Does the new OSHA Cranes and Derricks Standards have specific requirements for each signal person?
Yes.
The new OSHA crane standard has qualification requirements that the signal person must know. These requirements can be found under 1926.1428 signal person qualifications. The contractor must provide either option (1) third party qualified evaluator or option (2) employer’s qualified evaluator. The employer must make the documentation for whichever option is used at the site when requested by an OSHA inspector. If option #2 is chosen the signal person must meet the qualification requirements under 1926.1428(c) and the employer must have the signal person demonstrate he/she meets the requirements through an oral or written test, and through a practical test. I encourage all contractors who use a crane on their construction projects to study the entire new crane standard as soon as possible. The new standard is going to require many changes. If you have questions contact Phil Mercuris, Vice President of Safety Services, at Master Builders of Iowa 515-288-8904
