1926.251(a)(4): Marking and Proof-Testing Custom Lifting Gear
Special custom grabs, hooks, clamps and other lifting accessories for items like modular panels and prefabricated structures must be marked with their safe working loads. They must be proof-tested before use to 125 percent of their rated load.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(a)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 7 inspections, with $38,283 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.251(a) General (180 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(a)(4) is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). 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) Special custom design grabs, hooks, clamps, or other lifting accessories, for such units as modular panels, prefabricated structures and similar materials, shall be marked to indicate the safe working loads and shall be proof-tested prior to use to 125 percent of their rated load. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(a)(4).
At 10:39 a.m. on July 2, 2024, a custom-fabricated lifting accessory was being used to lift a new roof structure for a grain bin into place. Employees onsite were in the process of bolting the structure when the lifting accessory failed. Employee #1 was working…
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OSHA interpretation letters
- Proof testing of lifting beams used to lift wind turbine components. (2012-06-08)
- Testing requirements for "lifting blinds" or "lifting covers" on pressure vessels. (2010-03-01)
- Wire rope clips on suspension scaffolds; safety latches on large crane hooks; order of assembly for hanging scaffolds; and horizontal lifeline design. (2004-03-04)
- Requirements for load-testing and marking of special custom-design rigging accessories; applicability of ASME standards. (2004-02-09)
- Marking and proof-testing requirements for special custom-designed lifting accessories. (2003-07-07)
- Retesting of reassembled lifting accessories if original manufacturing controls are ensured; retesting requirement if repair/replacement of parts due to breakage, damage, or evidence of diminished capacity. (2003-02-25)
- Rigging equipment for material handling; custom-designed accessories. (2002-08-15)
- Custom-designed lifting accessories must be proof-tested and marked before being deployed for use and after repair or replacement. (2002-06-14)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(a) General 180 citations
- 1926.251(a)(1) 68 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2) 58 citations
- 1926.251(a)(6) Inspections 45 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2)(i) 33 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2)(iii) 16 citations
- 1926.251(a)(5) Scope
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Frequently asked questions
What must custom lifting accessories be marked with?
The safe working loads.
What proof test is required?
Proof-testing before use to 125 percent of their rated load.
What kinds of gear does this cover?
Special custom design grabs, hooks, clamps or other lifting accessories for units like modular panels and prefabricated structures.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.251 (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.