1926.251(d)(7): Identification Markings on Fiber Rope Slings
Employers must use natural- and synthetic-fiber rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible markings stating the rated capacity for the hitch types used and the angle it is based on, the type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(d)(7) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $3,194 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)(7) 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
(7) Employers must use natural- and synthetic-fiber rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings that state the rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one. 1 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(d)(7).
At 9:33 a.m. on January 10, 2024, an employee was connecting two pipes. The pipes fell from the forklift forks and onto the employee. The employee had vertebrae and leg fractures and was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(d)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(d)(7).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(d) Natural rope, and synthetic fiber 7 citations
- 1926.251(d)(6) Removal from service 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must the sling marking show?
The rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle it is based on, the type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one.
Must the marking be permanent?
Yes, it must be permanently affixed and legible.
Which slings does this cover?
Natural- and synthetic-fiber rope 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.