1910.179(g)(1)(v): Pendant Control Boxes Safe and Labeled
Overhead crane pendant control boxes must be built to prevent electrical shock and be clearly marked so operators can identify each function.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(g)(1)(v) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 48 times in the last 3 years, in 48 inspections, with $121,019 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (6), VA (4), NC (4).
- Related part: 1910.179(g) Electric equipment (62 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(g)(1)(v) is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(v) Pendant control boxes shall be constructed to prevent electrical shock and shall be clearly marked for identification of functions. 48 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(g)(1)(v).
At 9:00 p.m. on December 8, 2023, an employee working as a laser machine operator for a sheet metal manufacturer was operating an Amada Model LC4020F1NT Carbon Dioxide Laser Cutter. The employee was operating the machine with the door open, which was accomplished using an…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 18 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: TX (6), VA (4), NC (4), AL (3), TN (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ACS MANUFACTURING, INC. | DENISON, TX | $17,679 |
| KAISER ALUMINUM WARRICK LLC | NEWBURGH, IN | $7,000 |
| R.C.M. INDUSTRIES, INC. DBA AALLIED DIE CASTING COMPANY OF ILLINOIS | FRANKLIN PARK, IL | $6,550 |
| SERPA FABRICATION, INC. | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX | $6,452 |
| 155255 - KORDSA USA, INC. | LAUREL HILL, NC | $5,300 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(g)(1)(v), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(g)(1)(v).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(g) Electric equipment 62 citations
- 1910.179(g)(1) General 54 citations
- 1910.179(g)(2) Equipment 6 citations
- 1910.179(g)(2)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.179(g)(1)(i) 2 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What does this rule require for crane pendant controls?
They must be built to prevent electrical shock and clearly marked to identify their functions.
Why must pendant buttons be marked?
So the operator can clearly tell which control does which function.
What should I do if markings are worn off?
Report it so the box can be relabeled, since the rule requires clear marking.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.179 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.