1910.184(e)(1): Chain Sling Identification Tags
Alloy steel chain slings must have permanently affixed, durable identification stating the sling's size, grade, rated capacity and reach.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 123 times in the last 3 years, in 123 inspections, with $178,839 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (12), CT (10), MA (7).
- Related part: 1910.184(e) Alloy steel chain slings (306 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(e)(1) ("Sling identification") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, 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
(1) Sling identification. Alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and reach. 123 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.184(e)(1).
At 1:45 p.m. on September 12, 2024, Employee #1, employed by a manufacturing company, was assisting with the assembly of a Mark II Pump Sending Unit. He was standing next to the sending pump unit as a crane moved the Sampson post into place. The…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 54 |
| 2025 | 34 |
| 2026 | 27 |
Top states: NY (12), CT (10), MA (7), TX (7), MD (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MULTISTACK, LLC | SPARTA, WI | $10,150 |
| NORTH AMERICAN GALVANIZING COMPANY LLC | TULSA, OK | $9,678 |
| HENDERSON PRODUCTS, INC. | MANCHESTER, IA | $9,000 |
| RFX2024XT3633X0155 - GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS, LLC | PHOENIX, AZ | $8,817 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD | OMAHA, NE | $7,950 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(e)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(e)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(e) Alloy steel chain slings 306 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3) Inspections 133 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(i) 57 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(ii) 56 citations
- 1910.184(e)(2) Attachments 18 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(iii) 18 citations
- 1910.184(e)(4) Proof testing 17 citations
- 1910.184(e)(9) Deformed attachments 12 citations
- 1910.184(e)(2)(ii) 11 citations
- 1910.184(e)(2)(i) 7 citations
- 1910.184(e)(7) Repairing and reconditioning alloy steel chain slings 3 citations
- 1910.184(e)(7)(i) 3 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
What must an alloy steel chain sling tag show?
Size, grade, rated capacity and reach.
Can the identification be temporary?
No. It must be permanently affixed and durable.
Why does reach matter?
The rule requires reach to be stated on the identification along with the other ratings.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.184 (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 2026-10-20
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.
