1926.1427(f)(1): Crane Operator Evaluation Demonstration
Through an evaluation, employers must make sure each crane operator demonstrates the skills, knowledge and ability to recognize and avoid risk needed for the specific equipment, including safety devices, operational aids, software, size and configuration, and the ability to perform assigned hoisting tasks such as blind lifts, personnel hoisting and multi-crane lifts.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1427(f)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $27,667 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1427(f) Evaluation (9 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1427(f)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.1427 Operator training, certification, and evaluation, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Through an evaluation, the employer must ensure that each operator is qualified by a demonstration of: 8 citations
(i) The skills and knowledge, as well as the ability to recognize and avert risk, necessary to operate the equipment safely, including those specific to the safety devices, operational aids, software, and the size and configuration of the equipment. Size and configuration includes, but is not limited to, lifting capacity, boom length, attachments, luffing jib, and counterweight set-up. Open (f)(1)(i) 5 citations
(ii) The ability to perform the hoisting activities required for assigned work, including, if applicable, blind lifts, personnel hoisting, and multi-crane lifts. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1427.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1427(f)(1).
At 11:15 a.m. on October 20, 2023, an employee was lifting pipe with a crane. The crane tipped over and the employee was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1427(f)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1427(f)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1427(f) Evaluation 9 citations
- 1926.1427(f)(1)(i) 5 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must the operator demonstrate?
Skills, knowledge and ability to recognize and avert risk for safely operating the equipment.
What does size and configuration include?
Lifting capacity, boom length, attachments, luffing jib and counterweight set-up, among others.
Must special lifts be evaluated?
Yes, if applicable, blind lifts, personnel hoisting and multi-crane lifts.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1427 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.