['Cranes, Lifts, and Scaffolding']
['Overhead Cranes', 'Cranes, Lifts, and Scaffolding']
10/23/2025
Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
...
Overhead and gantry cranes — State comparison
State
Adherence to federal regulation
State regulatory citation
State-specific requirements
Follows federal. State plan adopts federal OSHA requirements and incorporates them by reference.
None
None
Follows federal. State plan adopts federal OSHA requirements and incorporates them by reference.
None
None
Follows federal. State OSHA plan adopts federal standards. Additional unique state-specific standards exist.
California Code of Regulations, 8 CCR 344.60 – 344.67 Licensing requirements – Crane and Derrick Certification; 8 CCR 344.80 Duties and recordkeeping requirements of crane certifier; 8 CCR 4880 Cranes and other hoisting equipment; 8 CCR 4881 General safety orders; 8 CCR 4884 Standards incorporated by reference: Design, manufactured, constructed, and installed; 8 CCR 4886 – 4913 Additional general safety orders; 8 CCR 2561.3 Overhead clearance; 8 CCR 5022 Testing and examination rules
California regulates the licensing of any person engaged in the testing, examination and/or certification of cranes used in lifting more than three tons. These regulations govern the application process, license approval and issuance, the duration and renewal of the license, fees, and denial, revocation or suspension of license (8 CCR 344.60 – 344.67).
The regulations also set forth:
- The duties and recordkeeping requirements of a licensed crane certifier (8 CCR 344.80).
- General safety orders (8 CCR 4881).
- Design, manufacture, construction, and installation standards (8 CCR 4884).
- Additional general safety orders (8 CCR 4886 – 4913).
- Overhead clearance requirements (8 CCR 2561.3).
- Testing intervals and criteria (8 CCR 5022(a)).
- Boom position during testing (8 CCR 5022(b)).
- Testing criteria (8 CCR 5022(c)).
- Examination rules (8 CCR 5022(d)).
- For on floor operated overhead cranes, a suitable work platform with means of access must be provided, attached to the building structure, or on the overhead crane bridge, giving ready and safe access to electrical control cabinets for service, maintenance or repair (8 CCR 2561.3).
Follows federal . State plan adopts federal OSHA requirements and incorporates them by reference.
Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 539, §§ 29-221 – 225; § 29-221a.
Connecticut sets forth the rules governing the operators of cranes and hoisting equipment in Conn. Gen. Stat. Chapter 539, §§ 29-221 – 225. However, Chapter 539, § 29-221a provides that overhead and gantry cranes are excluded and not governed by these provisions when used for non-construction-related work.
Follows federal . There are no state licensing requirements to operate a crane. However, operators of cranes in construction must obtain a nationally accredited license or meet the conditions of Subpart 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC.
None
None
No state-specific requirements. The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) Office of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) provides onsite consultation services to private-sector employers.
None
None
Follows federal. Florida has adopted federal OSHA general industry standards for overhead and gantry cranes.
None
None
Follows federal. No state-specific requirements.
None
The Illinois Department of Labor, Division of Occupational Safety and Health (IL OSHA) is responsible for enforcing these standards and providing training, outreach, education, and assistance to employers and employees.
Follows federal. A state-specific standard requires the posting of a warning sign to prevent overhead power line accidents.
Kansas Annotated Statutes § 66-1713 Overhead power line accident prevention – Posting of required warning signs
Each operator of a crane, any part of which is capable of operating within 10 feet of any high voltage overhead line, must post and maintain in plain view of the operator, a durable warning sign, legible at 12 feet, stating: “Unlawful to operate this equipment within 10 feet of high voltage overhead lines unless protected from contact danger.” Each day’s failure to post or maintain such a sign constitutes a separate violation (K.S.A. 66-1713).
Follows federal. A state-specific requirement prohibits minors from operating or assisting in the operation of a crane.
Louisiana Administrative Code, LAC Title 40, Part VII, Ch. 5, § 521B., Minors prohibited from power driven hoisting apparatus occupations.
Minors are prohibited from operating or assisting in the operation of a crane (LAC Title 40, Part VII, Ch. 5, § 521B.).
