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Locking hooks under the construction crane rule

Summary A manufacturer asked OSHA for compliance determinations on three locking hooks. OSHA said it does not approve products in advance, because field conditions and use affect safety. Based on the supplied data, the hooks appeared compliant with the cited construction crane rule if properly installed and locked.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1991-10-04
Date issued
October 4, 1991
Status
Archived by the agency
OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent its policy; it does not identify a replacement on this page.
Status last verified October 10, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Cranes Construction
Source
View the official document

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OSHA labels this an archive document that may no longer represent its policy; it does not identify a replacement on this page.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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

October 4, 1991

Mr. Charles Lucas
Vice President - Engineering
The Crosby Group, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Lucas:

This is in response to your letter of September 6, 1991, requesting compliance determinations for your three new locking hooks.

As you recognize in your letter, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration does not approve nor endorse products. The variable working conditions at jobsites and possible alterations or misapplication of an otherwise safe product could easily create a hazardous condition beyond the control of the manufacturer. However, we have reviewed the product data enclosed with your letter and it appears that if the Shur-Loc Hook, locking flapper latch and lock latch with sliding latch bar are properly installed and locked, the user would be in compliance with 29 CFR 1926.550(g)(4)(iv)(B).

If we can be of any further assistance, please contact Roy Gurnham or Dale Cavanaugh at (202) 523-8124.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark
Director
Directorate of Compliance Programs

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