Final Rule on Crane Operator Certification Takes Effect Dec. 9

OSHA has published the final rule clarifying certification requirements for crane operators, which becomes effective on December 9, 2018. Operators can be certified either by type of crane and capacity of crane, or by type of crane only. This revision of a 2010 requirement, which was effective Nov. 10, 2018, ensures more accredited testing organizations are eligible to meet OSHA’s certification program requirements, according to an announcement released by the agency.

A guidance issued by OSHA regarding the previous rule, states the agency will accept certification by either crane type only or crane type and capacity during the interim until Dec. 9.
 
Under the rule, employers are required to train operators as needed, evaluate them, and document their successful evaluations. Employers who have evaluated operators prior to December 9, 2018, will only have to document when those evaluations were completed. The employer evaluation and documentation requirements will take effect February 7, 2019.
 
Additional Resources
Interim Compliance Guidance for Crane Operators
Final Rule on Crane Operator Certification Requirements