Training Requirements For Crane Operators
The training requirements of the standard exist to help ensure your employees can go home at the end of the day. Training is essential.
OSHA 1926.1430 requires training in specific topics. Below is a list of the training requirements:
- Overhead powerlines. See Sections 1408(g) and 1410(m).
- Signal persons. See Section 1428(c)
- Operators. See Section 1427 for the training required for operators during the four-year transitional period for operator qualification/certification, for operators of equipment that does not require qualification/certification, and for operators-in-training.
Additional Training Requirements for Operators
Operators must also receive training on the following topics:
- Boom movement. On friction equipment, whenever moving a boom of support. See 1926.1417(f) and (j).
- Emergency procedures. The manufacturer’s emergency procedures for halting unintended equipment movement.
- 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.
- Crush/pinch points. The employer must train each employee who works with the equipment to keep clear of holes, crush/pinch points and the hazards addressed in 1926.1424.
- Tagout. If authorized to start/energize equipment or operate equipment controls (such as maintenance and repair employees), operators and additional authorized employees must be trained in proper tag-out and start-up procedures in 1926.1417(f) and (g).
Training Administration
For each employee who must be trained, the employer must:
- Evaluate each employee to confirm that the employee understands and has adequate skills and abilities (KSAs) related to the information provided in training.
- Provide refresher training in relevant topics for each employee when, based on the employee’s conduct or an evaluation of the employee’s knowledge, skills, or ability, there is an indication that retraining is necessary.
- Provide the training at no cost to the employee.
Qualification and Certification Requirements For Crane Operators
An operator will be deemed qualified to operate a particular piece of equipment if the operator is certified under paragraph 1926.1427(b) for that type and capacity of equipment or for higher-capacity equipment.
Suppose no accredited testing agency offers certification examinations for a particular type and/or equipment capacity. In that case, an operator will be deemed qualified to operate that equipment if the operator has been certified for the type/capacity most similar to that equipment and for which a certification examination is available. The operator’s certificate must state the type/capacity of equipment for which the operator is certified.
Getting Certified or Qualified
There are four qualification or certification options for crane operators.
- Option 1 – Certification after passing both a written and practical test administered by an accredited testing organization. Certification is valid for 5 years.
- Option 2 – Qualify after passing an audited employer program’s written and practical test. Qualification is valid for 5 years.
- Option 3 – Qualification by the U.S. Military (limited to Department of Defence employees or Armed Forces members). The qualification is valid for the period stipulated by the issuing authority.
- Option 4 – Licensing by a government entity. If the crane operator is working in a jurisdiction that requires a state or local crane license and the licensing process meets the requirements of this standard, the operator must obtain such a license. Licensing is valid for the period stipulated by the licensing department/office but no longer than 5 years.
