1926.251(e)(4): Web Sling Fittings
Fittings on synthetic web slings must have a minimum breaking strength equal to that of the sling. They must also be free of all sharp edges that could in any way damage the webbing.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(e)(4) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 6 times in the last 3 years, in 6 inspections, with $2,838 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.251(e) Synthetic webbing (39 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(e)(4) ("Fittings") is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). It includes 2 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) Fittings. Fittings shall be: 6 citations
(i) Of a minimum breaking strength equal to that of the sling; and
(ii) Free of all sharp edges that could in any way damage the webbing. Open (e)(4)(ii) 6 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(e)(4).
At 9:00 a.m. on November 11, 2023, Employee #1 was working for a general contractor. Employee #1 was moving a wall panel rigged onto knuckle crane into new position. Employee #1 fell from 5th floor onto the deck below. Employee #1 suffered a fatality from…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(e)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(e)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(e) Synthetic webbing 39 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8) Removal from service 27 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(iii) 17 citations
- 1926.251(e)(4)(ii) 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1) 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(iv) 3 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(ii) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How strong must fittings be?
Of a minimum breaking strength equal to that of the sling.
Can fittings have sharp edges?
No. They must be free of all sharp edges that could damage the webbing.
What slings does this cover?
Synthetic web 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.