Follows federal. While Maryland has adopted many of the federal standards it has several unique state-specific provisions, including requirements for the design, construction, testing, use, and maintenance of personnel platforms, and the hoisting of personnel platforms on the load lines of cranes, derricks, and hoists (COMAR 09.12.38.01).
Code of Maryland Regulations, COMAR 09.12.38 General Industry Standard for Personnel Platforms Suspended from Cranes, Derricks, and Hoists; COMAR 09.12.26.02 Maryland Crane Safety (Applies only to Construction and Demolition Safety)
Maryland’s general industry standards for personnel platforms suspended from cranes, derricks, and hoists include the following topics:
- Restricted use (COMAR 09.12.38.03).
- Operational criteria (COMAR 09.12.38.04).
- Instruments and components (COMAR 09.12.38.05).
- Personnel platforms (COMAR 09.12.38.06).
- Rigging (COMAR 09.12.38.07).
- Trial lift (COMAR 09.12.38.08).
- Proof testing of platform and rigging (COMAR 09.12.38.09).
- Certification record (COMAR 09.12.38.10).
- Work practices (COMAR 09.12.38.11).
- Traveling (COMAR 09.12.38.12).
- Prelift meeting (COMAR 09.12.38.13).
Follows federal. The Massachusetts state OSHA plan has adopted all federal OSHA regulations and covers all state and local government workers. There are numerous state-specific requirements.
Mass. Gen. Laws, ch. 146, Secs. 53 — 54 and 65 — 67; Code of Mass. Regulations, 520 CMR 6.01 — 6.13
Massachusetts general laws provide rules governing the following:
- The licensing requirements for operation of hoisting equipment (ALM GL ch. 146, § 53(g)).
- Licensing for apprentice hoisting engineers (ALM GL ch. 146, § 53A).
- The requirement that a license be carried on the operator (ALM GL ch. 146, § 54).
- Penalties for violation of licensing provisions (ALM GL ch. 146, § 54A).
- Applications for a license to operate hoisting machinery (ALM GL ch. 146, § 65).
- Applications for a temporary permit to operate hoisting machinery (ALM GL ch. 146, § 65A).
- Hoisting license appeals (ALM GL ch. 146, § 66A).
- Expiration of licenses (ALM GL ch. 146, § 67).
- Scope and applicability of hoisting machinery provisions (520 CMR 6.01).
- Licensing requirements (520 CMR 6.02).
- Temporary permits to operate rented compact hoisting machinery (520 CMR 6.03).
- Continuing education and training facilities (520 CMR 6.04).
- Apprentice licenses (520 CMR 6.05).
- Exempt companies (520 CMR 6.06).
- In-service training program for exempt companies (520 CMR 6.07).
- Operating procedures for hoisting machinery, including maintenance, inspections, and other important requirements (520 CMR 6.08).
- Special requirements for cranes (520 CMR 6.09).
- Classification of licenses (520 CMR 6.10).
- Accident reporting (520 CMR 6.11).
- Suspension, revocation, and appeals of licensing, certification, and temporary permitting (520 CMR 6.12).
- Variance procedures (520 CMR 6.13).
Michigan does not follow federal OSHA standards for overhead and gantry cranes. Instead, it follows its own state-specific regulations and standards. Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees implementation of these regulations, which include safety standards for both general industry and construction.
Michigan Administrative Code, Part 18, Overhead and Gantry Cranes, R 408.11801 — R 408.11875
Regulatory scope. These standards covers the equipment, installation, maintenance, and operation of top running overhead and gantry single and multiple girder cranes in, about, and around places of employment in order to safeguard employees (R 408.11801).
Applicable definitions (R 408.11803 — 408.11806).
Adopted and referenced standards. Standards adopted and referenced in the regulations governing overhead and gantry cranes (R 408.11807).
Employer responsibilities. Employers must comply with the manufacturer's specifications and limitations applicable to the operation of cranes (R 408.11808).
Construction, installation, and equipment:
- Certification that erected or modified top running or gantry cranes conform to standards adopted by reference (R 408.11821).
- Marking rated capacity, classification, and clearances (R 408.11822).
