The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) has requested clarification from OSHA Construction Director Jim Maddux concerning two sections of the Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard, 1926.1400, promulgated in July 2010.
On June 2, the association wrote about Section 1926.1401: Definitions – Qualified Third Party Evaluator. “Qualified evaluator (third party) means an entity that, due to its independence and expertise, has demonstrated that it is competent in accurately assessing whether individuals meet the Qualification Requirements in this subpart for a signal person.”
In prefacing its query, SC&RA noted that unions such as the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers; the International Union of Operating Engineers; and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America have established Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) as independent entities with expertise to provide training and jointly assess the “Qualifications Requirements” contained within the Subpart.
SC&RA’s question: “Does the Agency agree that the JATCs meet the definition in 1926.1401 as a Qualified Third Party Evaluator?”
SC&RA followed up on June 10 with a question concerning Section 1926.1428 (a)(3): Signal person qualifications: “The employers must make the documentation for whichever option is used available at the site while the signal person is employed by the employer. The determination must specify each type of signaling (e.g. hand signals, radio signals, etc.) for which the signal person meets the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.”
The association noted that upon satisfactory completion of signal person training, JATCs throughout the U.S. issue individuals a certification card, acknowledging that training and testing had been provided on specific categories of signals (voice, hand, radio, etc.)
SC&RA’s question: “Does the agency agree that the cards issued by the JATCs meet the requirements of section 1926.1428(a)(3) as it pertains to training requirements and documentation on the jobsite?”
SC&RA concluded both letters by requesting a written response to the request for clarification within 90 days because “the answer to this question is imperative to the ongoing safety of the crane and rigging industry.”
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