1926.1413(a)(1): Shift Inspection of Crane Wire Rope
A competent person must begin a visual inspection of crane wire ropes before each shift the equipment is used, finishing before or during that shift. The inspection covers running and standing wire ropes likely to be used that shift for apparent deficiencies; untwisting the rope or booming down is not required.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1413(a)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $1,820 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1413(a) Shift inspection (13 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1413(a)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.1413 Wire rope—inspection, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). 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
(1) A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment is used, which must be completed before or during that shift. The inspection must consist of observation of wire ropes (running and standing) that are likely to be in use during the shift for apparent deficiencies, including those listed in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. Untwisting (opening) of wire rope or booming down is not required as part of this inspection. 8 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1413.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1413(a)(1).
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
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1413(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1413(a)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1413(a) Shift inspection 13 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When must wire rope be inspected?
A competent person must begin a visual inspection prior to each shift the equipment is used, completed before or during that shift.
Which ropes are checked?
Running and standing wire ropes likely to be in use during the shift.
Do we need to untwist the rope or boom down?
No. Untwisting or booming down is not required for this inspection.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1413 (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 2026-10-20
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.