- Safety factor for hoisting cables (R 408.11823).
- Wire rope (R 408.11824).
- Hooks and load blocks (R 408.11825).
- Sheaves (R 408.11827).
- Trolley stops (R 408.11832).
- Bridge bumpers, trolley bumpers, and rail sweeps (R 408.11833).
- Ladders, foot-walks, stairways, and escape devices (R 408.11835).
- Brakes and restraints (R 408.11841).
- Controls (R 408.11843).
- Equipment (R 408.11844).
- Warning devices (R 408.11845).
- Tool storage, housekeeping, and fire extinguishers (R 408.11847).
Operations and operators:
- Qualifications (R 408.11851).
- Training (R 408.11852).
- Testing (R 408118.53).
- Limitations on use of cranes (R 408.11855).
- Reporting defects (R 408.11857).
- Personal protective equipment (R 408.11859).
- General conduct of operators (R 408.11861).
- Signals (R 408.11863).
- Lifting (R 408.11865).
- Initial and shift inspections (R 408.11871).
- Frequent and periodic inspections (R 408.11872).
- Operational tests (R 408.11873).
- Rated load test (R 408.11874).
- Maintenance (R 408.11875).
Follows federal. Minnesota’s state OSHA plan adopts most federal OSHA regulations by reference.
None
None
Follows federal. There are no state-specific licensing requirements to operate a crane. State workplace safety and health programs are managed by federal OSHA rather than a separate state agency.
None
None
Missouri does not explicitly state that it follows federal OSHA regulations for overhead and gantry cranes. However, Missouri is known to comply with federal OSHA regulations, which include the federal standards contained in 29 CFR 1910.179.
Missouri Annotated Statutes, § 294.040 R.S. Mo. Child Labor
In Missouri, a child under 16 must not be employed or permitted to work by any person, firm or corporation in connection with the operation of freight elevators, hoisting machines or cranes, or on or about any manlifts (§ 294.040 R.S. Mo.).
In Montana, the operation of overhead and gantry cranes is regulated under specific state licensing requirements and safety standards.
Montana Code Annotated 50-76-101 — 50-76-114 MCA Hoisting engines; Administrative Rules of Montana, ARM 24.135.5 Crane hoisting operator license requirements
Crane and hoisting licenses are required in Montana, and the specific rules are set forth in Montana Code Annotated 50-76 Hoisting Engines, as follows:
- 50-76-103, MCA Crane and hoist license required.
- 50-76-104, MCA Application, examination, and fee for license.
- 50-76-109, MCA Violation; misdemeanor.
- 50-76-110, MCA Crane inspector; qualifications; inspections.
- 50-76-113, MCA Recognition of national certification.
- 50-76-114, MCA Failure to have possession of license.
Crane and hoisting operators licensing requirements are set forth in the Administrative Rules of Montana, ARM 24.135.5, as follows:
- ARM 24.135.501 Hoisting operators license requirements; and
- ARM 24.135.516 Crane hoisting operators license requirements.
Follows federal. Nevada has no state-specific requirements for overhead and gantry cranes.
None
None
Follows federal. Additional state-specific requirements for employers.
N.H. Admin. Rules, Lab 1403.15 Cranes and Derricks; Lab 1403.42 Overheads and Gantry Hoists and Cranes
New Hampshire has additional state-specific rules for employers requiring crane:
- Inspections
- Wheel stops
- Marking of rated loads
- Compliance with manufacturer specifications and limitations
- Correction of deficiencies
- Barricading of accessible areas to protect employees
- Clearance from electrical lines
Follows federal. New Jersey has state-specific requirements for overhead and gantry cranes when used in pits and quarries.
N.J.A.C. 12:185-28.5 Pits and Quarries; Overhead cranes
Overhead cranes are regulated when used in pits and quarries (N.J.A.C. 12:185-28.5).
Follows federal. New Mexico has its own state OSHA plan which has adopted all federal OSHA standards by reference, including those related to overhead and gantry cranes.
None
None
Follows federal. New York has a state OSHA plan to which federal OSHA regulations apply.
