1926.251(c)(4): OSHA rule
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(c)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $15,074 in current penalties.
- 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)(4) 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
(4) The following limitations shall apply to the use of wire rope: 3 citations
(i) An eye splice made in any wire rope shall have not less than three full tucks. However, this requirement shall not operate to preclude the use of another form of splice or connection which can be shown to be as efficient and which is not otherwise prohibited.
(ii) Except for eye splices in the ends of wires and for endless rope slings, each wire rope used in hoisting or lowering, or in pulling loads, shall consist of one continuous piece without knot or splice.
(iii) Eyes in wire rope bridles, slings, or bull wires shall not be formed by wire rope clips or knots. Open (c)(4)(iii)
(iv) Wire rope shall not be used if, in any length of eight diameters, the total number of visible broken wires exceeds 10 percent of the total number of wires, or if the rope shows other signs of excessive wear, corrosion, or defect. 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Where and how often it was cited
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(c)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(c) Wire rope 26 citations
- 1926.251(c)(16) 8 citations
- 1926.251(c)(9) 3 citations
- 1926.251(c)(4)(iii)
- 1926.251(c)(3)
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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.