Letters of Interpretation | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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
10/21/1997	Inspection certification record requirements in overhead and gantry cranes.	1910.179
01/03/1997	Clarification of overhead and gantry cranes.	1910.179
11/08/1996	Holding brake requirements on overhead cranes.	1910.179
09/26/1996	Interpretation of the overhead and gantry cranes standard.	1910.179
07/22/1996	Compliance for crane hoisted personnel platforms.	1910.179, 1926.550(g)
09/18/1995	Comments on Variance Application Number 2293.	1905.11, 1910.179, 1910.180, 1910.184
08/08/1994	A crane may be used for rated load testing of below-the-hook lifting device provided the test does not exceed 125% for the crane's rated load.	1910.179
11/29/1993	Hoists that have two upper "hoist limit switches".	1910.179
11/02/1993	Load testing of underhung trolleys/lifting devices.	1910.179(b)(2)
06/25/1993	Guidelines for platforms and walkways on cranes.	1910.179(b), 1910.179(d)
04/06/1993	Use of overhead bridge and gantry cranes as work platforms.	1910.179
03/27/1992	Inspection of running ropes.	1910.179
02/27/1992	The need for an employer to comply with standards other than those which are enforced by OSHA.	1910.179
02/12/1992	Inspection of Crane Hooks.	1910.179
10/08/1991	Application of bridge brakes.	1910.179
03/04/1991	Clarification of OSHA standard on Overhead and Gantry Cranes	1910.179
09/17/1990	Request for Interpretation of ANSI B30.11 as it relates to Yale KEL 2-ton chain hoists.	1910.179
03/08/1990	An engine overhaul work station being developed.	1910.179(n)(3)(vi)
01/03/1989	"Rated Load Test" for cranes as specified at 1910.179(k)(2).	1910.179(k)(2)
04/23/1984	Interpretation of 1910.179, Overhead and Gantry Cranes	1910.179