1926.1412: Crane Inspections After Modifications and Repairs
Before first use, cranes and derricks that have had modifications, additions, repairs or adjustments affecting safe operation or capacity must be inspected by a qualified person. For modifications, the inspection must confirm the work matches the approval under 1926.1434 and include functional testing, and the equipment may not be used until it passes. For repairs, the qualified person must check the work against manufacturer criteria where available.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1412 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 175 times in the last 3 years, in 111 inspections, with $397,574 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: GA (30), MI (21), NC (17).
- Most-cited part: 1926.1412(f) Annual/comprehensive (81 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1412, "Inspections", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It has 102 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.1412 (102 paragraphs)
(a) Modified equipment. 1 citations
(1) Equipment that has had modifications or additions which affect the safe operation of the equipment (such as modifications or additions involving a safety device or operational aid, critical part of a control system, power plant, braking system, load-sustaining structural components, load hook, or in-use operating mechanism) or capacity must be inspected by a qualified person after such modifications/additions have been completed, prior to initial use. The inspection must meet all of the following requirements: 1 citations
(i) The inspection must assure that the modifications or additions have been done in accordance with the approval obtained pursuant to § 1926.1434 (Equipment modifications).
(ii) The inspection must include functional testing of the equipment.
(2) Equipment must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that the requirements of paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section have been met.
(b) Repaired/adjusted equipment. 1 citations
(1) Equipment that has had a repair or adjustment that relates to safe operation (such as: A repair or adjustment to a safety device or operator aid, or to a critical part of a control system, power plant, braking system, load-sustaining structural components, load hook, or in-use operating mechanism), must be inspected by a qualified person after such a repair or adjustment has been completed, prior to initial use. The inspection must meet all of the following requirements: 1 citations
(i) The qualified person must determine if the repair/adjustment meets manufacturer equipment criteria (where applicable and available).
(ii) Where manufacturer equipment criteria are unavailable or inapplicable, the qualified person must:
(A) Determine if a registered professional engineer (RPE) is needed to develop criteria for the repair/adjustment. If an RPE is not needed, the employer must ensure that the criteria are developed by the qualified person. If an RPE is needed, the employer must ensure that they are developed by an RPE.
(B) Determine if the repair/adjustment meets the criteria developed in accordance with paragraph (b)(1)(ii)(A) of this section.
(iii) The inspection must include functional testing of the repaired/adjusted parts and other components that may be affected by the repair/adjustment.
(4) Equipment must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that the repair/adjustment meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section (or, where applicable, paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section).
(c) Post-assembly. 4 citations
(1) Upon completion of assembly, the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person to assure that it is configured in accordance with manufacturer equipment criteria. 3 citations
(2) Where manufacturer equipment criteria are unavailable, a qualified person must:
(i) Determine if a registered professional engineer (RPE) familiar with the type of equipment involved is needed to develop criteria for the equipment configuration. If an RPE is not needed, the employer must ensure that the criteria are developed by the qualified person. If an RPE is needed, the employer must ensure that they are developed by an RPE.
(ii) Determine if the equipment meets the criteria developed in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section.
(3) Equipment must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that the equipment is configured in accordance with the applicable criteria. 1 citations
(d) Each shift. Open (d) 40 citations
(1) A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment will be used, which must be completed before or during that shift. The inspection must consist of observation for apparent deficiencies. Taking apart equipment components and booming down is not required as part of this inspection unless the results of the visual inspection or trial operation indicate that further investigation necessitating taking apart equipment components or booming down is needed. Determinations made in conducting the inspection must be reassessed in light of observations made during operation. At a minimum the inspection must include all of the following: Open (d)(1) 37 citations
(i) Control mechanisms for maladjustments interfering with proper operation.
(ii) Control and drive mechanisms for apparent excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants, water or other foreign matter.
(iii) Air, hydraulic, and other pressurized lines for deterioration or leakage, particularly those which flex in normal operation.
(iv) Hydraulic system for proper fluid level.
(v) Hooks and latches for deformation, cracks, excessive wear, or damage such as from chemicals or heat. 3 citations
(vi) Wire rope reeving for compliance with the manufacturer's specifications.
(vii) Wire rope, in accordance with § 1926.1413(a).
(viii) Electrical apparatus for malfunctioning, signs of apparent excessive deterioration, dirt or moisture accumulation.
(ix) Tires (when in use) for proper inflation and condition.
