1926.251(e)(8)(ii): Melted or Charred Synthetic Slings
Synthetic web slings must be removed from service if any part of the sling surface shows melting or charring.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(e)(8)(ii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $0 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)(8)(ii) 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
(ii) Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface; 2 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)(8)(ii).
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)(8)(ii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(e)(8)(ii).
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)(4) Fittings 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1) 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(iv) 3 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1)(ii) 3 citations
Get your crew competent
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Frequently asked questions
Is a sling with a small melted spot usable?
No. Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface is a condition for removal from service.
Does this apply to charring too?
Yes. Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface.
What should a worker do on finding melting?
Take the sling out of service and report it.
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.