Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 13. Cranes and Other Hoisting Equipment
Article 98. Operating Rules

§5001.3. Signal Person Qualifications -- Supplemental Requirements for Cranes and Derricks in Construction.

(a) The employer of the signal person shall ensure that each signal person meets the qualification requirements [subsection (c)] prior to giving any signals. This requirement shall be met by using either Option (1) or Option (2) of this section.

(1) Option (1) -- Third party qualified evaluator. The signal person has documentation from a third party qualified evaluator [see Section 4885, Qualified Evaluator (third party)], showing that the signal person meets the qualification requirements [see subsection (c)].

(2) Option (2) -- Employer's qualified evaluator. The employer's qualified evaluator [see Section 4885, Qualified Evaluator (not a third party)], assesses the individual and determines that the individual meets the qualification requirements [see subsection (c)] and provides documentation of that determination. An assessment by an employer's qualified evaluator under this option is not portable -- other employers are not permitted to use it to meet the requirements of this section.

(3) The employer shall make the documentation for whichever option is used available while the signal person is employed by the employer. The documentation shall specify each type of signaling (e.g. hand signals, radio signals, etc.) for which the signal person meets the requirements of subsection (c).

(b) If subsequent actions by the signal person indicate that the individual does not meet the qualification requirements [see subsection (c)], the employer shall not allow the individual to continue working as a signal person until re-training is provided and a reassessment is made in accordance with subsection (a) that confirms that the individual meets the qualification requirements.

(c) Qualification Requirements. Each signal person shall:

(1) Know and understand the type of signals used.

(2) Be competent in the application of the type of signals used.

(3) Have a basic understanding of equipment operation and limitations, including the crane dynamics involved in swinging and stopping loads and boom deflection from hoisting loads.

(4) Know and understand the relevant requirements of Sections 5001 through 5001.3.

(5) Demonstrate that they meet the requirements in subsections (c)(1) through (4) through an oral or written test, and through a practical test of the signals to be used.

Exception: Marine terminal operations regulated by Article 14 of these Orders.

Credits

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

History

1. New section filed 7-26-2022; operative 7-26-2022 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2022, No. 30). Filing deadline specified in Government Code section 11349.3(a) extended 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-40-20 and an additional 60 calendar days pursuant to Executive Order N-71-20.