What it is: the U.S. federal safety regulation for cranes and derricks used in construction. Publisher: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Where to get it (free, public domain): OSHA's Subpart CC page and the eCFR text. Section titles checked September 19, 2026 against Cornell Legal Information Institute.
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 OSHA 1926 Subpart CC, Cranes and Derricks in Construction; also named in the Core exam outline, Domain 3). 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.
Sections that matter most for the exam
- 1926.1402 Ground conditions: who is responsible for ground stability and supporting materials.
- 1926.1403 to 1926.1406: assembly and disassembly procedures and boom and jib dismantling.
- 1926.1407 to 1926.1411: power line safety. Cranes must stay outside the minimum clearance distances (10 feet for lines up to 50 kV, more for higher voltages) unless the line is confirmed de-energized and grounded, or another listed option is met.
- 1926.1412 Inspections (shift, monthly, annual), 1926.1413 and 1926.1414: wire rope inspection, selection and installation.
- 1926.1415 Safety devices and 1926.1416 Operational aids, including what to do when an aid is not working.
- 1926.1417 Operation and 1926.1418 Authority to stop operation.
- 1926.1419 to 1926.1422: signals, and Appendix A with the standard hand signals.
- 1926.1423 Fall protection, 1926.1424 Work area control, 1926.1425 Keeping clear of the load, 1926.1426 Free fall and controlled load lowering.
- 1926.1427 and 1926.1428: operator certification and signal person qualifications. Appendix C is titled Operator Certification: Written Examination: Technical Knowledge Criteria, so it is worth reading alongside the exam outline.
- 1926.1431 Hoisting personnel and 1926.1432 Multiple-crane/derrick lifts.
Key ideas in short
- The operator and employer share responsibility for a safe lift, and the operator may stop any operation that looks unsafe.
- Inspect at the start of each shift, monthly and annually, and keep the records the rule requires.
- Know where the power lines are before you set up, and keep everything (crane, rope and load) clear of them.
- Signals must be understood and agreed on; a qualified signal person is required in the situations the rule lists.
Related lessons on this site: see the Core courses and the specialty courses under Learn in the main menu.