1926.251(d)(6): Removing Fiber Rope Slings
Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings must be immediately removed from service if they show abnormal wear, powdered fiber between strands, broken or cut fibers, variations in strand size or roundness, discoloration or rotting, or distorted hardware.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(d)(6) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $21,550 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.251(d) Natural rope, and synthetic fiber (7 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(d)(6) ("Removal from service") is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). It includes 6 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
(6) Removal from service. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present: 4 citations
(i) Abnormal wear.
(ii) Powdered fiber between strands.
(iii) Broken or cut fibers. 2 citations
(iv) Variations in the size or roundness of strands.
(v) Discoloration or rotting.
(vi) Distortion of hardware in the sling.
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(d)(6).
At 11:30 a.m. on September 7, 2024, Employee #1 and the owner were working inside a silage silo when they were overcome by hazardous vapors. A third employee entered the silo in an attempt to assist them. Employee #1 and the owner sustained fatal asphyxia…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(d)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(d)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(d) Natural rope, and synthetic fiber 7 citations
- 1926.251(d)(7) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
When must a fiber rope sling be removed from service?
Immediately, if any of the six listed conditions is present.
What does powdered fiber mean?
Powdered fiber between strands is a listed sign that the sling must be removed.
Does damaged hardware count?
Yes. Distortion of hardware in the sling requires 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.