Ezel / Labor Guidance / US
Back to Federal guidance

Private inspectors of construction cranes under former rules

Summary A company asked how a private inspector could become recognized to perform annual construction-crane inspections. OSHA said that, although the then-current rule mentioned recognition, it had no program to recognize construction-crane inspectors; its accreditation applied only to certain maritime cranes. OSHA archives the letter and warns that it may no longer reflect current policy.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1992-04-15-4
Date issued
April 15, 1992
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1926 Cranes Inspections
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OSHA labels this an archive document and warns that it may no longer represent OSHA policy.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 Treat this page as historical context, not current guidance, and verify current law before relying on anything here.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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

April 15, 1992

Mr. Howard M. Thomson
Vice-President
Thomson & Thomson, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Thomson:

Your February 14 letter to Mr. Roger A. Clark requesting an interpretation of paragraph 1926.550(a)(6) of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard requiring the annual inspection of cranes and derricks has been referred to the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance for response. I apologize for the delay in responding to your inquiry.

In regard to your question concerning how a private agency or person becomes recognized by the Department of Labor for purposes of crane inspections, please be advised that OSHA currently only grants accreditation to private agencies to perform required certification inspections on specialized cranes used in the maritime industry. Although listed as an alternative method of compliance in paragraph .550(a)(6), OSHA currently has no program established to "recognize" agencies or individuals for the purpose of inspecting cranes used in construction.

If we can be of further assistance, please contact Mr. Roy Gurnham or Mr. Dale Cavanaugh of my staff in the Office of Construction and Maritime Compliance Assistance at (202) 523-8136.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Clark, Director
Directorate of Compliance Assistance

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