Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Backup alarms on crawler cranes used for earthmoving

Summary A contractor asked whether a crawler crane needed a backup alarm. OSHA said its crawler-crane provision had no such requirement. If the machine was used for earthmoving, however, the cited earthmoving-equipment provision could require an alarm under certain conditions. OSHA archives this letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1976-01-28
Date issued
January 28, 1976
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Construction Equipment
Source
View the official document

Apply this to your situation

This page explains the general guidance. Ask about your specific situation and see what current federal labor law says, with citations.

The current status of this document is unclear
OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.
About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

January 28, 1976

Mr. Jay. J. Davin,
Safety Director
G. A & F. C. Wagman, Inc.
General Contractors
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Davin:

This is in response to your letter dated January 20, 1976 concerning crawler cranes.

Section 1926.550(b) of the Construction Standard (copy enclosed) gives requirements for crawler cranes used in construction work, and has no requirement for back-up alarm. However, if this equipment is used for earthmoving, Section 1926.602(a), which does require back-up alarm under certain conditions, will apply.

Your interest in occupational safety and health is appreciated.

Sincerely yours,
DAVID H. RHONE
Regional Administrator

Enclosure

Related guidance

Permanently labeled locks for electrical lockout Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Helmet selection for lateral head-impact hazards Opinion Letter · August 17, 2026 Asbestos precautions when restoring drywall after flood damage Opinion Letter · May 7, 2026 Enforcement policy for recording and reporting COVID-19 cases Guidance · March 31, 2026

What does federal law require in your situation?

Ezel checks current federal labor law against your facts and answers with citations.

Opens in Ezel Pro.

  • Checks the law as it stands today, not only this page
  • Cites every source it relies on, so you can verify it
  • Chat, drafting and research in one workspace