1910.179(n)(3)(xi): Sound the Crane Warning Signal
Overhead crane operators must sound the warning signal when starting the bridge and when the load or hook approaches near or over personnel.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(n)(3)(xi) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $15,887 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.179(n) Handling the load (101 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(n)(3)(xi) 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
(xi) When starting the bridge and when the load or hook approaches near or over personnel, the warning signal shall be sounded. 3 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(n)(3)(xi).
At 11:00 a.m. on February 22, 2025, Employee #1 was laying out walkway handrails on the floor in preparation for installation on top of the coldbox project. While on a ladder checking and securing bolts on the handrails, the employee was struck by an overhead…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(n)(3)(xi), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(n)(3)(xi).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(n) Handling the load 101 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3) Moving the load 73 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(i) 25 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) 18 citations
- 1910.179(n)(2) Attaching the load 14 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.179(n)(2)(ii) 9 citations
- 1910.179(n)(4) Hoist limit switch 8 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(x) 7 citations
- 1910.179(n)(2)(i) 2 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(ix) 1 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
When must the warning signal be sounded?
When starting the bridge and when the load or hook approaches near or over personnel.
Does this apply to the hook alone?
Yes, the rule covers the load or the hook.
Who sounds the signal?
The crane operator during operation.
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.