1926.1435(f): Tower Crane Inspections
Employers must inspect tower cranes under 1926.1412 and 1926.1413, plus extra steps. A qualified person must inspect each component before erection, damaged components may not be erected unless repaired and reinspected, and a load test with certified or properly scaled weights must follow each erection.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1435(f) 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)(2) Pre-erection inspection (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1435(f) ("Inspections") is one requirement inside 1926.1435 Tower cranes, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart CC). It includes 12 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
(f) Inspections. 2 citations
(1) Section 1926.1412 (Inspections) applies to tower cranes, except that the term “assembly” is replaced by “erection.” Section 1926.1413 (Wire rope—inspection) applies to tower cranes.
(2) Pre-erection inspection. Before each crane component is erected, it must be inspected by a qualified person for damage or excessive wear. Open (f)(2) 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
(3) Post-erection inspection. In addition to the requirements in § 1926.1412(c), the following requirements must be met:
(i) A load test using certified weights, or scaled weights using a certified scale with a current certificate of calibration, must be conducted after each erection.
(ii) The load test must be conducted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions when available. Where these instructions are unavailable, the test must be conducted in accordance with written load test procedures developed by a registered professional engineer familiar with the type of equipment involved.
(4) Monthly. The following additional items must be included:
(i) Tower (mast) bolts and other structural bolts (for loose or dislodged condition) from the base of the tower crane up or, if the crane is tied to or braced by the structure, those above the upper-most brace support.
(ii) The upper-most tie-in, braces, floor supports and floor wedges where the tower crane is supported by the structure, for loose or dislodged components.
(5) Annual. In addition to the items that must be inspected under § 1926.1412(f), all turntable and tower bolts must be inspected for proper condition and torque.
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).
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), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1435(f).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1435(f)(2) Pre-erection inspection 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must components be inspected?
Before each crane component is erected, by a qualified person, for damage or excessive wear.
Is a load test required?
Yes. A load test using certified weights, or scaled weights using a certified scale with a current certificate of calibration, after each erection.
How is the load test done?
According to the manufacturer's instructions when available, or else written procedures developed by a registered professional engineer.
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.