components and other equipment to support

specific construction activities. Such experience

may have been gained over many years.

However, this experience does not automatically

qualify the rigger to rig unstable, unusually heavy,

or eccentric loads that may require a tandem lift,

multiple-lifts, or use of custom rigging equipment.

In essence, employers must make sure the person

can do the rigging work needed for the exact types

of loads and lifts for a particular job with the

equipment and rigging that will be used for that

job.

Do qualified riggers have to be trained

or certified by an accredited organiza- tion or assessed by a third party?

No. Riggers do not have to be certified by an

accredited organization or assessed by a third

party. Employers may choose to use a third party

entity to assess the qualifications of the rigger

candidate, but they are not required to do so.

Does a certified operator also meet the

requirements of a qualified rigger?

A certified operator does not necessarily meet the

requirements of a qualified rigger. Determining

whether a person is a qualified rigger is based on

the nature of the load, lift, and equipment used to

hoist that load plus that person’s knowledge and

experience. A certified/qualified operator may

meet the requirements of a qualified rigger,

depending on the operator’s knowledge and

experience with rigging.

When is a qualified rigger required?

Employers must use qualified riggers during

hoisting activities for assembly and disassembly

work (1926.1404(r)(1)). Additionally, qualified

riggers are required whenever workers are within

the fall zone and hooking, unhooking, or guiding

a load, or doing the initial connection of a load to

a component or structure (1926.1425(c)).

Who can be a qualified rigger?

A qualified rigger is a rigger who meets the criteria

for a qualified person. Employers must determine

whether a person is qualified to perform specific

rigging tasks. Each qualified rigger may have

different credentials or experience. A qualified

rigger is a person that:

• possesses a recognized degree, certificate, or

professional standing, or

• has extensive knowledge, training, and experience, and

• can successfully demonstrate the ability to solve

problems related to rigging loads.

The person designated as the qualified rigger

must have the ability to properly rig the load for a

particular job. It does not mean that a rigger must

be qualified to do every type of rigging job.

Each load that requires rigging has unique

properties that can range from the simple to

the complex. For example, a rigger may have

extensive experience in rigging structural

FactSheet

Subpart CC – Cranes and Derricks in

Construction: Qualified Rigger

This fact sheet describes the qualified rigger requirements of subpart CC – Cranes

and Derricks in Construction, as specified in 29 CFR 1926.1401, 1926.1404, and

1926.1425. 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.