1910.179(l): Overhead Crane Maintenance
Employers must set up a preventive maintenance program based on the crane maker's recommendations. Before repairs, the crane must be moved out of the way, controllers turned off, the main or emergency switch locked open, warning signs posted and other cranes kept from interfering, and after repairs the crane may not run until guards, safety devices and maintenance gear are back in order.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(l) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 107 times in the last 3 years, in 95 inspections, with $792,885 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: VA (15), OH (14), ID (8).
- Related part: 1910.179(l)(3) Adjustments and repairs (98 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(l) ("Maintenance") is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 8 sub-paragraphs. 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
(l) Maintenance — 107 citations
(1) Preventive maintenance. A preventive maintenance program based on the crane manufacturer's recommendations shall be established. Open (l)(1) 6 citations
(2) Maintenance procedure. 3 citations
(i) Before adjustments and repairs are started on a crane the following precautions shall be taken: 3 citations
(a) The crane to be repaired shall be run to a location where it will cause the least interference with other cranes and operations in the area.
(b) All controllers shall be at the off position.
(c) The main or emergency switch shall be open and locked in the open position.
(d) Warning or “out of order” signs shall be placed on the crane, also on the floor beneath or on the hook where visible from the floor.
(e) Where other cranes are in operation on the same runway, rail stops or other suitable means shall be provided to prevent interference with the idle crane.
(ii) After adjustments and repairs have been made the crane shall not be operated until all guards have been reinstalled, safety devices reactivated and maintenance equipment removed.
(3) Adjustments and repairs. Open (l)(3) 98 citations
(i) Any unsafe conditions disclosed by the inspection requirements of paragraph (j) of this section shall be corrected before operation of the crane is resumed. Adjustments and repairs shall be done only by designated personnel. Open (l)(3)(i) 36 citations
(ii) Adjustments shall be maintained to assure correct functioning of components. The following are examples: 7 citations
(a) All functional operating mechanisms.
(b) Limit switches.
(c) Control systems.
(d) Brakes.
(e) Power plants.
(iii) Repairs or replacements shall be provided promptly as needed for safe operation. The following are examples: Open (l)(3)(iii) 55 citations
(a) Crane hooks showing defects described in paragraph (j)(2)(iii) of this section shall be discarded. Repairs by welding or reshaping are not generally recommended. If such repairs are attempted they shall only be done under competent supervision and the hook shall be tested to the load requirements of paragraph (k)(2) of this section before further use.
(b) Load attachment chains and rope slings showing defects described in paragraph (j)(2) (iv) and (v) of this section respectively.
(c) All critical parts which are cracked, broken, bent, or excessively worn.
(d) Pendant control stations shall be kept clean and function labels kept legible.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(l).
At 5:15 p.m. on October 7, 2024, an employee was working as a welder for a trussmanufacturer. According to coworkers, the employee was welding a steel truss that was stacked on top of other trusses. The truss fell off the stack and pinned the employee.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 46 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: VA (15), OH (14), ID (8), OK (7), AL (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $286,088 |
| SMITH-MIDLAND CORPORATION | MIDLAND, VA | $79,375 |
| CF&I STEEL, L.P. | PUEBLO, CO | $50,000 |
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $33,703 |
| TRIPLE-S STEEL SUPPLY, LLC | RICHMOND, VA | $27,110 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(l), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(l).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(l)(3) Adjustments and repairs 98 citations
- 1910.179(l)(3)(iii) 55 citations
- 1910.179(l)(3)(i) 36 citations
- 1910.179(l)(1) Preventive maintenance 6 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
What is the basis of a crane preventive maintenance program?
The crane manufacturer's recommendations.
What must be done with the main switch before repairs?
The main or emergency switch must be open and locked in the open position.
Who may make adjustments and repairs?
Only designated personnel.
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.