1926.251(c)(16): Wire Rope Sling Identification Tags
Wire rope slings must have permanently affixed, legible identification markings stating size, rated capacity for the hitch types used and the angle it is based on, and the number of legs if more than one.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(c)(16) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 8 times in the last 3 years, in 8 inspections, with $7,557 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.251(c) Wire rope (26 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(c)(16) 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
(16) Wire rope slings shall have permanently affixed, legible identification markings stating size, rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one. 8 citations
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(c)(16).
At 1:24 p.m. on October 19, 2023, several workers were removing z-shaped steel sheet piles from the water that were used to create a retaining wall for a concrete boat ramp. The steel was being piled on the ground and staged to be removed from…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(c)(16), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(c)(16).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(c) Wire rope 26 citations
- 1926.251(c)(9) 3 citations
- 1926.251(c)(4) 3 citations
- 1926.251(c)(4)(iii)
- 1926.251(c)(3)
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Frequently asked questions
What must a wire rope sling tag show?
Size, rated capacity for the hitch types used and the angle it is based on, and number of legs if more than one.
Must the tag be permanent?
Yes. Markings must be permanently affixed and legible.
What if the tag is unreadable?
The markings must be legible, so report the sling for removal.
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.