1926.251(a): Rigging Equipment Inspection and Markings
Employers must have rigging equipment inspected before use on each shift and as needed during use, and remove defective rigging from service. Rigging must have permanent, legible markings showing its safe working load, must not be loaded beyond that load, and must not be used without markings. Custom lifting accessories must be marked and proof-tested to 125 percent of their rated load before use.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(a) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 180 times in the last 3 years, in 150 inspections, with $710,342 in current penalties.
- 14 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (32), MD (17), VA (12).
- Related part: 1926.251(a)(1) (68 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(a) ("General") is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). It includes 9 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
(a) General. 180 citations
(1) Rigging equipment for material handling shall be inspected prior to use on each shift and as necessary during its use to ensure that it is safe. Defective rigging equipment shall be removed from service. Open (a)(1) 68 citations
(2) Employers must ensure that rigging equipment: Open (a)(2) 58 citations
(i) Has permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load; Open (a)(2)(i) 33 citations
(ii) Not be loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed on the identification markings by the manufacturer; and 7 citations
(iii) Not be used without affixed, legible identification markings, required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. Open (a)(2)(iii) 16 citations
(3) Rigging equipment, when not in use, shall be removed from the immediate work area so as not to present a hazard to employees. 2 citations
(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. Open (a)(4) 7 citations
(5) Scope. This section applies to slings used in conjunction with other material handling equipment for the movement of material by hoisting, in employments covered by this part. The types of slings covered are those made from alloy steel chain, wire rope, metal mesh, natural or synthetic fiber rope (conventional three strand construction), and synthetic web (nylon, polyester, and polypropylene). Open (a)(5)
(6) Inspections. Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings shall be immediately removed from service. Open (a)(6) 45 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
14 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(a).
At 9:30 a.m. on February 12, 2025, Employee #1 was working as a construction laborer for a steel and concrete contractor and was standing on one side of a 40-foot-long metal beam being loaded onto a truck. Coworker #1 was operating an excavator while Employee…
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 | 14 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2025 | 59 |
| 2026 | 50 |
Top states: TX (32), MD (17), VA (12), FL (10), NC (10)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | LA PORTE, TX | $53,912 |
| FERREIRA CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | NEWARK, NJ | $28,373 |
| MERRITT MECHANICAL FABRICATORS, LLC | BRINSON, GA | $21,969 |
| FLINTCO, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $16,550 |
| CONSOLIDATED CRANE AND RIGGING, LLC | HOUSTON, TX | $16,550 |
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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)
- OSHA requirements applicable to use of the Contex "Magic Arm" below-the-hook lifting device. (2006-01-25)
- 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)
- Alloy steel chain slings must not be loaded beyond working load limit. (2000-08-04)
Related parts of this rule
- 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)(4) 7 citations
- 1926.251(a)(5) Scope
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Frequently asked questions
How often must rigging be inspected?
Prior to use on each shift and as necessary during its use.
Can rigging without a tag be used?
No. Rigging equipment may not be used without affixed, legible identification markings.
What testing do custom lifting accessories need?
They must be marked with safe working loads and proof-tested prior to use to 125 percent of their rated load.
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.