(x) Ground conditions around the equipment for proper support, including ground settling under and around outriggers/stabilizers and supporting foundations, ground water accumulation, or similar conditions. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of ground conditions for railroad tracks and their underlying support when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213. Open (d)(1)(x)
(xi) The equipment for level position within the tolerances specified by the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, both before each shift and after each move and setup.
(xii) Operator cab windows for significant cracks, breaks, or other deficiencies that would hamper the operator's view. 2 citations
(xiii) Rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the equipment has rail traveling. This paragraph does not apply to the inspection of rails, rail stops, rail clamps and supporting surfaces when the railroad tracks are part of the general railroad system of transportation that is regulated pursuant to the Federal Railroad Administration under 49 CFR part 213.
(xiv) Safety devices and operational aids for proper operation.
(2) If any deficiency in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (xiii) of this section (or in additional inspection items required to be checked for specific types of equipment in accordance with other sections of this standard) is identified, an immediate determination must be made by the competent person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard. If the deficiency is determined to constitute a safety hazard, the equipment must be taken out of service until it has been corrected. See § 1926.1417. 3 citations
(3) If any deficiency in paragraph (d)(1)(xiv) of this section (safety devices/operational aids) is identified, the action specified in §§ 1926.1415 and 1926.1416 must be taken prior to using the equipment.
(e) Monthly. Open (e) 45 citations
(1) Each month the equipment is in service it must be inspected in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section (each shift). Open (e)(1) 25 citations
(2) Equipment must not be used until an inspection under this paragraph demonstrates that no corrective action under paragraphs (d)(2) and (3) of this section is required. 2 citations
(3) Documentation. Open (e)(3) 18 citations
(i) The following information must be documented and maintained by the employer that conducts the inspection: Open (e)(3)(i) 14 citations
(A) The items checked and the results of the inspection. 2 citations
(B) The name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date.
(ii) This document must be retained for a minimum of three months.
(f) Annual/comprehensive. Open (f) 81 citations
(1) At least every 12 months the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section (each shift) except that the corrective action set forth in paragraphs (f)(4), (f)(5), and (f)(6) of this section must apply in place of the corrective action required by paragraphs (d)(2) and (d)(3) of this section. Open (f)(1) 59 citations
(2) In addition, at least every 12 months, the equipment must be inspected by a qualified person. Disassembly is required, as necessary, to complete the inspection. The equipment must be inspected for all of the following: 6 citations
(i) Equipment structure (including the boom and, if equipped, the jib):
(A) Structural members: Deformed, cracked, or significantly corroded.
(B) Bolts, rivets and other fasteners: loose, failed or significantly corroded.
(C) Welds for cracks.
(ii) Sheaves and drums for cracks or significant wear.
(iii) Parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers and locking devices for distortion, cracks or significant wear.
(iv) Brake and clutch system parts, linings, pawls and ratchets for excessive wear.
(v) Safety devices and operational aids for proper operation (including significant inaccuracies).
(vi) Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other power plants for safety-related problems (such as leaking exhaust and emergency shut-down feature) and conditions, and proper operation.
(vii) Chains and chain drive sprockets for excessive wear of sprockets and excessive chain stretch.
(viii) Travel steering, brakes, and locking devices, for proper operation.
(ix) Tires for damage or excessive wear.
(x) Hydraulic, pneumatic and other pressurized hoses, fittings and tubing, as follows:
(A) Flexible hose or its junction with the fittings for indications of leaks.
(B) Threaded or clamped joints for leaks.
(C) Outer covering of the hose for blistering, abnormal deformation or other signs of failure/impending failure.
(D) Outer surface of a hose, rigid tube, or fitting for indications of excessive abrasion or scrubbing.
(xi) Hydraulic and pneumatic pumps and motors, as follows:
(A) Performance indicators: Unusual noises or vibration, low operating speed, excessive heating of the fluid, low pressure.
(B) Loose bolts or fasteners.
(C) Shaft seals and joints between pump sections for leaks.
(xii) Hydraulic and pneumatic valves, as follows:
(A) Spools: Sticking, improper return to neutral, and leaks.
(B) Leaks.
(C) Valve housing cracks.
(D) Relief valves: Failure to reach correct pressure (if there is a manufacturer procedure for checking pressure, it must be followed).
(xiii) Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, as follows:
(A) Drifting caused by fluid leaking across the piston.
(B) Rod seals and welded joints for leaks.
(C) Cylinder rods for scores, nicks, or dents.
(D) Case (barrel) for significant dents.
(E) Rod eyes and connecting joints: Loose or deformed.
