1926.1435(f)(2): Tower Crane Pre-Erection Inspection
Before each tower crane component is erected, a qualified person must inspect it for damage or excessive wear. Hazardous components must not be erected unless repaired and found safe on reinspection, and components that need monitoring must be checked in monthly inspections, with that finding documented.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1435(f)(2) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart CC).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $5,750 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1435(f) Inspections (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1435(f)(2) ("Pre-erection inspection") is one requirement inside 1926.1435 Tower cranes, 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
(2) Pre-erection inspection. Before each crane component is erected, it must be inspected by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear. 2 citations
(i) The qualified person must pay particular attention to components that will be difficult to inspect thoroughly during shift inspections.
(ii) If the qualified person determines that a component is damaged or worn to the extent that it would create a safety hazard if used on the crane, that component must not be erected on the crane unless it is repaired and, upon reinspection by the qualified person, found to no longer create a safety hazard.
(iii) If the qualified person determines that, though not presently a safety hazard, the component needs to be monitored, the employer must ensure that the component is checked in the monthly inspections. Any such determination must be documented, and the documentation must be available to any individual who conducts a monthly inspection. 1 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1435.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1435(f)(2).
At 4:30 p.m. on April 4, 2024, an employee working for building contractor on a multifamily residential project was waiting to start the crane climbing process to the platform when a cable snapped. The employee died when he fell over 30 stories (320 feet) to…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1435(f)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1435(f)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1435(f) Inspections 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Who inspects components before erection?
A qualified person.
Can a worn component be erected?
Not if it would create a safety hazard, unless it is repaired and, upon reinspection by the qualified person, found to no longer create a hazard.
What if a part needs watching?
The employer must ensure it is checked in the monthly inspections, and the determination must be documented and available to anyone doing a monthly inspection.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1435 (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 2026-10-19
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.