1910.179(k): Testing Overhead Cranes
Employers must test all new and altered overhead and gantry cranes before first use, including hoisting and lowering, trolley travel, bridge travel, and limit switches, locking and safety devices. Hoist limit switch trip settings must be tested with an empty hook, and rated load tests may not exceed 125 percent of the rated load unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise, with test reports kept on file.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(k) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $20,351 in current penalties.
- Most citations: ID (3), OH (2), NC (2).
- Related part: 1910.179(k)(2) Rated load test (10 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(k) ("Testing") is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 4 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
(k) Testing — 12 citations
(1) Operational tests. Open (k)(1) 2 citations
(i) Prior to initial use all new and altered cranes shall be tested to insure compliance with this section including the following functions: 2 citations
(a) Hoisting and lowering.
(b) Trolley travel.
(c) Bridge travel.
(d) Limit switches, locking and safety devices.
(ii) The trip setting of hoist limit switches shall be determined by tests with an empty hook traveling in increasing speeds up to the maximum speed. The actuating mechanism of the limit switch shall be located so that it will trip the switch, under all conditions, in sufficient time to prevent contact of the hook or hook block with any part of the trolley. Open (k)(1)(ii)
(2) Rated load test. Test loads shall not be more than 125 percent of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer. The test reports shall be placed on file where readily available to appointed personnel. Open (k)(2) 10 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Export the list: 12 inspections cited 1910.179(k) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: ID (3), OH (2), NC (2), MA (1), OR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $12,098 |
| FARWEST STEEL CORPORATION | BOISE, ID | $4,735 |
| EPSILON INDUSTRIES | TUSCALOOSA, AL | $3,518 |
| MSC WALBRIDGE COATINGS INC. | WALBRIDGE, OH | $0 |
| SOMERSET HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT | SOMERSET, MA | $0 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(k), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(k).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(k)(2) Rated load test 10 citations
- 1910.179(k)(1) Operational tests 2 citations
- 1910.179(k)(1)(ii)
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Frequently asked questions
When must a crane be tested?
Prior to initial use, all new and altered cranes must be tested.
What is the maximum rated load test?
Test loads shall not be more than 125 percent of the rated load unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.
Where must crane test reports be kept?
On file where they are readily available to appointed personnel.
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 2026-11-06
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.