(xiv) Outrigger or stabilizer pads/floats for excessive wear or cracks.
(xv) Slider pads for excessive wear or cracks.
(xvi) Electrical components and wiring for cracked or split insulation and loose or corroded terminations.
(xvii) Warning labels and decals originally supplied with the equipment by the manufacturer or otherwise required under this standard: Missing or unreadable.
(xviii) Originally equipped operator seat (or equivalent): Missing.
(xix) Operator seat: Unserviceable.
(xx) Originally equipped steps, ladders, handrails, guards: Missing.
(xxi) Steps, ladders, handrails, guards: In unusable/unsafe condition.
(3) This inspection must include functional testing to determine that the equipment as configured in the inspection is functioning properly.
(4) If any deficiency is identified, an immediate determination must be made by the qualified person as to whether the deficiency constitutes a safety hazard or, though not yet a safety hazard, needs to be monitored in the monthly inspections.
(5) If the qualified person determines that a deficiency is a safety hazard, the equipment must be taken out of service until it has been corrected, except when temporary alternative measures are implemented as specified in § 1926.1416(d) or § 1926.1435(e). See § 1926.1417. 1 citations
(6) If the qualified person determines that, though not presently a safety hazard, the deficiency needs to be monitored, the employer must ensure that the deficiency is checked in the monthly inspections.
(7) Documentation of annual/comprehensive inspection. The following information must be documented, maintained, and retained for a minimum of 12 months, by the employer that conducts the inspection: Open (f)(7) 15 citations
(i) The items checked and the results of the inspection. 1 citations
(ii) The name and signature of the person who conducted the inspection and the date.
(g) Severe service. Where the severity of use/conditions is such that there is a reasonable probability of damage or excessive wear (such as loading that may have exceeded rated capacity, shock loading that may have exceeded rated capacity, prolonged exposure to a corrosive atmosphere), the employer must stop using the equipment and a qualified person must:
(1) Inspect the equipment for structural damage to determine if the equipment can continue to be used safely.
(2) In light of the use/conditions determine whether any items/conditions listed in paragraph (f) of this section need to be inspected; if so, the qualified person must inspect those items/conditions.
(3) If a deficiency is found, the employer must follow the requirements in paragraphs (f)(4) through (6) of this section.
(h) Equipment not in regular use. Equipment that has been idle for 3 months or more must be inspected by a qualified person in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (e) (Monthly) of this section before initial use. 2 citations
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Any part of a manufacturer's procedures regarding inspections that relate to safe operation (such as to a safety device or operational aid, critical part of a control system, power plant, braking system, load-sustaining structural components, load hook, or in-use operating mechanism) that is more comprehensive or has a more frequent schedule of inspection than the requirements of this section must be followed.
(k) All documents produced under this section must be available, during the applicable document retention period, to all persons who conduct inspections under this section. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 111 inspections cited 1926.1412 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 1926.1412.
At 10:39 a.m. on July 2, 2024, a custom-fabricated lifting accessory was being used to lift a new roof structure for a grain bin into place. Employees onsite were in the process of bolting the structure when the lifting accessory failed. Employee #1 was working…
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 | 19 |
| 2024 | 62 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 29 |
Top states: GA (30), MI (21), NC (17), SD (15), TX (14)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP. | BROWNSVILLE, TX | $49,650 |
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $30,738 |
| GPPC INC. | SAIPAN, MP | $29,790 |
| CROSS COUNTRY CONSTRUCTION, LLC | NEW YORK, NY | $20,000 |
| RZM CONSTRUCTION INC. | LAWRENCEVILLE, GA | $15,724 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1412, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1412.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1926.1412(f) Annual/comprehensive 81 citations
- 1926.1412(f)(1) 59 citations
- 1926.1412(e) Monthly 45 citations
- 1926.1412(d) Each shift 40 citations
- 1926.1412(d)(1) 37 citations
- 1926.1412(e)(1) 25 citations
- 1926.1412(e)(3) Documentation 18 citations
- 1926.1412(f)(7) Documentation of annual/comprehensive inspection 15 citations
- 1926.1412(e)(3)(i) 14 citations
- 1926.1412(d)(1)(x)
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Frequently asked questions
When must a modified crane be inspected?
After the modifications or additions are completed and before initial use, by a qualified person.
Does the inspection include testing?
Yes. The inspection of modified equipment must include functional testing.
What if manufacturer criteria for a repair are not available?
The qualified person must determine whether a registered professional engineer is needed to develop criteria for the repair or adjustment.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1412 (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.
