper use of the equipment’s controls.
(iii) While monitoring the operator-in-training, the operator’s trainer performs no tasks that detract from the trainer’s ability to monitor the operator-in-training.
(iv) For equipment other than tower cranes: The operator’s trainer and the operator-in-training must be in direct line of sight of each other. In addition, they must communicate verbally or by hand signals. For tower cranes: The operator’s trainer and the operator-in-training must be in direct communication with each other.
(4) Continuous monitoring. The operator-in-training must be monitored by the operator’s trainer at all times, except for short breaks where all of the following are met:
(i) The break lasts no longer than 15 minutes and there is no more than one break per hour.
(ii) Immediately prior to the break the operator’s trainer informs the operator-in-training of the specific tasks that the operator-in-training is to perform and limitations to which he/she must adhere during the operator trainer’s break.
(iii) The specific tasks that the operator-in-training will perform during the operator trainer’s break are within the operatorin-training’s abilities.
(5) The operator-in-training must not operate the equipment in any of the following circumstances unless the exception stated in paragraph (f)(5)(v) of this section is applicable:
(i) If any part of the equipment, load line or load (including rigging and lifting accessories), if operated up to the equipment’s maximum working radius in the work zone (see 1926.1408(a)(1)), could get within 20 feet of a power line that is up to 350 kV, or within 50 feet of a power line that is over 350 kV.
(ii) If the equipment is used to hoist personnel.
(iii) In multiple-equipment lifts.
(iv) If the equipment is used over a shaft, cofferdam, or in a tank farm.
(v) In multiple-lift rigging operations, except where the operator’s trainer determines that the operator-in-training skills are sufficient for this high-skill work.
(g) Under this section, a testing entity is permitted to provide training as well as testing services as long as the criteria of the applicable accrediting agency (in the option selected) for an organization providing both services are met.
1926.1428 Signal person qualifications
(c) Qualification Requirements. Each signal person must:
(1) Know and understand the type of signals used. If hand signals are used, the signal person must know and understand the Standard Method for hand signals.
(2) Be competent in the application of the type of signals used.
(3) Have a basic understanding of equipment operation and limitations, including the crane dynamics involved in swinging and stopping loads and boom deflection from hoisting loads.
(4) Know and understand the relevant requirements of 1926.1419 through 1926.1422 and 1926.1428.
(5) Demonstrate that he/she meets the requirements in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this section through an oral or written test, and through a practical test.
1926.1430 Training
The employer must provide training as follows:
(a) Overhead power lines. The employer must train each employee specified in 1926.1408(g) and 1926.1410(m) in the topics listed in 1926.1408(g).
(b) Signal persons. The employer must train each employee who will be assigned to work as a signal person who does not meet the requirements of 1926.1428(c) in the areas addressed in that paragraph.
(c) Operators
(1) Operators-in-Training for equipment where certification or qualification is required by this subpart. The employer must train each operator-in-training in the areas addressed in 1926.1427(j). The employer must provide re-training if the operator-intraining does not pass a qualification or certification test.
(2) Transitional Period. During the four-year phase-in period for operator certification or qualification, as provided in 1926.1427(k), employers must train each operator who has not yet been certified or qualified in the areas addressed in 1926.1427(j).
(3) Operators excepted from the requirements of 1926.1427. The employer must train each operator excepted under 1926.1427(a) from the requirements of 1926.1427 on the safe operation of the equipment the operator will be using.
(4) The employer must train each operator of the equipment covered by this subpart in the following practices:
(i) On friction equipment, whenever moving a boom off a support, first raise the boom a short distance (sufficient to take the load of the boom) to determine if the boom hoist brake needs to be adjusted. On other types of equipment with a boom, the same practice is applicable, except that typically there is no means of adjusting the brake; if the brake does not hold, a repair is necessary. See 1926.1417(f) and (j) for additional requirements.
(ii) Where available, the manufacturer’s emergency procedures for halting unintended equipment movement.
(d) Competent persons and qualified persons. The employer must train each competent person and each qualified person regarding the requirements of this subpart applicable to their respective roles.
(e) Crush/pinch points. The employer must train each employee who works with the equipment to keep clear of holes, and crush/pinch points and the hazards addressed in 1926.1424 (Work area control).
(f) Tag-out. The employer must train each operator and each additional employee authorized to start/energize equipment or operate equipment controls (such as maintenance and repair employees), in the tag-out and start-up procedures in 1926.1417(f) and (g).
(g) Training administration
(1) The employer must evaluate each employee required to be trained under this subpart to confirm that the employee understands the information provided in the training.
(2) The employer must provide refresher training in relevant topics for each employee when, based on the conduct of the employee or an evaluation of the employee’s knowledge, there is an indication that retraining is necessary.
(3) Whenever training is required under subpart CC, the employer must provide the training at no cost to the employee.
1926.1436 Derricks
(q) Qualification and Training. The employer must train each operator of a derrick on the safe operation of equipment the individual will operate. Section 1926.1427 of this subpart (Operator qualification and certification) does not apply.
1926.1438 Overhead & gantry cranes
(a) Permanently installed overhead and gantry cranes. The requirements of 1910.179, except for 1910.179(b)(1), and not the requirements of this subpart CC, apply to the following equipment when used in construction and permanently installed in a facility: overhead and gantry cranes, including semigantry, cantilever gantry, wall cranes, storage bridge cranes, and others having the same fundamental characteristics.
(b) Overhead and gantry cranes that are not permanently installed in a facility.
(2) The following requirements apply to equipment identified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section:
(i) Sections 1926.1400 through 1926.1414; 1926.1417 through 1926.1425; 1926.1426(d); 1926.1427 through 1926.1434; 1926.1437, 1926.1439, and 1926.1441. [NOTE: This includes training at 1926.1404 assembly-disassembly, 1926.1419 Signals-general requirements, 1926.1423 Fall protection, 1926.1408(g) for power line safety (up to 350kV) — equipment operations.]
1926.1441 Equipment with a rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less
The following paragraphs of this section specify requirements for employers using equipment with a maximum rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less.
(a) The employer using this equipment must comply with the following provisions of this subpart:
… 1926.1407 through 1926.1411 (Power line safety)… [which directs employers to training requirements at 1926.1408(g)], sections 1926.1419 through 1926.1422 (Signals) [including 1419(c)(2) Nonstandard hand signals. When using non-standard hand signal, the signal person, operator, and lift director (where there is one) must contact each other prior to the operation and agree on the non-standard hand signals that will be used.],
section 1926.1423 (Fall protection) [Including 1423(k) Training],
section 1926.1432 (Multiple-crane/derrick lifts-supplemental requirements) [including 1432(b)(2) The lift director must review the plan in a meeting with all workers who will be involved with the operation.],
section 1926.1437 (Floating cranes/derricks and land cranes/derricks on barges) [including 1437(c)(2)(ii) Clearly mark the hazard areas by a combination of warning signs (such as, “Danger-Swing/Crush Zone”) and high visibility markings on the equipment that identify the hazard areas. In addition, the employer must train each employee to understand what these markings signify.],
and section 1926.1438 (Overhead & gantry cranes) [NOTE: See 1438 above for requirements].
(e) Operator qualifications. The employer must train each operator, prior to operating the equipment, on the safe operation of the type of equipment the operator will be using.
(f) Signal person qualifications. The employer must train each signal person in the proper use of signals applicable to the use of the equipment.