Crane Signal Person Designation
Written qualification record for crane signal persons.
What this document is
This document is a written qualification record for individuals who give hand or voice signals to crane operators. It confirms that the signal person meets the knowledge and skill requirements set by OSHA.
The regulation that requires it
29 CFR 1926.1419 states that a signal person must be provided when the point of operation is not in full view of the operator, or when the operator's view is obstructed in the direction the equipment is traveling, or when the operator or the person handling the load determines that a signal person is needed. The rule requires that the signal person be qualified by one of the methods listed in 1926.1428 and that the employer maintain documentation of that qualification. California contractors must also meet the parallel requirements in Title 8 CCR Section 1618.1, which adopts and supplements the federal standard.
Who needs it
General contractors, crane rental companies, steel erectors, and any employer who directs crane operations on construction sites need this record. Signal persons in California must be qualified under both federal 29 CFR 1926.1419 and Title 8 CCR standards. Employers in every state that adopts federal OSHA rules for construction also require it.
What happens without it
OSHA and Cal/OSHA can issue a Serious citation when an unqualified signal person is used or when qualification records are missing. Current federal penalty ranges for Serious violations reach up to $16,131 per violation, while Willful or Repeat violations can reach $161,323. Multi-employer worksites increase the chance of citations to the controlling contractor as well as the exposing employer. Inspections frequently check crane paperwork during routine site visits.
What's included in the generated document
- Employer and signal person identification fields
- Qualification method selection (training or certification)
- Documentation of demonstrated knowledge and skills
- Examiner name, signature, and date
- Space for renewal or re-qualification dates
How to implement it at your company
- Talk to Guy first. Describe your operation, trade, and location — Guy draws from 300,000+ verified OSHA and state regulatory citations to build a compliance plan specific to your company. Your answers shape every section of the document you receive. Takes about 10 minutes.
- Download the PDF and open it in any standard viewer.
- Fill in the signal person's name, employee ID, and qualification details.
- Have a competent person or qualified evaluator observe and sign the form.
- Give a copy to the signal person and keep the original in personnel or safety files.
- Review and update the record whenever the signal person needs re-qualification.