1926.1416(e): Category II operational aids and alternative measures
Key takeaways
- 1926.1416(e) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $3,595 in current penalties.
- Related part: 1926.1416(e)(5)(i).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1416(e) ("Category II operational aids and alternative measures") is one requirement inside 1926.1416 Operational aids, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 12 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
(e) Category II operational aids and alternative measures. Operational aids listed in this paragraph that are not working properly must be repaired no later than 30 calendar days after the deficiency occurs. Exception: If the employer documents that it has ordered the necessary parts within 7 calendar days of the occurrence of the deficiency, and the part is not received in time to complete the repair in 30 calendar days, the repair must be completed within 7 calendar days of receipt of the parts. See § 1926.1417(j) for additional requirements. 3 citations
(1) Boom angle or radius indicator. The equipment must have a boom angle or radius indicator readable from the operator's station. Temporary alternative measures: Radii or boom angle must be determined by measuring the radii or boom angle with a measuring device. 1 citations
(2) Jib angle indicator if the equipment has a luffing jib. Temporary alternative measures: Radii or jib angle must be determined by ascertaining the main boom angle and then measuring the radii or jib angle with a measuring device.
(3) Boom length indicator if the equipment has a telescopic boom, except where the rated capacity is independent of the boom length. Temporary alternative measures. One or more of the following methods must be used:
(i) Mark the boom with measured marks to calculate boom length,
(ii) Calculate boom length from boom angle and radius measurements,
(iii) Measure the boom with a measuring device.
(4) Load weighing and similar devices. 2 citations
(i) Equipment (other than derricks and articulating cranes) manufactured after March 29, 2003 with a rated capacity over 6,000 pounds must have at least one of the following: load weighing device, load moment (or rated capacity) indicator, or load moment (or rated capacity) limiter. Temporary alternative measures: The weight of the load must be determined from a source recognized by the industry (such as the load's manufacturer) or by a calculation method recognized by the industry (such as calculating a steel beam from measured dimensions and a known per foot weight). This information must be provided to the operator prior to the lift. 2 citations
(ii) Articulating cranes manufactured after November 8, 2011 must have at least one of the following: automatic overload prevention device, load weighing device, load moment (or rated capacity) indicator, or load moment (rated capacity) limiter. Temporary alternative measures: The weight of the load must be determined from a source recognized by the industry (such as the load's manufacturer) or by a calculation method recognized by the industry (such as calculating a steel beam from measured dimensions and a known per foot weight). This information must be provided to the operator prior to the lift.
(5) The following devices are required on equipment manufactured after November 8, 2011: Open (e)(5)
(i) Outrigger/stabilizer position (horizontal beam extension) sensor/monitor if the equipment has outriggers or stabilizers. Temporary alternative measures: The operator must verify that the position of the outriggers or stabilizers is correct (in accordance with manufacturer procedures) before beginning operations requiring outrigger or stabilizer deployment. Open (e)(5)(i)
(ii) Hoist drum rotation indicator if the equipment has a hoist drum not visible from the operator's station. Temporary alternative measures: Mark the drum to indicate the rotation of the drum. In addition, install mirrors or remote video cameras and displays if necessary for the operator to see the mark. Open (e)(5)(ii)
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1416.
Where and how often it was cited
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Numerous questions related to operational aids required by various standards for cranes and derricks in construction. (2012-03-13)
Related parts of this rule
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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.
