Crane, Rigging and Signal Person Safety: Complete Course

Crane accidents are rare compared with other construction hazards, but when they happen they kill and injure whole crews and bystanders. This in-depth course explains OSHA's Cranes and Derricks in Construction rule (29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC) and the roles of the operator, qualified rigger, signal person, lift director and assembly/disassembly director. You will learn the main crane types and parts, how to read a load chart, what can overload or tip a crane, how to set up on safe ground with outriggers and mats, how to work near power lines, how to choose and inspect wire rope, chain and synthetic slings and hardware, how sling angles and hitches change forces, how to find a load's weight and center of gravity, standard hand signals and radio communication, how to plan routine, critical and multi-crane lifts, and what to do in an emergency. It is an awareness-level course. It does not certify operators, riggers or signal persons: OSHA requires the employer to qualify these workers through assessments and practical evaluations, and operators must be certified or qualified under the rule.

What you’ll learn

• Explain the OSHA crane rule and the duties of the operator, rigger, signal person and lift director
• Identify crane types, parts and the factors that determine capacity
• Read a load chart and avoid overloading and tipping
• Set up on safe ground and work safely near wind, weather and power lines
• Select, inspect and use slings, shackles, hooks and other rigging hardware
• Calculate sling tension from the sling angle and choose the right hitch
• Find a load's weight and center of gravity and plan a routine or critical lift
• Use standard hand signals and radio communication
• Respond correctly to crane emergencies and learn from typical accidents

Who it’s for

Crane operators, riggers, signal persons, ironworkers, carpenters, laborers and truck drivers who work around cranes; supervisors, project managers, safety coordinators and anyone who plans lifts. No experience is needed.

Course outline

Module 1: Cranes, the OSHA Rule and Who Does What 4 lessons · quiz

Why crane work is high consequence, the main types of cranes, the scope of OSHA's crane rule and the roles and qualifications of everyone on a lift.

• Why cranes are dangerous 12 min Free preview
• Types of cranes and their parts 15 min
• OSHA's crane rule (Subpart CC) 15 min
• Roles on a lift 15 min

Module 2: Load Charts and Capacity 4 lessons · quiz

How to read a load chart, what factors reduce capacity, and the difference between tipping and structural limits.

• Reading a load chart 15 min Free preview
• Factors that reduce capacity 14 min
• Tipping, boom failure and anti-two-block 14 min
• Simple capacity problems 14 min

Module 3: Setup, Ground Conditions, Weather and Power Lines 4 lessons · quiz

Inspections, site assessment, outriggers and mats, wind and lightning, working area control and power line rules.

• Crane inspections 14 min Free preview
• Ground conditions, outriggers and mats 16 min
• Wind, weather and lightning 12 min
• Power line safety and work area control 18 min

Module 4: Slings, Hardware and Hitches 4 lessons · quiz

Wire rope, chain, synthetic and metal mesh slings, hooks, shackles and other hardware, hitches, sling angles and how to inspect rigging.

• Rigging basics and wire rope slings 16 min Free preview
• Chain, synthetic and metal mesh slings 15 min
• Hooks, shackles and other hardware 14 min
• Hitches and sling angles 16 min

Module 5: Weight, Center of Gravity and Lift Planning 4 lessons · quiz

How to determine a load's weight, find its center of gravity, plan routine and critical lifts, and set up exclusion zones.

• Finding the weight of the load 14 min Free preview
• Center of gravity 14 min
• Lift planning 16 min
• Exclusion zones and working near the load 12 min

Module 6: Signals and Communication 4 lessons · quiz

Standard hand signals, radio and voice communication, the signal person's job and qualification, and how to avoid misunderstandings.

• The signal person's role 14 min Free preview
• Standard hand signals 18 min
• Radio, voice and other communication 14 min
• Common signal errors and how to prevent them 12 min

Module 7: Operating Practices and Special Cranes 4 lessons · quiz

Safe operating habits for mobile cranes, assembly and disassembly, tower cranes, overhead cranes, and hoisting people.

• Safe operating practices 15 min Free preview
• Assembly and disassembly 14 min
• Tower cranes 15 min
• Overhead cranes and hoisting personnel 15 min

Module 8: Emergencies, Case Studies and Putting It Together 3 lessons · quiz

What to do when a crane tips, a load drops or a line is struck, lessons from typical accidents, and a field checklist for every lift.

• Crane emergencies 14 min Free preview
• Case studies 18 min
• A field checklist for every lift 12 min

What’s included

• 31 lessons you can read at your own pace, on a phone or a computer
• A short quiz after every module, with the correct answer shown for any you miss
• A final exam of 30 questions (pass at 80% or higher)
• A numbered certificate of completion with a QR code anyone can scan to verify it
• Your progress saved to your account, with access that doesn’t expire

Questions

Can an employer check my certificate? Yes. Each certificate has a number and a QR code that opens a public verification page on this site.

Can I get a refund? Yes, within 7 days of purchase if you have completed less than 25% of the course and haven’t earned its certificate. Email support@toddallynmedia.com. Details are in section 13 of the Terms of Use. Payment is handled by PayPal; we never see your card details.

What do I need? A free account and any phone, tablet or computer. Questions or problems? Email support@toddallynmedia.com.