1910.179(j)(3): Periodic Crane Inspections
Employers must perform complete periodic inspections of overhead and gantry cranes at intervals based on activity, severity of service and environment. Inspections include the frequent inspection items plus deformed, cracked or corroded members, loose bolts or rivets, worn sheaves, drums, pins, bearings and gears, brake wear, indicator accuracy, powerplants, chain sprockets and stretch, and electrical apparatus. Deficiencies must be examined to decide if they are a safety hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(j)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 158 times in the last 3 years, in 158 inspections, with $409,258 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (18), VA (12), OH (10).
- Related part: 1910.179(j) Inspection (426 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(j)(3) ("Periodic inspection") is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 10 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) Periodic inspection. Complete inspections of the crane shall be performed at intervals as generally defined in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(b) of this section, depending upon its activity, severity of service, and environment, or as specifically indicated below. These inspections shall include the requirements of paragraph (j)(2) of this section and in addition, the following items. Any deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard: 158 citations
(i) Deformed, cracked, or corroded members.
(ii) Loose bolts or rivets. 1 citations
(iii) Cracked or worn sheaves and drums.
(iv) Worn, cracked or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers, locking and clamping devices. Open (j)(3)(iv) 4 citations
(v) Excessive wear on brake system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets.
(vi) Load, wind, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies.
(vii) Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other powerplants for improper performance or noncompliance with applicable safety requirements.
(viii) Excessive wear of chain drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.
(ix) [Reserved]
(x) Electrical apparatus, for signs of pitting or any deterioration of controller contactors, limit switches and pushbutton stations. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(j)(3).
At 7:30 a.m. on June 27, 2024, an employee working as a crane operator for an automotive parts manufacturer was using the east crane, a EMH Model ZLK OverheadGantry Crane (Serial Number 101677). The employee was using the crane's 20-ton hoist to lift a 29,150-pound…
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 79 |
| 2025 | 49 |
| 2026 | 29 |
Top states: NJ (18), VA (12), OH (10), NC (9), TX (8)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KENRIC STEEL, LLC | MILLVILLE, NJ | $82,964 |
| ABC TECHNOLOGIES WMG USA, INC. | BELLEVUE, OH | $12,099 |
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $12,098 |
| TRANE TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY LLC | LA CROSSE, WI | $10,775 |
| SEA BOX INC. | CINNAMINSON, NJ | $10,600 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(j)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(j) Inspection 426 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2) Frequent inspection 209 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iii) 55 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1) Inspection classification 53 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iv) 50 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) 47 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(i) 8 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3)(iv) 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often are periodic crane inspections done?
At intervals depending on the crane's activity, severity of service and environment, or as specifically indicated.
What do periodic inspections check?
The frequent inspection items plus members, bolts and rivets, sheaves and drums, worn parts, brakes, indicators, powerplants, chain drives and electrical apparatus.
What happens when a deficiency is found?
It must be carefully examined and a determination made whether it is a safety hazard.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.179 (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 2026-10-21
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.