OSHA Crane Regulations 29 CFR 1926 Flashcards

Under 29 CFR 1926.1413, rotation-resistant wire rope used in a running application must be removed from service when inspection reveals which condition?

Answer: 2 or more broken wires in one lay, or 1 or more broken wires in the outer strands within one lay

Section 1926.1413(a)(2) establishes stricter discard criteria for rotation-resistant rope than for standard wire rope. Due to their multi-layer strand construction, even 2 broken wires in one lay — or just 1 broken wire in an outer strand within one lay — signals significant deterioration requiring immediate removal. Standard (non-rotation-resistant) wire rope uses the 6-in-one-lay / 3-in-one-strand criteria listed in answer A and C, which are common distractors here.

A crane is operating near an overhead power line that utility records confirm is energized at exactly 50 kV. Under Table A of 29 CFR 1926.1407, what is the minimum required clearance the equipment must maintain?

Answer: 10 feet, because the 10-foot minimum applies to power lines up to and including 50 kV

Table A of 1926.1407 sets the 10-foot minimum clearance for lines 'up to 50 kV.' The 15-foot tier applies to lines 'over 50 kV up to 200 kV.' Because this line is at exactly 50 kV — not over — the 10-foot requirement controls. This boundary distinction is a frequent field error and a deliberate test focus: operators who misread 'up to' as excluding the stated value will incorrectly apply the higher tier.

Under 29 CFR 1926.1431, before a personnel platform is used for the first time or after repairs affecting structural integrity, which proof test is required?

Answer: A static load test suspending 125% of the platform's rated capacity for 5 minutes

Section 1926.1431(e)(1) requires a proof test consisting of a static load equal to 125% of the platform's rated capacity, suspended for 5 minutes, before any personnel are hoisted. The test must be completed without evidence of failure. The 150% and 200% figures are plausible distractors drawn from proof-test language in other standards (rigging, lifting beams), but they do not apply here. Dynamic tests with personnel aboard would violate the safety intent of the pre-use verification requirement.

Under 29 CFR 1926.1404, what qualification standard must the person directing an assembly/disassembly (A/D) operation meet?

Answer: Must be a 'competent person' who can identify hazards in the A/D process and has authority to take prompt corrective action

Section 1926.1404(a) requires A/D operations to be directed by a 'competent person' — OSHA's defined term for someone who can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authority to take prompt corrective action. NCCCO operator certification, engineering credentials, and hour-based thresholds are not the regulatory standard for the A/D director role. This is a critical distinction: other sections of 1926 Subpart CC use 'qualified person,' but the A/D director standard specifically uses 'competent person.'

Under 29 CFR 1926.1432, who bears specific responsibility for planning and supervising a multiple crane/derrick lift?

Answer: A qualified rigger, who must develop and execute the plan before and during the lift

Section 1926.1432(b) explicitly requires multiple crane lifts to be planned and supervised by a 'qualified rigger.' This is a higher and more specific standard than the 'competent person' designation used for other crane tasks. The qualified rigger must address load weight distribution, crane capacities at working radii, rigging geometry, and communication protocols before the lift begins. Seniority among operators, safety officer title, or generic competent person status do not satisfy this requirement.

Under 29 CFR 1926.1427, which scenario describes an operator who is specifically exempt from certification by an accredited crane operator testing organization?

Answer: An operator of equipment with a maximum rated hoisting/lifting capacity of 2,000 lbs or less

Equipment with a rated capacity of 2,000 lbs or less is governed by 29 CFR 1926.1441, which carries separate and less stringent requirements. Operators of such equipment are not subject to the accredited certification mandate under 1926.1427. The state license scenario (5,000 lb crane) does not automatically exempt an operator — OSHA's rule requires accredited third-party certification, not merely state licensure. Supervision ratios and employer-administered tests are not enumerated exemptions under 1926.1427.