1910.180(d)(4): Periodic Mobile Crane Inspections
Complete periodic inspections of crawler, locomotive and truck cranes must be done at intervals based on activity, severity of service and environment. They include frequent inspection items plus checks for deformed or cracked members, loose bolts, worn sheaves and parts, brake wear, indicator accuracy, power plants, chain stretch, travel and steering devices, and worn tires.
Key takeaways
- 1910.180(d)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 13 times in the last 3 years, in 13 inspections, with $24,028 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (2), OR (2), NJ (1).
- 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)(4) ("Periodic inspection") is one requirement inside 1910.180 Crawler locomotive and truck 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
(4) Periodic inspection. Complete inspections of the crane shall be performed at intervals as generally defined in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) 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 (d)(3) of this section and in addition, items such as the following. Any deficiencies such as listed shall be carefully examined and determination made as to whether they constitute a safety hazard: 13 citations
(i) Deformed, cracked, or corroded members in the crane structure and boom.
(ii) Loose bolts or rivets.
(iii) Cracked or worn sheaves and drums.
(iv) Worn, cracked, or distorted parts such as pins, bearings, shafts, gears, rollers and locking devices.
(v) Excessive wear on brake and clutch system parts, linings, pawls, and ratchets.
(vi) Load, boom angle, and other indicators over their full range, for any significant inaccuracies.
(vii) Gasoline, diesel, electric, or other power plants for improper performance or noncompliance with safety requirements.
(viii) Excessive wear of chain-drive sprockets and excessive chain stretch.
(ix) Travel steering, braking, and locking devices, for malfunction.
(x) Excessively worn or damaged tires.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.180.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.180(d)(4).
At 1:45 p.m. on September 12, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a manufacturing company, was assisting with the assembly of a Mark II Pump Sending Unit. He was standing next to the sending pump unit as a crane moved the Sampson post into place. The…
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 | 6 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: IL (2), OR (2), NJ (1), MN (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| INDUSTRIAL METAL ENTERPRISE, INC. | CHICAGO, IL | $5,793 |
| Q.T. RENTS, L.L.C. | ROCKDALE, IL | $5,647 |
| HOLLY BLUFF MARINA, INC. | DELAND, FL | $3,230 |
| 317737974 - PACIFIC WOOD LAMINATES INC | BROOKINGS, OR | $3,112 |
| J & P SERVICE INCORPORATED | GIDDINGS, TX | $2,837 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.180(d)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.180(d)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.180(d) Inspection classification 49 citations
- 1910.180(d)(6) Inspection records 24 citations
- 1910.180(d)(3) Frequent inspection 7 citations
- 1910.180(d)(1) Initial inspection 1 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 is checked?
Items like deformed or cracked members, loose bolts or rivets, worn sheaves and drums, worn parts, brake and clutch wear, indicators, power plants, chain stretch, travel devices and tires.
What happens when a deficiency is found?
It must be carefully examined to determine 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 2026-10-22
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.