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Electrical work clearance on overhead cranes

Summary An attorney asked if overhead cranes needed 30 inches of clearance near live electrical parts. OSHA said that minimum did not apply there; an 18-inch footwalk and protection of live parts by cabinets or elevation satisfied the cited requirements. OSHA archives the letter.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1977-08-30
Date issued
August 30, 1977
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 1910 Cranes Electrical Safety Working Clearance
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

August 30, 1977
Mr. Gregory J. Callaghan
Hahn, Loeser, Freeheim, Dean & Wellman
Attorney at Law
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Callaghan:
This is in response to your letter of July 15, 1977, regarding the required working clearance around electrical equipment on cranes.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards do not require a minimum 30 inch working clearance in the direction of the access to live parts on overhead and gantry cranes. With regard to the working clearance around electrical equipment on overhead and gantry cranes, requirements are satisfied if a footwalk of the least 18 inches is provided in the direction of live parts as prescribed by Section 1910.179(d)(2)(iv), and such live parts are protected by cabinets or elevation, to prevent accidental contact as prescribed by Section 110-17 of the 1971 NEC.
Thank you for your concern and interest in safety and health. If I may be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
John K. Barto, Chief
Division of Occupational
Safety Programming

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