The city of New York has additional city-specific regulations for cranes and derricks used for hoisting and/or rigging purposes. However, these rules do not apply to hoisting and material handling equipment, including cranes, used in industrial or commercial plants or yards, other than those used for the construction or demolition of the facility.
NYC Administrative Code Section BC § 3319-01 Cranes and Derricks; Section BC 3316.1 Scope; Exception for industrial and commercial cranes not used for construction
None
Follows federal. North Carolina has a state OSHA plan that with certain exceptions has adopted all federal OSHA regulations.
The federal OSHA standards for overhead and gantry cranes at 29 CFR Part 1910.179 apply to all places of employment in general industry, except agriculture, construction, or maritime.
None
North Carolina has no state-specific regulations for overhead and gantry cranes but provides safe work practices for overhead and gantry cranes on its North Carolina Department of Labor website.
Follows federal. Ohio has additional state-specific regulations that may go beyond federal regulations.
Ohio Administrative Code, OAC Ann. 4101:9-2-21 Power-driven hoisting apparatus occupations, Minors prohibited; OAC Ann. 4123:1-5-23 Electrical conductors and equipment; OAC Ann. 4123:1-5-14 Power-driven cranes and hoists
Minor operation prohibited. The operation of power-driven hoisting apparatus, including overhead and gantry cranes, is prohibited for minors under 18 years of age. (OAC Ann. 4101:9-2-21).
Electrical conductors and equipment — Minimum clearance. Before an employee moves or operates a power crane within 10 feet of an energized electrical conductor, the employer must:
- Assure that the conductor is deenergized and grounded, or
- Assure that the conductor is moved, or
- Assure that the conductor is guarded from accidental contact and an employee is designated to act as signalman to direct the operator in the movement of the equipment, or
- Assure that an insulated boom or an insulated type guard about the boom or arm of the equipment and a dielectric insulator link between the load and the block are installed and an employee is designated to act as signalman to direct the operator in the movement of the equipment. (OAC Ann. 4123:1-5-23).
Follows federal. Oklahoma has a state-specific rule requiring the posting of high voltage warning signs in all cranes.
Oklahoma Statutes, Annotated, 63 Okl. St. § 983 Posting of high voltage warning signs in cranes
Oklahoma requires the posting of high voltage warning signs in cranes (63 Okl. St. § 983).
Follows federal. Oregon adopts by reference the federal OSHA regulations governing overhead and gantry cranes. Oregon has general rules for cranes and additional rules for overhead and gantry cranes.
Oregon Administrative Rules, OAR 437-002-0220 Adoption of federal regulation by reference; OAR 437-002-0228 Oregon general requirements for cranes; OAR 437-002-0229 Additional Oregon rules for overhead and gantry cranes
Oregon has general requirements for cranes, including rules on:
- Operator training;
- Overhead electrical wires;
- Signals;
- Blocks, sheaves, and drums;
- Drums;
- Chains;
- Hooks; and
- Wire ropes (OAR 437-002-0228).
Follows federal. Oregon has general safety requirements that apply to all cranes, requirements for overhead traveling cranes, and specific requirements for gantry cranes.
Statutes: Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated, 43 P.S. § 25-2 (General safety and health requirements).
General requirements for all cranes: Pennsylvania Administrative Code, 34 Pa. Code § 25.41 (Construction); 34 Pa. Code § 25.42 (Electrical equipment); 34 Pa. Code § 25.43 (Chains and cables); 34 Pa. Code § 25.44 (Floor operated overhead traveling cranes); 34 Pa. Code § 25.45 (Operators); 34 Pa. Code § 25.46 (Floormen); 34 Pa. Code § 25.47 (Repairmen);
Overhead traveling cranes: 34 Pa. Code § 25.51 (Scope); 34 Pa. Code § 25.52 (Construction requirements); 34 Pa. Code § 25.53 (Platforms and footwalks); 34 Pa. Code § 25.54 (Cages); 34 Pa. Code § 25.55 (Rail stops, bumpers and fenders).
Gantry Cranes: 34 Pa. Code § 25.61 (Special requirements).
Pennsylvania has general statutory safety and health requirements that apply to cranes (43 P.S. § 25-2).
