Rigger & Signal Person Training (OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC)

OSHA-Compliant Rigging & Signal Person Certification Training

Rigger and signal person training prepares workers to safely support crane operations by properly handling loads, selecting rigging equipment, and communicating with crane operators.

Under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC, employers must ensure that riggers and signal persons are qualified and competent to perform their duties safely.

KARM Safety Solutions provides practical, hands-on training designed to help workers meet OSHA requirements and prevent serious lifting incidents.

OSHA Requirements for Riggers & Signal Persons

OSHA requires:

Qualified Riggers

Riggers must be qualified when:

  • Working with the assembly/disassembly of cranes
  • Handling loads where improper rigging could create hazards

Qualified Signal Persons

Signal persons must be qualified when:

  • The crane operator’s view is obstructed
  • Working near hazards (power lines, blind lifts, complex lifts)

Requirements include:

  • Knowledge of rigging and signaling procedures
  • Ability to recognize hazards
  • Demonstration of competency

Important Compliance Note:
OSHA requires qualification and competency, not a universal license. Employers must ensure workers meet qualification requirements.


What Does a Rigger Do?

A rigger is responsible for:

  • Selecting appropriate slings and rigging equipment
  • Inspecting rigging before use
  • Securing loads properly
  • Ensuring load stability and balance

Improper rigging can lead to dropped loads and serious injuries.


What Does a Signal Person Do?

A signal person communicates with the crane operator using:

  • Standard hand signals
  • Voice communication (radio)
  • Signal devices when necessary

Clear communication is critical to safe crane operation.


Common Rigging & Lifting Hazards

Workers face serious risks during lifting operations:

  • Dropped loads
  • Improper rigging selection
  • Sling failure
  • Struck-by or caught-in hazards
  • Power line contact
  • Poor communication between crew members

Training is essential to prevent these incidents.

What This Training Covers

This course prepares workers for safe rigging and signaling operations:

Rigging Fundamentals

  • Types of slings and hardware
  • Load weight and center of gravity
  • Load balancing and stability

Sling Inspection & Use

  • Inspection requirements
  • Proper sling selection
  • Load capacity and limitations

Signal Person Communication

  • Standard hand signals
  • Radio communication
  • Coordination with crane operators

Hazard Recognition

  • Identifying unsafe lifting conditions
  • Power line safety
  • Environmental hazards

OSHA Compliance Requirements

  • 1926 Subpart CC overview
  • Qualified rigger and signal person requirements

Practical Evaluation

  • Demonstration of rigging techniques
  • Signal communication exercises


Who Needs Rigger & Signal Person Training?

This training is essential for:

  • Crane operators and crews
  • Construction workers involved in lifting operations
  • Utility and industrial workers
  • Maintenance and service crews
  • Supervisors overseeing crane operations

Anyone involved in lifting operations must be properly trained and qualified.


OSHA Inspections & Compliance

During OSHA inspections, employers may be required to provide:

  • Training and qualification records
  • Rigging inspection procedures
  • Evidence of competent signal communication
  • Safe lifting practices documentation

Proper training helps reduce the risk of citations and incidents.


Certification & Documentation

Upon completion:

  • Certificate of Completion issued
  • Qualification documentation for employer records
  • Support for OSHA compliance

OSHA requires qualified personnel, not a national license.


Why Choose KARM Safety Solutions

KARM provides real-world, jobsite-focused rigging and signaling training:

  • OSHA-aligned instruction (1926 Subpart CC)
  • Hands-on learning and evaluation
  • Designed for construction and industrial environments
  • Focus on safe lifting practices and hazard prevention


Frequently Asked Questions

Is rigger training required by OSHA?

Yes. Riggers must be qualified when performing critical lifting operations under Subpart CC.

Is a signal person required for crane operations?

Yes, when the operator cannot see the load or when hazards are present.

What is a qualified person?

A qualified person has demonstrated knowledge, training, and experience to perform the task safely.

Can rigging training be done online?

Theory can be online, but practical evaluation is important for competency.

What is the biggest risk in rigging operations?

Dropped loads and communication failures are major causes of incidents.


Schedule Rigger & Signal Person Training

KARM Safety Solutions offers:

  • On-site rigging and signal person training
  • OSHA-compliant qualification programs
  • Practical, hands-on instruction

Contact us today to schedule training and improve lifting safety and compliance.