CFR 178E - Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Operator Qualification

On August 9, 2010, OSHA issued a final rule to revise the Cranes and Derricks Standard and related sections of the construction standard to update and specify industry work practices necessary to sections of the construction standard to update and specify industry work practices necessary to protect employees during the use of cranes and derricks in construction. The final rule (Federal Register) also addressed advances in the designs of cranes and derricks, related hazards, and the qualifications of employees needed to operate them safely.

The altered provision no longer requires different levels of certification based on the rated lifting capacity of equipment. While testing organizations are not required to issue capacities distinguished by rated capacities, they are permitted to do so, and employers may accept them or continue to rely on certifications based on crane type alone. This rule also establishes minimum requirements for determining operator competency.

The N.C. Commissioner of Labor adopted this rule with an effective date of May 3, 2019.