1. Third party qualified evaluator. The signal

person has documentation from a third party

qualified evaluator showing that he or she

meets the qualification requirements.

2. Employer’s qualified evaluator (not a third

party). The employer’s qualified evaluator

assesses the individual, determines the individual meets the qualification requirements, and

provides documentation of that determination.

This assessment may not be relied on by other

employers.

Refer to 1926.1401 for definitions of qualified

evaluators.

How will an employer show that a signal

person is appropriately qualified?

Employers must make the documentation of

the signal person’s qualifications available at the

worksite, either in paper form or electronically.

The documentation must specify each type of

signaling (e.g., hand signals, radio signals, etc.)

for which the signal person is qualified under the

requirements of the standard.

When are signal persons required to be

qualified?

The qualification requirements for signal persons

go into effect on November 8, 2010.

When is a signal person required?

A signal person is required when:

• The point of operation is not in full view of the

operator (1926.1419(a)).

• The operator’s view is obstructed in the direction

the equipment is traveling.

• Either the operator or the person handling the

load determines that a signal person is needed

because of site-specific safety concerns.

What does a signal person need to know?

The signal person is considered qualified if he or she:

• Knows and understands the type of signals used

at the worksite.

• Is competent in using these signals.

• Understands the operations and limitations of

the equipment, including the crane dynamics

involved in swinging, raising, lowering and

stopping loads and in boom deflection from

hoisting loads.

• Knows and understands the relevant signal

person qualification requirements specified in

subpart CC (1926.1419-1926.1422; 1926.1428).

• Passes an oral or written test and a practical test.

How does a signal person become

qualified?

Employers must use one of the following options

to ensure that a signal person is qualified (see

1926.1428).

FactSheet

Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in

Construction: Signal Person Qualification

This fact sheet describes the signal person qualification requirements of subpart

CC – Cranes and Derricks in Construction, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.1419 and

1926.1428. Other requirements related to signal persons can be found at 29 CFR

1926.1404, 1926.1430, 1926.1431, and 1926.1441. These provisions are effective

November 8, 2010.

U.S. Department of Labor

www.osha.gov

(800) 321-OSHA

For more complete information:

DOC 10/2010

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or

standards. It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of

compliance requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal

Regulations. This information will be made available to sensory impaired individuals upon request.

The voice phone is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: (877) 889-5627.