1926.1416(d)(3): Anti Two-Blocking Devices on Cranes
Telescopic boom cranes made after February 28, 1992 must have a device that automatically prevents damage from contact between the load block or overhaul ball and the boom tip at all points where two-blocking could occur. Lattice boom cranes made after that date need a device that prevents damage or warns the operator in time, and lattice boom cranes and derricks made after November 8, 2011 must have one that automatically prevents it, with listed exceptions for certain uses.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1416(d)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 10 times in the last 3 years, in 10 inspections, with $173,535 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MI (2), GA (2), MD (2).
- Related part: 1926.1416(d) Category I operational aids and alternative measures (10 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1416(d)(3) ("Anti two-blocking device") is one requirement inside 1926.1416 Operational aids, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 7 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
(3) Anti two-blocking device. 10 citations
(i) Telescopic boom cranes manufactured after February 28, 1992, must be equipped with a device which automatically prevents damage from contact between the load block, overhaul ball, or similar component, and the boom tip (or fixed upper block or similar component). The device(s) must prevent such damage at all points where two-blocking could occur. 8 citations
Temporary alternative measures: Clearly mark the cable (so that it can easily be seen by the operator) at a point that will give the operator sufficient time to stop the hoist to prevent two-blocking, and use a spotter when extending the boom.
(ii) Lattice boom cranes. 2 citations
(A) Lattice boom cranes manufactured after Feb 28, 1992, must be equipped with a device that either automatically prevents damage and load failure from contact between the load block, overhaul ball, or similar component, and the boom tip (or fixed upper block or similar component), or warns the operator in time for the operator to prevent two-blocking. The device must prevent such damage/failure or provide adequate warning for all points where two-blocking could occur. 2 citations
(B) Lattice boom cranes and derricks manufactured after November 8, 2011 must be equipped with a device which automatically prevents damage and load failure from contact between the load block, overhaul ball, or similar component, and the boom tip (or fixed upper block or similar component). The device(s) must prevent such damage/failure at all points where two-blocking could occur.
(C) Exception. The requirements in paragraphs (d)(3)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section do not apply to such lattice boom equipment when used for dragline, clamshell (grapple), magnet, drop ball, container handling, concrete bucket, marine operations that do not involve hoisting personnel, and pile driving work.
(D) Temporary alternative measures. Clearly mark the cable (so that it can easily be seen by the operator) at a point that will give the operator sufficient time to stop the hoist to prevent two-blocking, or use a spotter.
(iii) Articulating cranes manufactured after December 31, 1999, that are equipped with a load hoist must be equipped with a device that automatically prevents damage from contact between the load block, overhaul ball, or similar component, and the boom tip (or fixed upper block or similar component). The device must prevent such damage at all points where two-blocking could occur. Temporary alternative measures: When two-blocking could only occur with movement of the load hoist, clearly mark the cable (so that it can easily be seen by the operator) at a point that will give the operator sufficient time to stop the hoist to prevent two-blocking, or use a spotter. When two-blocking could occur without movement of the load hoist, clearly mark the cable (so that it can easily be seen by the operator) at a point that will give the operator sufficient time to stop the hoist to prevent two-blocking, and use a spotter when extending the boom.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1416.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: MI (2), GA (2), MD (2), NJ (1), SC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GRANGAARD CONSTRUCTION, INC | MENNO, SD | $165,514 |
| NORTH AMERICAN WALL CORPORATION | JERSEY CITY, NJ | $2,814 |
| EMTZ FRAMING LLC | DAWSONVILLE, GA | $2,128 |
| SKY CRANE SERVICES LLC | HOSCHTON, GA | $1,659 |
| 75823 - R - Z CONSTRUCTION LLC | SENECA, SC | $750 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1416(d)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1416(d)(3).
Related parts of this rule
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Frequently asked questions
What is two-blocking?
Contact between the load block, overhaul ball or similar part and the boom tip or upper block, which these devices must prevent.
Which telescopic boom cranes need anti two-blocking devices?
Telescopic boom cranes manufactured after February 28, 1992.
What is the temporary measure if the device is out?
For telescopic boom cranes, clearly mark the cable so the operator has time to stop the hoist, and use a spotter when extending the boom.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1416 (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.