Rigging rules for various industries

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General requirements for all construction cranes/machines

All cranes and derricks covered in WAC 296-155-52900 and not exempt in subsection (3) of that section, must be inspected and proof load tested annually by an accredited crane certifier recognized by the department. (additional requirements for tower cranes)

Here are some of the required personnel when using a crane (A single individual may perform one or more of these assignments concurrently).

• Lift Director (WAC 296-155-53401(6))
• Rigger (WAC 296-155-53306)
• Signal Person (WAC 296-155-53302)
• Operator (WAC 296-155-53300)

The crane certifier requirements (WAC 296-155-531 through WAC 296-155-53112) are in effect to accredit crane certifiers.

Enforcement policies

• Construction Crane Certification and Crane Operator Qualifications and Certification (DD 8.60)
• Auditing Accredited Crane Certifiers (DD 8.80)
• Working Around Overhead Energized Trolley Lines (DD 18.70)
• OSHA Directive CPL 02-01-057 - Compliance Directive for the Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard

Other Standards & Requirements

• Standard Hand Signals for Cranes (FSP0-910-000)
• Tower Crane Electrical Safety Requirements

Updated: 2/22/2024

NOTE: L&I does not endorse any of the following companies. This list is provided for convenience only.  For more information, see L&I's Intended Use / External Content Policy.

If you provide crane operator training and would like to be on our list, or if you have questions, please email the Crane Certification Desk or call 360-902-4943.

NCCCO - The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
OECP - Operating Engineers Certification Program
CIC - Crane Institute of America

To apply to become a Construction Crane Certifier in Washington State you will need to:

1. Read the Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

• For general requirements, WAC 296-155 Part L.
• For crane/equipment certifier accreditation requirements, WAC 296-155-531 through 53114.

2. Obtain a Crane Certifier Certification through NCCCO

• Visit the myCCCO Portal to log in or set up your account.
• Contact the CCO customer service at candidate@nccco.org or call 703-560-2391 option 7 with scheduling questions.

3. Apply with DOSH, Crane Certification Program

Complete the application: Construction Application for Crane Certifier Accreditation (F416-153-000) and attach the following documentation to your application submission.

• Crane Certifier Certification: Copy of your current and valid nationally recognized crane certifier certification.
• Exam results: Copy of exam results for each type of equipment you intend to certify.
• Training documentation: Minimum of 40-hr crane related training.

4. Submit your application

Send completed application and documentation listed above to:

By email:

Email the completed application to LNICranes@Lni.wa.gov.

By mail:

Mail the completed application to:

Department of Labor and Industries
Crane Certification Program
PO Box 44650
Olympia, WA 98504-4614

Updated: 4/24/2025

Videos

• Crane Safety Videos
• Rigging Safety

Publications, handouts, checklists

Worksheets

• Construction Application for Crane Certifier Accreditation (F416-153-000)
• Mobile Cranes/Derricks Worksheet for Construction Industry (F416-043-000)
• Notice of Deficiencies (Crane/Derrick Certification Examination) (F416-054-000)
• Overhead Crane Bridge, Monorail, Gantry Worksheet for Construction (F416-141-000)
• Tower Crane Worksheet for Construction Industry (F416-044-000)

Other resources

• Deadly Power-Line Contact with Cranes (Hazard Alert)
• OSHA Safety and Health Topics for Crane, Derrick, and Hoist
• Roles, responsibilities, and procedures during the erection and dismantling of tower cranes (Hazard Alert)
• Tower Crane Electrical Safety Requirements
• What's happening with the Construction Crane Rules?

Crane operator qualification resources

• Declaration of Operator Hours and Experience
• Crane Operator Training Facilities
• Electrical Industry Certifications Association (EICA)
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO)
• National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER)
• Operating Engineers Certification Program
• OSHA E-tool for Cranes