1926.251(b)(6)(i): Periodic Inspection of Alloy Steel Chain Slings
Alloy steel chain slings in use must get a thorough periodic inspection on a regular basis, in addition to other required inspections. The schedule is based on how often the sling is used, how severe the service is, the nature of the lifts and experience with similar slings, but never more than 12 months apart.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(b)(6)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.251(b) Alloy steel chains (40 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(b)(6)(i) is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). It includes 4 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
(i) In addition to the inspection required by other paragraphs of this section, a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use shall be made on a regular basis, to be determined on the basis of 6 citations
(A) frequency of sling use;
(B) severity of service conditions;
(C) nature of lifts being made; and
(D) experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar circumstances. Such inspections shall in no event be at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(b)(6)(i).
At 3:15 p.m. on September 10, 2024, employees were installing 84-inch reinforcedconcrete pipes using steel lifting chain slings connected to an excavator. During the process, one of the steel chain slings snapped at the lifting hook, striking a nearby employee in the chest and stomach.…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(b)(6)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(b)(6)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(b) Alloy steel chains 40 citations
- 1926.251(b)(6) Inspections 22 citations
- 1926.251(b)(6)(ii) 16 citations
- 1926.251(b)(1) 16 citations
- 1926.251(b)(4) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often must chain slings get a thorough inspection?
On a regular basis based on use, service conditions, lift type and experience, and in no event at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
Does this replace other inspections?
No, it is in addition to inspections required by other paragraphs.
What sets the inspection frequency?
Frequency of use, severity of service conditions, nature of lifts, and experience with similar slings.
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.