1910.184(e)(4): Proof Testing Alloy Chain Slings
Employers must make sure each new, repaired or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components, is proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity before use, per ASTM A391-65. The employer must keep a certificate of the proof test and make it available for examination.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $18,328 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CT (10), PA (2), NC (1).
- 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)(4) ("Proof testing") 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
(4) Proof testing. The employer shall ensure that before use, each new, repaired, or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components in the sling assembly, shall be proof tested by the sling manufacturer or equivalent entity, in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of the American Society of Testing and Materials Specification A391-65, which is incorporated by reference as specified in § 1910.6 (ANSI G61.1-1968). The employer shall retain a certificate of the proof test and shall make it available for examination. 17 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.184(e)(4).
At 11:08 a.m. on November 21, 2023, an employee was assisting in the loading andunloading of a 40-foot Conex box from a low boy trailer to the shop floor. A chain used in the hoisting system broke. The Conex box hit the low boy, rolled,…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: CT (10), PA (2), NC (1), AK (1), AL (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BALLARD CONTRACTORS, INC. | MOUNDVILLE, AL | $9,464 |
| SUMMIT TRAILERS, LLC. | SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA | $5,564 |
| KAIROS SPECIALTY METALS CORP | MOUNT SUMMIT, IN | $3,300 |
| 154253 - DELLINGER PRECAST, INC. | DENVER, NC | $0 |
| NATIONAL PARK SERVICE | DENALI NATIONAL PARK, AK | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(e)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(e)(4).
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)(2) Attachments 18 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(iii) 18 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
Which chain slings must be proof tested?
Each new, repaired or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components in the sling assembly.
Who performs the proof test?
The sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity.
Must there be a certificate?
Yes. The employer must retain a certificate of the proof test and make it available for examination.
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.