Overhead and Gantry Cranes
An overhead crane is a crane with a movable bridge carrying a movable or fixed hoisting mechanism and traveling on an overhead fixed runway structure.
A gantry crane is a crane similar to an overhead crane except that the bridge for carrying the trolley or trolleys is rigidly supported on two or more legs running on fixed rails or other runway.
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?
Training and Outreach Services
The materials handling presentation for general industry is available for workplaces to assist in training their staff. The presentation should be modified to address site-specific conditions and hazards.
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).
A-Z Safety and Health Topics
More information related to overhead and gantry cranes can be found on the materials handling and storage A-Z topics page.
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. 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
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29 CFR 1910.179 – overhead and gantry cranes
Maritime
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29 CFR 1917.45 – cranes and derricks, marine terminals
Construction
- 29 CFR 1926.1438 – overhead & gantry cranes
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.
Technical Assistance
Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.