1910.180(b): Crawler, Locomotive and Truck Crane Basics
This section covers crawler, locomotive and wheel-mounted truck and self-propelled cranes that use drums and ropes, when used as lifting cranes. Wreck-clearance cranes are excepted. New cranes built and used on or after August 31, 1971 must meet ANSI B30.5-1968, and only designated personnel may operate a covered crane.
Key takeaways
- 1910.180(b) 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)(3) Designated personnel (5 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.180(b) ("General requirements") is one requirement inside 1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 3 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
(b) General requirements — 5 citations
(1) Application. This section applies to crawler cranes, locomotive cranes, wheel mounted cranes of both truck and self-propelled wheel type, and any variations thereof which retain the same fundamental characteristics. This section includes only cranes of the above types, which are basically powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors and which utilize drums and ropes. Cranes designed for railway and automobile wreck clearances are excepted. The requirements of this section are applicable only to machines when used as lifting cranes. Open (b)(1)
(2) New and existing equipment. All new crawler, locomotive, and truck cranes constructed and utilized on or after August 31, 1971, shall meet the design specifications of the American National Standard Safety Code for Crawler, Locomotive, and Truck Cranes, ANSI B30.5-1968, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6. Crawler, locomotive, and truck cranes constructed prior to August 31, 1971, should be modified to conform to those design specifications by February 15, 1972, unless it can be shown that the crane cannot feasibly or economically be altered and that the crane substantially complies with the requirements of this section.
(3) Designated personnel. Only designated personnel shall be permitted to operate a crane covered by this section. Open (b)(3) 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) 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).
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
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.180(b).
Related parts of this rule
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Frequently asked questions
Which cranes does 1910.180 cover?
Crawler, locomotive and wheel mounted cranes of truck and self-propelled type, powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors and using drums and ropes.
Are any cranes excepted?
Yes, cranes designed for railway and automobile wreck clearances.
Who may operate these cranes?
Only designated personnel.
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.