1910.184(h)(1): Identification Markings on Fiber Rope Slings
Employers must use natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings stating the rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle it is based on, the type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(h)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 11 times in the last 3 years, in 11 inspections, with $12,583 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (2), AL (1), UT (1).
- Related part: 1910.184(h) Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings (28 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
Get the free 5-minute toolbox talk on 1910.184(h)(1) ↓
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(h)(1) ("Sling use") 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 use. Employers must use natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings stating the rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one. 11 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Export the list: 11 inspections cited 1910.184(h)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: TX (2), AL (1), UT (1), CT (1), MO (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TIGER MANUFACTURING | ABILENE, TX | $4,688 |
| BCCK HOLDING COMPANY | MIDLAND, TX | $2,812 |
| COMMERCIAL PLASTICS COMPANY INC. | REPUBLIC, MO | $2,554 |
| KOEHLER KRAFT COMPANY, INC | SAN DIEGO, CA | $1,419 |
| BAYOU BOARDS AND RIGGING, INC. | IRVINGTON, AL | $900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(h)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(h)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(h) Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings 28 citations
- 1910.184(h)(5) Removal from service 17 citations
- 1910.184(h)(5)(iii) 12 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What markings must fiber rope slings have?
Rated capacity for the hitch type(s) used and the angle it is based on, type of fiber material, and number of legs if more than one.
Must the markings be permanent?
Yes. They must be permanently affixed and legible.
Can I use a sling with an unreadable tag?
No. The markings must be legible.
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 2026-11-06
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.