1910.179(l)(1): Crane Preventive Maintenance Program
Employers must set up a preventive maintenance program for overhead and gantry cranes based on the crane manufacturer's recommendations.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(l)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $16,638 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.179(l) Maintenance (107 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(l)(1) ("Preventive maintenance") 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
(1) Preventive maintenance. A preventive maintenance program based on the crane manufacturer's recommendations shall be established. 6 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(l)(1).
At 7:30 a.m. on June 27, 2024, an employee working as a crane operator for an automotive parts manufacturer was using the east crane, a EMH Model ZLK OverheadGantry Crane (Serial Number 101677). The employee was using the crane's 20-ton hoist to lift a 29,150-pound…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(l)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(l)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(l) Maintenance 107 citations
- 1910.179(l)(3) Adjustments and repairs 98 citations
- 1910.179(l)(3)(iii) 55 citations
- 1910.179(l)(3)(i) 36 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
Is a preventive maintenance program required for cranes?
Yes, one must be established.
What should the program be based on?
The crane manufacturer's recommendations.
Which cranes does this cover?
Overhead and gantry cranes under 1910.179.
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 2026-10-21
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.