Cranes and Derricks (Construction): What you need to know

OSHA’s regulations for cranes and derricks in construction, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, applies to power-operated equipment used in the construction industry that can hoist, lower, and horizontally move a suspended load. Subpart CC is very comprehensive in nature and includes requirements for equipment design and condition, signals, power line safety, safe work practices, fall protection, inspections, operator qualification and certification, signal person qualifications, qualifications of maintenance and repair employees, training, and a number of other areas. In addition, there are several standards that address specific requirements for particular types of cranes and derricks.

For information on the crane operator certification requirements, refer to the Training and Qualifications section.

29 CFR 1926.1400

Controlling entity. The “controlling entity” is the employer that is a prime contractor, general contractor, construction manager, or any other legal entity that has the overall responsibility for the planning, quality, and completion of a construction project that involves cranes or derricks. There are specific duties and requirements for the controlling entity in several provisions of the regulations. There are also requirements for other employers in authority when there is no controlling entity during certain crane operations.

Covered equipment. Subpart CC applies to power-operated equipment used in construction that can hoist, lower, and horizontally move a suspended load. This includes (but is not limited to):

• Articulating cranes
• Crawler cranes
• Floating cranes
• Cranes on barges
• Locomotive cranes
• Mobile cranes (e.g., wheel-mounted, rough-terrain, all-terrain, commercial ...