1910.179(j)(2)(iv): Inspecting Hoist Chains
Hoist chains and their end connections must be checked for excessive wear, twist, distorted links that interfere with proper function, or stretch beyond the manufacturer's recommendations. They must get a daily visual inspection and a monthly inspection with a certification record showing the date, the inspector's signature and the chain's identifier.
Key takeaways
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iv) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 50 times in the last 3 years, in 50 inspections, with $35,133 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (14), TX (5), IN (4).
- Related part: 1910.179(j) Inspection (426 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.179(j)(2)(iv) is one requirement inside 1910.179 Overhead and gantry cranes, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(iv) Hoist chains, including end connections, for excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations. Visual inspection daily; monthly inspection with a certification record which includes the date of inspection, the signature of the person who performed the inspection and an identifier of the chain which was inspected. 50 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.179.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.179(j)(2)(iv).
At 7:45 a.m. on June 11, 2024, an employee working as a forklift operator for a stainless-steel manufacturer was assisting a coworker, also a forklift operator,by directing movement of an 800-pound steel beam. The strap holding the beam ripped and the beam struck the employee.…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 12 |
Top states: NJ (14), TX (5), IN (4), OH (4), MD (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WASTEBUILT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS, LLC | LITHIA SPRINGS, GA | $7,052 |
| PRECISION PRECAST LLC. | COLUMBIA, MO | $6,620 |
| OSPREY ENERGY SERVICES, LLC | ODESSA, TX | $4,978 |
| ENTECH INC. | MIDDLEBURY, IN | $4,000 |
| SB MANUFACTURING, INC | WICHITA, KS | $3,972 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.179(j)(2)(iv), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.179(j)(2)(iv).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.179(j) Inspection 426 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2) Frequent inspection 209 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3) Periodic inspection 158 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(iii) 55 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1) Inspection classification 53 citations
- 1910.179(j)(1)(ii) 47 citations
- 1910.179(j)(2)(i) 8 citations
- 1910.179(j)(3)(iv) 4 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How often are hoist chains inspected?
Visually daily, and monthly with a certification record.
What defects are looked for?
Excessive wear, twist, distorted links interfering with proper function, or stretch beyond manufacturer's recommendations.
What does the monthly record include?
The date, the signature of the inspector, and an identifier of the chain.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.179 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.