What it is: a training and reference textbook on mobile cranes. IHSA's own page describes about 419 pages, over 500 illustrations, and more than 150 load chart exercises for 17 types of crane. Publisher: IHSA (the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, Ontario, Canada).
Where to get it: IHSA product page (product code MC001). It is a paid, copyrighted book. Checked September 19, 2026. Because the publisher is Canadian, read regulation references in it as guidance and use the U.S. rules (OSHA) for U.S. exam questions where they differ.
Proof that the exam uses it
The certifying body's Mobile Crane Operator Candidate Handbook, revision 1/25 (PDF) lists this in its Reference List (listed as IHSA Mobile Crane Manual, with www.ihsa.ca). That list states that the most recent versions of the listed references are used by the body's written examination committee to verify the accuracy of test questions. Source checked October 15, 2026. Ask the certifying body for the current edition of the handbook before you rely on this, because the list can change.
What it is good for
- Plain-language explanations of crane parts, stability and setup.
- Load chart practice, which matches the exam's load chart domains.
- Illustrated rigging, signals and inspection material.
This article describes the document in our own words. It does not reproduce the standard or book. Buy or borrow the current edition from the publisher to read it.
Related lessons on this site: see the Core courses and the specialty courses under Learn in the main menu.