Pennsylvania has general regulatory requirements that apply to all cranes. They are:
- Construction (34 Pa. Code § 25.41).
- Electrical equipment (34 Pa. Code § 25.42).
- Chains and cables (34 Pa. Code § 25.43)
- Floor operated overhead traveling cranes (34 Pa. Code § 25.44)
- Operators (34 Pa. Code § 25.45)
- Floormen (34 Pa. Code § 25.46)
- Repairmen (34 Pa. Code § 25.47)
Pennsylvania also has regulations that apply specifically to overhead traveling cranes. They are:
- Scope (34 Pa. Code § 25.51)
- Construction requirements (34 Pa. Code § 25.52)
- Platforms and footwalks (34 Pa. Code § 25.53)
- Cages (34 Pa. Code § 25.54)
- Rail stops, bumpers and fenders (34 Pa. Code § 25.55)
Finally, Pennsylvania has specific special requirements applicable only to gantry cranes. They are found at 34 Pa. Code § 25.61.
Follows federal. Rhode Island has specific regulations regarding the examining and licensing of hoisting engineers.
Rhode Island Code of Regulations: 260-RICR-30-15-8 (Examining and licensing of hoisting engineers); 260 RICR 030-15-8.4 (Types of licenses); 260 RICR 030-15-8.5 (Categories of licenses); 260 RICR 030-15-8.6 (License requirements); 260 RICR 030-15-8.7 (Operator trainee license); 260 RICR 030-15-8.8 (Operator trainee application process); 260 RICR 030-15-8.9 (Trainer’s responsibilities); 260 RICR 030-15-8.10 (Penalty for violations)
Rhode Island has the following specific regulations for the examination and licensing of hoisting engineers:
- Types of licenses (260 RICR 030-15-8.4)
- Categories of licenses (260 RICR 030-15-8.5)
- License requirements (260 RICR 030-15-8.6)
- Operator trainee license (260 RICR 030-15-8.7)
- Operator trainee application process (260 RICR 030-15-8.8)
- Trainer’s responsibilities (260 RICR 030-15-8.9)
- Penalty for violations ( 260 RICR 030-15-8.10)
Follows federal.
South Carolina Code of Laws, Regulations, S.C. Code regs. 71-3107 G. (List of hazardous occupations or occupations detrimental to minors)
The employment of individuals under 18 years of age in the operation of overhead and gantry cranes is considered particularly hazardous and is not permitted (S.C. Code regs. 71-3107 G.).
Follows federal in the private sector. However, federal OSHA does not apply to the Texas state government or any of its agencies, or political subdivision, such as a city or county government.
None
None
Follows federal. Virginia has state-specific requirements for surface and underground mineral mining.
Virginia Administrative Code, 4 VAC 25-40-2620 (Riding on loads or hooks); 4 VAC 25-40-2650 (Overhead crane equipment); 4 VAC 25-40-2660 (Overhead crane bridges)
Virginia has state-specific requirements for surface and underground mining. These rules govern:
- Riding on loads or hooks (4 VAC 25-40-2620)
- Overhead crane equipment (4 VAC 25-40-2650)
- Overhead crane bridges (4 VAC 25-40-2660)
Follows federal. Washington has adopted most OSHA standards by reference. However, there are unique standards for overhead/bridge and gantry cranes.
Washington Administrative Code, WAC 296-155-54200 (Overhead/bridge and gantry cranes; General rules); WAC 296-155-54215 (Overhead/bridge and gantry cranes; Operations)
Washington has unique standards for overhead and gantry cranes in the manufacturing setting even when construction activity is being performed. These standards govern:
- Permanently installed cranes;
- Not permanently installed cranes;
- Design, inspection, construction, testing, and maintenance;
- Marking of rated load;
- Operating direction marks;
- Bridge trucks;
- Warning devices;
- Wind velocity indicators;
- Electrical wiring and equipment; and
- Welding.
Additional operational standards are set forth in WAC 296-155-54215.
West Virginia
Follows federal. No state-specific requirements.
None
None
['Cranes, Lifts, and Scaffolding']
['Overhead Cranes', 'Cranes, Lifts, and Scaffolding']
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Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.