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Drum Hoists, Overhead Hoists and Conveyors in Construction

For operators of base-mounted drum hoists, overhead hoists and conveyors on construction sites: guarding, controls and stops, safe working loads, standing clear of the load, and locking out conveyors for repair.

Based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.553, 1926.554 and 1926.555 · about 3 min read

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Base-mounted drum hoists

Guards, controls and power failure

Guarding. Exposed moving parts that are a hazard, such as gears, projecting screws, setscrews, chain, cables, chain sprockets and reciprocating or rotating parts, must be guarded.
Controls. All controls used during the normal operation cycle must be within easy reach of the operator's station.
Electric motor operated hoists must have: a device that disconnects all motors on power failure and keeps them from restarting until the controller handle is brought to the off position; where applicable, an overspeed preventive device; and a means for remotely operated hoists to stop when any control is ineffective.
The hoist must meet the manufacturer's requirements for design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, maintenance and operation.

This section does not apply to drum hoists used with derricks; those must conform to the derrick rule in 29 CFR 1926.1436(e) instead.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.553(a)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.553(c)

Overhead hoists

Safe working load and standing clear

The safe working load, as determined by the manufacturer, must be marked on the hoist and must not be exceeded.
The supporting structure must have a safe working load equal to that of the hoist.
The support must allow free movement so the hoist can line itself up with the load.
The hoist may be installed only where the operator can stand clear of the load at all times.
Air hoists need an air supply of sufficient capacity and pressure, and air hoses must be positively connected so they cannot come apart during use.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.554(a)(5)

Conveyors

Stops, warnings and guards

A means to stop the motor or engine must be at the operator's station, and also at the motor or engine location if the operator's station is remote.
An audible warning signal must sound immediately before the conveyor starts.
Emergency stop switches must keep the conveyor from restarting until the actuating stop switch has been reset to running or on.
Screw conveyors must be guarded to prevent contact with turning flights.
Where a conveyor passes over work areas, aisles or thoroughfares, guards must protect employees required to work below.
Crossovers, aisles and passageways must be conspicuously marked by suitable signs.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(1) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(2) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(3) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(4) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(5) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(6)

Conveyors

Repairs and maintenance

During repairs, and when operation is hazardous to employees doing maintenance, conveyors must be locked out or otherwise rendered inoperable and tagged out with a Do Not Operate tag.

Conveyors in use must meet the applicable requirements for design, construction, inspection, testing, maintenance and operation in ANSI B20.1-1957, Safety Code for Conveyors, Cableways, and Related Equipment.

Reference: 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(7) · 29 CFR 1926.555(a)(8)

Need proof of training? The full course (15 min) adds practice questions, a job scenario, the final quiz and a certificate your employer can verify.

Take the course

Sources

Fact-checked against the regulation text on October 09, 2026. This certificate records completion of awareness training based on OSHA 29 CFR 1926.553, 1926.554 and 1926.555. It is not an OSHA card or license. These sections set equipment requirements for base-mounted drum hoists, overhead hoists and conveyors and do not contain a training requirement. Your employer must still make sure each hoist in use meets the manufacturer's requirements for design, construction, installation, testing, inspection, maintenance and operation, and each conveyor in use meets the applicable requirements of ANSI B20.1-1957. Follow your employer's procedures and instructions for the equipment you use.

This guide explains the rule in plain words. Always read the regulation itself and your employer's site-specific procedures.