1926.1415: Crane Safety Devices
Cranes covered by subpart CC must have the listed safety devices, unless otherwise specified: a crane level indicator, boom stops, jib stops, locks on foot pedal brakes, integral holding devices on hydraulic outrigger and stabilizer jacks, rail clamps and stops on rail equipment, and a horn. Operations must not begin unless all devices work properly, and alternative measures are not permitted.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1415 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $1,425 in current penalties.
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1415, "Safety devices", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It has 14 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 1926.1415 (14 paragraphs)
(a) Safety devices. The following safety devices are required on all equipment covered by this subpart, unless otherwise specified: 3 citations
(1) Crane level indicator. 2 citations
(i) The equipment must have a crane level indicator that is either built into the equipment or is available on the equipment. 1 citations
(ii) If a built-in crane level indicator is not working properly, it must be tagged-out or removed. If a removable crane level indicator is not working properly, it must be removed. 1 citations
(iii) This requirement does not apply to portal cranes, derricks, floating cranes/derricks and land cranes/derricks on barges, pontoons, vessels or other means of flotation.
(2) Boom stops, except for derricks and hydraulic booms.
(3) Jib stops (if a jib is attached), except for derricks.
(4) Equipment with foot pedal brakes must have locks.
(5) Hydraulic outrigger jacks and hydraulic stabilizer jacks must have an integral holding device/check valve.
(6) Equipment on rails must have rail clamps and rail stops, except for portal cranes.
(7) Horn. 1 citations
(i) The equipment must have a horn that is either built into the equipment or is on the equipment and immediately available to the operator.
(ii) If a built-in horn is not working properly, it must be tagged-out or removed. If a removable horn is not working properly, it must be removed. 1 citations
(b) Proper operation required. Operations must not begin unless all of the devices listed in this section are in proper working order. If a device stops working properly during operations, the operator must safely stop operations. If any of the devices listed in this section are not in proper working order, the equipment must be taken out of service and operations must not resume until the device is again working properly. See § 1926.1417 (Operation). Alternative measures are not permitted to be used. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1415, plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1415.
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Frequently asked questions
What happens if a safety device stops working during a lift?
The operator must safely stop operations, and the equipment must be taken out of service until the device works properly.
Can alternative measures replace a broken safety device?
No. The rule states alternative measures are not permitted.
What must be done with a broken built-in horn?
It must be tagged-out or removed; a removable horn that is not working must be removed.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1415 (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.