29 CFR 1910.184: OSHA Slings

Regulatory citation: 29 CFR 1910.184, Slings (Materials Handling and Storage, Subpart N)

What Is the OSHA Slings Standard?

Section 1910.184 covers slings used with other material handling equipment, such as cranes and hoists, to lift loads in general industry. It applies to slings made from alloy steel chain, wire rope, metal mesh, natural or synthetic fiber rope, and synthetic web made of nylon, polyester or polypropylene.

The standard sets general safe operating practices for all slings, a daily inspection duty, and specific rules for each sling type covering markings, proof testing, temperature limits, repairs and when a sling must be removed from service.

Why Sling Safety Matters

A sling is often the weakest link in a lift. Overloading, sharp edges, heat and hidden damage can cause a sling to fail without warning and drop a load on workers below.

Core Obligations

1. Follow Safe Operating Practices (1910.184(c))

Damaged or defective slings must not be used. Slings must not be shortened with knots, bolts or makeshift devices, and sling legs must not be kinked. Slings must not be loaded beyond their rated capacity, and basket hitches must be balanced. Slings must be padded or protected from sharp edges of the load, shock loading is prohibited, and a sling must not be pulled from under a load resting on it. Employees must keep clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads, and keep hands and fingers out from between the sling and the load while it is tightened.

2. Use Only Marked Slings Within Their Rating (1910.184(c)(13)–(14))

Employers must not load a sling in excess of its recommended safe working load as shown on the sling's identification markings. Slings without affixed and legible identification markings must not be used. Each sling type has its own marking content. For example, alloy steel chain slings must show size, grade, rated capacity and reach.

3. Inspect Every Sling Daily (1910.184(d))

Each day before use, a competent person designated by the employer must inspect the sling and all fastenings and attachments for damage or defects. More inspections are needed where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings must be removed from service immediately.

4. Inspect Alloy Steel Chain Slings Periodically (1910.184(e))

In addition to daily checks, alloy steel chain slings need a thorough periodic inspection by a competent person at intervals based on use and service conditions, never more than 12 months apart. The employer must keep a record of the most recent month in which each chain sling was thoroughly inspected. Chain slings must be removed if hooks are opened more than 15% of the normal throat opening or twisted more than 10 degrees, if links are cracked or deformed, or if wear brings any link below the minimums in Table N-184-1. Slings heated above 1000 °F must be permanently removed from service.

5. Remove Damaged Wire Rope Slings (1910.184(f))

Wire rope slings must be removed from service if there are ten randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or five broken wires in one strand in one rope lay. They must also be removed for wear or scraping of one-third of the original diameter of outside wires, kinking, crushing, birdcaging, heat damage, damaged end attachments, or corrosion. Fiber core wire rope slings must be removed if exposed to temperatures above 200 °F.

6. Respect Limits for Fiber Rope and Synthetic Web Slings (1910.184(h)–(i))

Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings may be used from minus 20 °F to 180 °F without derating, unless wet and frozen. Nylon and polyester web slings must not be used above 180 °F, and polypropylene web slings not above 200 °F. Nylon web slings must not be used where acid or phenolic fumes or liquids are present. Web slings must be removed for acid or caustic burns, melting or charring, snags, punctures, tears, cuts, broken or worn stitches, or distorted fittings.

7. Control Proof Testing and Repairs (1910.184(e)–(i))

New, repaired or reconditioned alloy steel chain slings must be proof tested by the manufacturer or an equivalent entity, with a certificate kept on file. Welded end attachments on wire rope slings must be proof tested at twice their rated capacity before first use. Repaired synthetic web slings must be proof tested at twice rated capacity, and temporary repairs are not allowed. Repaired fiber rope slings may not be used at all.

Common Compliance Approaches

Tag and Track Each Sling

Give each sling a unique ID and log the month of each periodic chain sling inspection.

Quarantine Bin

Place a locked bin for rejected slings near the rigging area so damaged slings cannot drift back into use.

Edge Protection Kits

Keep sleeves and corner protectors with web slings for loads with sharp edges.

Example: Sling Management in Practice

A steel service center uses overhead cranes with chain and web slings to move coils and plate. Each morning a designated rigger checks every sling before use. During one check, a web sling shows a cut near the eye, and a chain sling hook appears opened. The rigger tags both out and places them in the quarantine bin. The hook measures more than 15% over its normal throat opening, so the chain sling goes back to the manufacturer for repair and proof testing. The plant adds edge protectors for plate lifts after reviewing the cut web sling.

Related regulations: OSHA cranes and derricks in construction, OSHA forklift standard, OSHA machine guarding.

Note: Section 1910.184 covers slings in general industry. Rigging in construction is covered by separate rules in Part 1926. State plan states may set stricter rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must slings be inspected?

Every sling must be inspected each day before use by a competent person. Alloy steel chain slings also need a thorough periodic inspection at least every 12 months, with a record of the most recent inspection month.

Can I use a sling with a missing tag?

No. Slings that do not have affixed and legible identification markings must not be used.

Can a damaged web sling be repaired?

Only by the manufacturer or an equivalent entity, and it must then be proof tested at twice its rated capacity. Temporary repairs are not permitted.