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Manufacturer specifications for a construction crane

Summary A power company sought a variance for a construction crane. OSHA said the described crane met the cited manufacturer's specifications if inspected, maintained, and serviced as the certificate required, so it took no further action on the variance request. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1975-03-18
Date issued
March 18, 1975
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.
Status last verified October 10, 2026

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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy. It may no longer reflect the agency's current position. Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

29 CFR 1925.550(a)(1)

March 18, 1975
Mr. Howard A. Cummins
Executive Manager
Buckeye Power, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Cummins:
Assistant Secretary John H. Stender has asked me to respond to your letter dated February 27, 1975, requesting a permanent variance from Section 1925.550(a)(1) Cranes and Derricks - General Requirements, of the Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.
This standard requires that the employer shall comply with the manufacturer's specifications and limitations applicable to the operation of any and all cranes and derricks. It appears that you are meeting the intent of this standard based on the manufacturer's certificate relative to the subject crane Harnischfeger Model 25030. Of utmost importance are the conditions of the manufacturer's certificate which states, "provided that the crane has been inspected, maintained, and serviced in accordance with Harnischfeger's recommended procedures."
Therefore, no further action will be taken on your variance application.
Sincerely,
Barry J. White
Associate Assistant Secretary for
Regional Programs

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