Master Builders of Iowa

Answer:  OSHA defines a “qualified evaluator (third party) in 1926.1401 as an entity that, due to its independence and expertise, has demonstrated that it is competent in accurately assessing whether individuals meet the qualification requirements for a signal person.

OSHA requires each employer of a signal person to use a qualified evaluation ( a third party or an employee) to verify that the signal person possesses a minimum set of knowledge and skills;

In general, OSHA does not evaluate or endorse specific products or programs, and therefore makes no determination as to whether either program meets the definition of a qualified evaluation (third party). Ultimately the employer is responsible for assuring that its employees are adequately trained regardless of whether the employees qualification is assessed by the employer or a third party.

Question #2: Does certification card satisfy the requirement for documentation of training for a qualified signal person if the card certifies that the holder has successfully completed testing on the listed specific categories of signals (voice, hand, radio)?

Answer: Certification cards issued by third party qualified evaluator or the employer’s qualified evaluator  would be satisfactory documentation of a signal person’s qualification under 1926.1428 provided that the cards specific each type of signaling for which the signal person is qualified, and denote that the card bearer:

1.  Knows and understands the type of signal used at the work side;

2. is competent in the application of the type of signal used at the work site;

3. has a basic understanding of the equipment operation, and limitations including the crane dynamics involved in swinging and stopping loads and boomer deflections from hoisting loads;

4. Knows and understands the relevant requirement

5. Has demonstrate his/her knowledge of the requirements of items (1) through (4) above through an oral or through an oral or written test and through a practical test;

Question#3: Can an employee’s possession of such a card at the worksite satisfy the requirement that such documentation be available at the site while the signal person is employed by the employer?

Answer: Yes. It is important for employers to make the documentation of signal person qualifications readily available to employees, and others who need to rely on the qualifications, such as crane operators who rely on signal persons provide by a different employer.  In practical terms, this availability requirement means that if a crane operator or that operator’s employer, an OSHA compliance officer, or another person who needs to verify the qualifications of the signal person requests to see the documentation, the employer must produce it immediately;

If you have any questions contact Phil Mercuris, Vice President of Safety Services at Master Builders of Iowa 515-288-8904 / 515-250-7001 or 800-362-2578.  Email address: pmercuris@mbionline.com