1926.553: Base-Mounted Drum Hoists
Exposed moving parts of base-mounted drum hoists that are a hazard, such as gears, setscrews, chains, cables and sprockets, must be guarded, and normal controls must be within easy reach of the operator. Electric hoists need a device that disconnects motors on power failure and prevents restart until the controller is off, an overspeed device where applicable, and a stop for remote hoists when a control fails. Hoists must meet the manufacturer's requirements. Derrick hoists follow 1926.1436(e).
Key takeaways
- 1926.553 is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart N).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.553, "Base-mounted drum hoists", is an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart N). It has 10 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1926.553 (10 paragraphs)
(a) General requirements.
(1) Exposed moving parts such as gears, projecting screws, setscrews, chain, cables, chain sprockets, and reciprocating or rotating parts, which constitute a hazard, shall be guarded.
(2) All controls used during the normal operation cycle shall be located within easy reach of the operator's station.
(3) Electric motor operated hoists shall be provided with:
(i) A device to disconnect all motors from the line upon power failure and not permit any motor to be restarted until the controller handle is brought to the “off” position;
(ii) Where applicable, an overspeed preventive device;
(iii) A means whereby remotely operated hoists stop when any control is ineffective.
(4) All base-mounted drum hoists in use shall meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, maintenance, and operations, as prescribed by the manufacturer.
(b) Specific requirements. [Reserved]
(c) This section does not apply to base-mounted drum hoists used in conjunction with derricks. Base-mounted drum hoists used in conjunction with derricks must conform to § 1926.1436(e).
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979, as amended at 75 FR 48134, Aug. 9, 2010]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
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OSHA interpretation letters
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Frequently asked questions
What parts of a drum hoist must be guarded?
Exposed moving parts that are a hazard, such as gears, projecting screws, setscrews, chain, cables, chain sprockets, and reciprocating or rotating parts.
What must happen on an electric hoist after a power failure?
A device must disconnect all motors from the line and not let any motor restart until the controller handle is brought to off.
Does this section cover hoists used with derricks?
No. Base-mounted drum hoists used with derricks must conform to 1926.1436(e).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.553 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly
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.