1910.179(n)(4): Hoist limit switch
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(n)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $31,755 in current penalties.
- 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)(4) ("Hoist limit switch") is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 2 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
(4) Hoist limit switch. 8 citations
(i) At the beginning of each operator's shift, the upper limit switch of each hoist shall be tried out under no load. Extreme care shall be exercised; the block shall be “inched” into the limit or run in at slow speed. If the switch does not operate properly, the appointed person shall be immediately notified. 8 citations
(ii) The hoist limit switch which controls the upper limit of travel of the load block shall never be used as an operating control.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(n)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Testing of hoist limit switches. (2003-10-21)
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)(3)(x) 7 citations
- 1910.179(n)(3)(xi) 3 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.
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.