April 15, 1992

Mr. Howard M. Thomson
Vice-President
Thomson & Thomson, Inc.
Post Office Box 3230
Jackson, Tennessee 38303-0230

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