1926.1417(b): When Operating Procedures Are Unavailable
Where manufacturer procedures are unavailable, employers must develop and enforce all procedures needed for safe crane operation. Operational control procedures must be developed by a qualified person, and capacity procedures must be developed and signed by a registered professional engineer familiar with the equipment.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1417(b) 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 $25,976 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1417(b)(1) (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1417(b) ("Unavailable operation procedures") is one requirement inside 1926.1417 Operation, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 3 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
(b) Unavailable operation procedures. 3 citations
(1) Where the manufacturer procedures are unavailable, the employer must develop and ensure compliance with all procedures necessary for the safe operation of the equipment and attachments. Open (b)(1) 2 citations
(2) Procedures for the operational controls must be developed by a qualified person.
(3) Procedures related to the capacity of the equipment must be developed and signed by a registered professional engineer familiar with the equipment. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1417.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1417(b).
At 7:50 a.m. on January 12, 2024, an employee was pulling metal cable. The cable drum engaged, pulling the employee onto the crane mast. The employee suffered a broken neck and was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1417(b), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1417(b).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1417(b)(1) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What if the manufacturer's procedures are missing?
The employer must develop and ensure compliance with all procedures needed for safe operation.
Who develops procedures for operational controls?
A qualified person.
Who develops capacity procedures?
A registered professional engineer familiar with the equipment, who must sign them.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1417 (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.