1910.180(d)(3): Frequent Inspection of Crawler and Truck Cranes
Employers must inspect crane items for defects at the set intervals, including watching for defects during operation. This covers control mechanisms (maladjustment daily), safety devices, air and hydraulic systems (daily), hooks with cracks, more than 15 percent throat opening or more than 10 degree twist, rope reeving, and electrical apparatus. Deficiencies must be examined to decide if they are a safety hazard.
Key takeaways
- 1910.180(d)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $27,395 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.180(d) Inspection classification (49 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.180(d)(3) ("Frequent inspection") is one requirement inside 1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). 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) Frequent inspection. Items such as the following shall be inspected for defects at intervals as defined in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section or as specifically indicated including observation during operation for any defects which might appear between regular inspections. Any deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard: 7 citations
(i) All control mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation: Daily. 1 citations
(ii) All control mechanisms for excessive wear of components and contamination by lubricants or other foreign matter.
(iii) All safety devices for malfunction. 1 citations
(iv) Deterioration or leakage in air or hydraulic systems: Daily.
(v) Crane hooks with deformations or cracks. For hooks with cracks or having more than 15 percent in excess of normal throat opening or more than 10° twist from the plane of the unbent hook.
(vi) Rope reeving for noncompliance with manufacturer's recommendations.
(vii) Electrical apparatus for malfunctioning, signs of excessive deterioration, dirt, and moisture accumulation.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.180.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.180(d)(3).
At 11:15 a.m. on March 25, 2024, an employee was rigging trees/brush with a sling. The crane cable contacted the overhead power line while the employee's hand was on the crane hook. The employee was killed via electrocution.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.180(d)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.180(d)(3).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.180(d) Inspection classification 49 citations
- 1910.180(d)(6) Inspection records 24 citations
- 1910.180(d)(4) Periodic inspection 13 citations
- 1910.180(d)(1) Initial inspection 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
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Frequently asked questions
How often must control mechanisms be checked for maladjustment?
Daily.
When is a crane hook a problem?
When it has cracks, more than 15 percent in excess of normal throat opening, or more than 10 degrees twist from the plane of the unbent hook.
What happens when a deficiency is found?
It must be carefully examined and a determination made as to whether it is a safety hazard.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.180 (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.