1926.251(c): Wire Rope and Wire Rope Sling Use
Employers must not load wire rope or wire rope slings beyond the rated capacity marked on the sling. Splice strand ends must be covered or blunted, wire rope must not be secured by knots (except on scraper haul back lines), eye splices need at least three full tucks, and rope must come out of service if broken wires in any eight diameters exceed 10 percent or it shows excessive wear, corrosion or defect.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(c) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 26 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $60,299 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (4), SD (3), TX (3).
- Related part: 1926.251(c)(16) (8 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(c) ("Wire rope") is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). It includes 26 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
(c) Wire rope. 26 citations
(1) Employers must not use improved plow-steel wire rope and wire-rope slings with loads in excess of the rated capacities (i.e., working load limits) indicated on the sling by permanently affixed and legible identification markings prescribed by the manufacturer. 2 citations
(2) Protruding ends of strands in splices on slings and bridles shall be covered or blunted.
(3) Wire rope shall not be secured by knots, except on haul back lines on scrapers. Open (c)(3)
(4) The following limitations shall apply to the use of wire rope: Open (c)(4) 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
(5) When U-bolt wire rope clips are used to form eyes, Table H-2 shall be used to determine the number and spacing of clips. 2 citations
(i) When used for eye splices, the U-bolt shall be applied so that the “U” section is in contact with the dead end of the rope. 2 citations
(i1) [Reserved]
(6) Slings shall not be shortened with knots or bolts or other makeshift devices.
(7) Sling legs shall not be kinked. 6 citations
(8) Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the loads balanced to prevent slippage. 1 citations
(9) Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads. Open (c)(9) 3 citations
(10) Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load. 1 citations
(11) Shock loading is prohibited.
(12) A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting on the sling.
(13) Minimum sling lengths.
(i) Cable laid and 6 × 19 and 6 × 37 slings shall have a minimum clear length of wire rope 10 times the component rope diameter between splices, sleeves or end fittings.
(ii) Braided slings shall have a minimum clear length of wire rope 40 times the component rope diameter between the loops or end fittings.
(iii) Cable laid grommets, strand laid grommets and endless slings shall have a minimum circumferential length of 96 times their body diameter.
(14) Safe operating temperatures. Fiber core wire rope slings of all grades shall be permanently removed from service if they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 200 °F (93.33 °C). When nonfiber core wire rope slings of any grade are used at temperatures above 400 °F (204.44 °C) or below minus 60 °F (15.55 °C), recommendations of the sling manufacturer regarding use at that temperature shall be followed.
(15) End attachments.
(i) Welding of end attachments, except covers to thimbles, shall be performed prior to the assembly of the sling.
(ii) All welded end attachments shall not be used unless proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use. The employer shall retain a certificate of the proof test, and make it available for examination.
(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. Open (c)(16) 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).
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
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: TN (4), SD (3), TX (3), WY (2), OK (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| HENRY CARLSON CONSTRUCTION LLC | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $9,393 |
| NORTHLAND CONCRETE AND MASONRY COMPANY, LLC | SIOUX FALLS, SD | $7,250 |
| 317736300 - ROTSCHY LLC | BOARDMAN, OR | $6,917 |
| ADVANCED AMERICAN CONSTRUCTION, INC. | WHITE SALMON, WA | $6,488 |
| RELIABLE WELL SERVICE, INC. | ARTESIA, NM | $5,628 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(c), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Padded slings/wire rope during steel erection. (2010-03-31)
- 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)
- A knot in a wire rope is a recognized hazard for material handling. (1977-12-14)
- Requirements for wire rope fittings (CASTLOK Bend-Master) in construction. (1977-10-05)
- Clarification on standard for rigging equipment for material handling - wire rope. (1975-03-07)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(c)(16) 8 citations
- 1926.251(c)(9) 3 citations
- 1926.251(c)(4) 3 citations
- 1926.251(c)(4)(iii)
- 1926.251(c)(3)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
When must wire rope be removed from use?
When, in any length of eight diameters, visible broken wires exceed 10 percent of the total wires, or the rope shows other signs of excessive wear, corrosion or defect.
Can wire rope be knotted?
No, except on haul back lines on scrapers. Slings also may not be shortened with knots, bolts or other makeshift devices.
How should U-bolt clips be installed on an eye?
Use Table H-2 for number and spacing, and apply the U-bolt so the U section is in contact with the dead end of the rope.
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.