OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1427 covers operator training, certification, and evaluation for equipment covered under Subpart CC, which includes cranes and derricks in construction. The employer is responsible for ensuring that each operator is trained, certified/licensed, and evaluated in accordance with this section before operating any equipment, with some exceptions for specific equipment like derricks, sideboom cranes, or equipment with a maximum manufacturer-rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 pounds or less. [6] [6]

Here are key aspects of the requirements:

• Certification or Licensing: When a state or local government issues operator licenses, the operator must be licensed by that entity if the licensing program meets certain requirements, including assessment by written and practical tests.
• If licensing is not required, the operator must be certified by an accredited crane operator testing organization or through an audited employer program.
• Training: Employers must provide training to ensure operators have the skills and knowledge to operate equipment safely.
• Evaluation: Employers must evaluate operators to ensure they are qualified to operate the equipment safely.
• No Cost to Employees: Employers must provide the certification/licensure at no cost to employees.

[5] [4] Key components of operator certification include:

• Accreditation: Testing organizations must be accredited by a nationally recognized agency.
• Testing: Written and practical tests must assess the operator's knowledge and skills.
• Recertification: Procedures must be in place for operators to re-apply and be re-tested if they fail a test or are decertified. Testing procedures for recertification should ensure the operator continues to meet the technical knowledge and skills requirements.
• Portability: A certification issued under an accredited testing organization is portable among employers.
• Validity: Certifications are valid for five years.

[2] [2] [2] [2] To ensure continued competence, retraining is required when an operator's performance or an evaluation of their knowledge indicates it is necessary. [4]

The tests may be administered verbally if the operator candidate passes a written demonstration of literacy relevant to the work and demonstrates the ability to use written manufacturer procedures. Tests can be given in any language the operator understands, with the certification noting the language of the test. The operator is only permitted to operate equipment with materials in the language of the certification. [3] [3]

Certification must be based on a written test to determine if the individual knows the information necessary for safe operation, including functions and limitations of the equipment, wire rope requirements, how to level the equipment, how to verify the weight of the load, basic rigging procedures, and shift inspection requirements. [3] [7]

The employer must ensure that each operator is qualified through an evaluation that demonstrates the skills and knowledge necessary to operate the equipment safely and the ability to perform required hoisting activities. [1]