1910.180(b)(3): Only Designated Crane Operators
Only designated personnel are permitted to operate a crawler, locomotive or truck crane covered by this section.
Key takeaways
- 1910.180(b)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $37,613 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.180(b) General requirements (5 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.180(b)(3) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.180(b)(3) ("Designated personnel") is one requirement inside 1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck 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
(3) Designated personnel. Only designated personnel shall be permitted to operate a crane covered by this section. 5 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.180.
Export the list: 5 inspections cited 1910.180(b)(3) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.180(b)(3).
At 3:31 p.m. on January 2, 2025, an employee was operating a spider lift on sitewhile cutting a tree. During the work, the tree crane collapsed and struck the spider lift. The employee fell to the ground and sustained multiple injuries. The employee was hospitalized…
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
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.180(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.180(b)(3).
Related parts of this rule
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who can operate a covered crane?
Only designated personnel.
Can any worker run the crane in a pinch?
No. Only designated personnel are permitted.
Which cranes does this cover?
Cranes covered by 1910.180, such as crawler, locomotive and truck cranes.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.180 (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.