Overhead and Gantry Cranes

What are the hazards associated with overhead and gantry cranes?

Failure to use cranes within their specifications can cause the inadvertent release of a load, leading to employees being struck by or crushed by loads. Depending upon the size and weight of the load, this can result in serious injury or death.

What can I do to protect myself and others?

Do not walk or work under a suspended load and stay clear of the path of travel of a suspended load. If you are the operator, never allow your attention to be diverted while moving a load. Do not lift, lower, or transport a load with the crane or hoist until all personnel are clear of the load and the load’s path. Do not allow personnel to be lifted, lowered, or transported by means of the crane, hoist, trolley, hoist hook, or load.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Safety and Health Programs

Example safety and health programs are available for employers to download and adapt to their specific conditions. 

Training and Outreach Services

The materials handling (General Industry and Construction) and struck by/caught between presentations are available for workplaces to assist in training their staff. The presentation should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards. Other example presentations are available along with pre-recorded webinars which can be accessed at any time. 

In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Further, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Topics

More information related to overhead and gantry cranes can be found on the materials handling and storage, hoists, slings. crawler locomotive and truck cranes and cranes and derricks safety and health topic pages. 

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards which are applicable to overhead and gantry cranes in North Carolina. This is not all inclusive.

Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic. 

General Industry

• 29 CFR 1910.179 – overhead and gantry cranes
• 29 CFR 1910.184 - slings 

Construction

• 29 CFR 1926.1438 – overhead and gantry cranes

Recordkeeping

• Refer to Recording and Reporting

Other Applicable Standards

The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.

Where can I learn more?

Industry Guides

• Industry Guide 48 - OSHA Construction Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to construction.
• Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for for standards related to general industry.
• Industry Guide 54 - OSHA Marine Terminal Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, provides requirements for standards related to marine terminals.

Compliance Documents

• STD 03-12-004 - Overhead and Gantry Cranes, provides clarification for 29 CFR 1910.179(e)(6)(i) - Overhead and Gantry Cranes and (g)(2)(i) and 1910.181(j)(1)(i) - Derricks, and 1926.550(d)(4) and (e); clarification of the term "normal operating conditions."

Technical Assistance

• Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH online or by phone at 919-707-7876.