Standard Interpretations
OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards, and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. Each letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information.
- 1910.179 - A worm drive gearbox is not considered to be a holding brake. - 11/15/2005
- 1910.179 - Acceptable use of load-limiting clutches as upper and/or lower limit devices. - 01/11/2001
- 1910.179 - Application of bridge brakes. - 10/08/1991
- 1910.179 - Clarification of OSHA standard on Overhead and Gantry Cranes - 03/04/1991
- 1910.179 - Clarification of overhead and gantry cranes. - 01/03/1997
- 1910.179 - Comments on Variance Application Number 2293. - 09/18/1995
- 1910.179 - Definition of "extreme low position" for overhead and gantry cranes. - 11/03/2005
- 1910.179 - Electrical Grounding of Overhead Cranes and Hoists. - 12/05/2011
- 1910.179 - Hoists that have two upper "hoist limit switches". - 11/29/1993
- 1910.179 - Holding brake requirements on overhead cranes. - 11/08/1996
- 1910.179 - Inspection certification record requirements in overhead and gantry cranes. - 10/21/1997
- 1910.179 - Inspection of Crane Hooks. - 02/12/1992
- 1910.179 - Inspection of running ropes. - 03/27/1992
- 1910.179 - Interpretation of 1910.179, Overhead and Gantry Cranes - 04/23/1984
- 1910.179 - Interpretation of the overhead and gantry cranes standard. - 09/26/1996
- 1910.179 - OSHA's position that the main or emergency switches must be capable of being locked out. - 07/01/1982
- 1910.179 - Overhead and Gantry Cranes. - 01/04/1977
- 1910.179 - Overhead Crane operations - 09/13/2013
- 1910.179 - Requirements for crucibles and other below-the-hook lifting devices. - 06/26/2002
- 1910.179 - Requirements for rated load tests for new or altered cranes. - 08/28/2009
- 1910.179 - Standards applicable to an automatic transfer device for processing and moving product. - 01/16/2004
- 1910.179 - Testing of hoist limit switches. - 10/21/2003
- 1910.179 - The design of trolley bumpers for electric overhead traveling cranes. - 04/23/1979
- 1910.179 - The need for an employer to comply with standards other than those which are enforced by OSHA. - 02/27/1992
- 1910.179 - Use of overhead bridge and gantry cranes as work platforms. - 04/06/1993
- 1910.179 - Wind Indicators and Rail Clamps. - 03/08/1977
- 1910.179(a)(2) - A worm drive gearbox is not considered to be a holding brake. - 11/15/2005
- 1910.179(a)(35) - Training for travel lift (mobile gantry crane) operators. - 11/08/1999
- 1910.179(b) - Guidelines for platforms and walkways on cranes. - 06/25/1993
- 1910.179(b) - Requirements for rated load tests for new or altered cranes. - 08/28/2009
- 1910.179(b)(2) - Clarification on physical qualifications for crane operators. - 03/07/1983
- 1910.179(b)(2) - Clarification on using an overhead crane beyond its rated load. - 08/27/1975
- 1910.179(b)(2) - Load testing of underhung trolleys/lifting devices. - 11/02/1993
- 1910.179(b)(4) - 1910.179(b)(4) only applies to outdoor storage bridge gantry cranes with spans over 100ft. - 03/02/1976
- 1910.179(b)(5) - Rated load markings for overhead bridge and gantry cranes. - 02/25/1998
- 1910.179(b)(6)(i) - Two-inch clearance must be maintained for overhead bridge cranes. - 04/06/2001
- 1910.179(b)(8) - Training for travel lift (mobile gantry crane) operators. - 11/08/1999
- 1910.179(d) - Guidelines for platforms and walkways on cranes. - 06/25/1993
- 1910.179(e)(2) - Applicability of bridge and trolley bumper requirements. - 09/29/1975
- 1910.179(e)(2) - Definition of slow rate of speed for crane bridges and trolleys. - 10/23/1975
- 1910.179(e)(3) - Applicability of bridge and trolley bumper requirements. - 09/29/1975
- 1910.179(e)(3) - Definition of slow rate of speed for crane bridges and trolleys. - 10/23/1975
- 1910.179(f)(1)(i) - A worm drive gearbox is not considered to be a holding brake. - 11/15/2005
- 1910.179(f)(1)(ii) - A worm drive gearbox is not considered to be a holding brake. - 11/15/2005
- 1910.179(g)(1)(i) - Covering for Grounded Contact Conductors on Overhead Traveling Crane Systems (Patrick E. Wall/DEP/GIE/Harvey/26611) - 06/29/2015
- 1910.179(h)(2)(i) - Clarification on OSHA requirements for hoist cables on cranes. - 03/26/1976
- 1910.179(h)(2)(iii)(a) - Definition of "extreme low position" for overhead and gantry cranes. - 11/03/2005
- 1910.179(h)(2)(iii)(a) - Use of lower-limit device that stops lower hook travel with at least two wraps remaining on the drum. - 04/25/2006
- 1910.179(j)(1) - Clarification of Overhead and Gantry Cranes definition of "complete inspection" and "periodic inspection" requirements. - 08/28/2003
- 1910.179(j)(3) - Clarification of Overhead and Gantry Cranes definition of "complete inspection" and "periodic inspection" requirements. - 08/28/2003
- 1910.179(k) - Requirements for rated load tests for new or altered cranes. - 08/28/2009
- 1910.179(k)(1)(ii) - Testing of hoist limit switches. - 10/21/2003
- 1910.179(k)(2) - "Rated Load Test" for cranes as specified at 1910.179(k)(2). - 01/03/1989
- 1910.179(n)(2)(i) - Loads must be attached to the block hook by a sling or other approved device and may not be attached directly to the running rope. - 10/06/2004
- 1910.179(n)(2)(ii) - Loads must be attached to the block hook by a sling or other approved device and may not be attached directly to the running rope. - 10/06/2004
- 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) - An engine overhaul work station being developed. - 03/08/1990
- 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) - Cranes and the use of protective helmets - 06/06/2024
- 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) - Operators of overhead and gantry cranes must not carry loads over people. - 03/24/1999
- 1910.179(n)(3)(vi) - Whether crane lifting devices are considered to be part of the load and are allowed to be hoisted over personnel. - 11/16/2007
- 1910.179(n)(3)(x) - Crane operator's responsibility during hand banding operations. - 08/25/1975
- 1910.179(n)(4) - Testing of hoist limit switches. - 10/21/2003