Letters of Interpretation

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.

These letters of interpretation and the standards they address may not apply to OSHA State Plans. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA's and may have different or additional requirements. Please see OSHA-approved State Plans for more information.

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Date Title Standard Number
Cranes and the use of protective helmets 1910.135, 1910.135(a)(1), 1910.135(b)(1), 1910.179(n)(3)(vi), 1910.132(d)(1)
Covering for Grounded Contact Conductors on Overhead Traveling Crane Systems (Patrick E. Wall/DEP/GIE/Harvey/26611) 1910.179(g)(1)(i), 1910.179(g), 1910.304(a)(1)
Overhead Crane operations 1910.179
Electrical Grounding of Overhead Cranes and Hoists. 1910.179, 1910.304
Clarification on whether a visual rotating beacon or strobe light is an acceptable warning signal on a radio operated crane. 1910.179, 1910.179(i)
Requirements for rated load tests for new or altered cranes. 1910.179, 1910.179(b), 1910.179(k)
Whether crane lifting devices are considered to be part of the load and are allowed to be hoisted over personnel. 1910.179, 1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
Use of lower-limit device that stops lower hook travel with at least two wraps remaining on the drum. 1910.179, 1910.179(h)(2)(iii)(a)
A worm drive gearbox is not considered to be a holding brake. 1910.179, 1910.179(a)(2), 1910.179(f)(1)(i), 1910.179(f)(1)(ii)
Definition of "extreme low position" for overhead and gantry cranes. 1910.179, 1910.179(h)(2)(iii)(a)
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. 1910.179, 1910.179(n)(2)(i), 1910.179(n)(2)(ii)
Standards applicable to an automatic transfer device for processing and moving product. 1910.179, 1910 Subpart D, 1910 Subpart S, 1910 Subpart O
Testing of hoist limit switches. 1910.179, 1910.179(k)(1)(ii), 1910.179(n)(4)
Clarification of Overhead and Gantry Cranes definition of "complete inspection" and "periodic inspection" requirements. 1910.179, 1910.179(j)(1), 1910.179(j)(3)
Requirements for crucibles and other below-the-hook lifting devices. 1910.179
Two-inch clearance must be maintained for overhead bridge cranes. 1910.179(b)(6)(i)
Acceptable use of load-limiting clutches as upper and/or lower limit devices. 1910.179
Training for travel lift (mobile gantry crane) operators. 1910.178(l), 1910.179(a)(35), 1910.179(b)(8)
Operators of overhead and gantry cranes must not carry loads over people. 1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
Rated load markings for overhead bridge and gantry cranes. 1910.179(b)(5)