1910.179(k)(2): Crane Rated Load Test Limits and Records
Test loads for overhead and gantry cranes must not be more than 125 percent of the rated load unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise. Test reports must be kept on file where appointed personnel can easily get to them.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(k)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $16,833 in current penalties.
- Most citations: ID (3), NC (2), OH (1).
- Related part: 1910.179(k) Testing (12 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(k)(2) ("Rated load test") 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
(2) Rated load test. Test loads shall not be more than 125 percent of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. The test reports shall be placed on file where readily available to appointed personnel. 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Export the list: 10 inspections cited 1910.179(k)(2) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: ID (3), NC (2), OH (1), MA (1), OR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $12,098 |
| FARWEST STEEL CORPORATION | BOISE, ID | $4,735 |
| MSC WALBRIDGE COATINGS INC. | WALBRIDGE, OH | $0 |
| SOMERSET HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT | SOMERSET, MA | $0 |
| 156811 - CP METAL CRAFTERS, INC. | GROVER, NC | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(k)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(k)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(k) Testing 12 citations
- 1910.179(k)(1) Operational tests 2 citations
- 1910.179(k)(1)(ii)
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most a crane test load can be?
Not more than 125 percent of the rated load, unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise.
Where do rated load test reports go?
They must be placed on file where they are readily available to appointed personnel.
Can the manufacturer change the test load limit?
Yes. The 125 percent limit applies unless the manufacturer recommends something different.
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 2026-11-06
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.