1910.184(e)(3)(iii): Thorough Inspection of Chain Slings
Employers must have a designated competent person do the thorough inspection of alloy steel chain slings, checking for wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length. A sling with these defects or deterioration must be removed from service immediately.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(3)(iii) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 18 times in the last 3 years, in 18 inspections, with $1,738 in current penalties.
- Most citations: ME (8), CT (5), OH (2).
- Related part: 1910.184(e) Alloy steel chain slings (306 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(e)(3)(iii) is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). 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
(iii) The thorough inspection of alloy steel chain slings shall be performed by a competent person designated by the employer, and shall include a thorough inspection for wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length. Where such defects or deterioration are present, the sling shall be immediately removed from service. 18 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: ME (8), CT (5), OH (2), MD (2), IN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| MOSSBERG INDUSTRIES, INC. | GARRETT, IN | $1,170 |
| TOWN OF MONTVILLE | UNCASVILLE, CT | $240 |
| TOWN OF MONTVILLE | OAKDALE, CT | $200 |
| TOWN OF RIDGEFIELD | RIDGEFIELD, CT | $128 |
| BICKERS METAL PRODUCTS INC | CLEVES, OH | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(e)(3)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(e)(3)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(e) Alloy steel chain slings 306 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3) Inspections 133 citations
- 1910.184(e)(1) Sling identification 123 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(i) 57 citations
- 1910.184(e)(3)(ii) 56 citations
- 1910.184(e)(2) Attachments 18 citations
- 1910.184(e)(4) Proof testing 17 citations
- 1910.184(e)(9) Deformed attachments 12 citations
- 1910.184(e)(2)(ii) 11 citations
- 1910.184(e)(2)(i) 7 citations
- 1910.184(e)(7) Repairing and reconditioning alloy steel chain slings 3 citations
- 1910.184(e)(7)(i) 3 citations
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
Who does thorough chain sling inspections?
A competent person designated by the employer.
What does the inspection look for?
Wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length.
What happens to a defective sling?
It must be immediately removed from service.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.184 (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.