1910.184(e)(2): Alloy Chain Sling Attachments
Employers must make sure hooks, rings, links and other attachments on alloy steel chain slings have a rated capacity at least equal to the chain, or the sling must not be used beyond the rated capacity of its weakest component. Makeshift links or fasteners made from bolts, rods or similar items must not be used.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $72,652 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OK (2), WI (2), NE (2).
- 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)(2) ("Attachments") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 2 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Attachments. 18 citations
(i) Hooks, rings, oblong links, pear shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links or other attachments shall have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain with which they are used or the sling shall not be used in excess of the rated capacity of the weakest component. Open (e)(2)(i) 7 citations
(ii) Makeshift links or fasteners formed from bolts or rods, or other such attachments, shall not be used. Open (e)(2)(ii) 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: OK (2), WI (2), NE (2), KS (2), NC (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MARMON RETAIL SOLUTIONS | WAGONER, OK | $14,187 |
| JOHN DEERE DUBUQUE WORKS | DUBUQUE, IA | $12,660 |
| LMI FINISHING, INC. | CATOOSA, OK | $9,218 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD | OMAHA, NE | $7,950 |
| PRETECH CORPORATION | KANSAS CITY, KS | $5,959 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(e)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- The use of clevis pins and cotterpins to attach slings and hooks; use of latches on sling hooks. (2009-10-19)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(e) Alloy steel chain slings 306 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3) Inspections 133 citations
- 1910.184(e)(1) Sling identification 123 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(i) 57 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(ii) 56 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
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Frequently asked questions
Do sling attachments need to match the chain's capacity?
They must have a rated capacity at least equal to the chain, or the sling must not be used beyond the rated capacity of the weakest component.
Can I use a bolt as a link?
No. Makeshift links or fasteners formed from bolts or rods must not be used.
Which attachments are covered?
Hooks, rings, oblong links, pear shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links, and other attachments.
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.