1910.184(e)(3): Inspecting Alloy Steel Chain Slings
Employers must have a competent person thoroughly inspect alloy steel chain slings on a regular basis set by use, service conditions, type of lifts and experience, at intervals no greater than once every 12 months. A record of the most recent month each sling was inspected must be kept and available, and slings with wear, defective welds, deformation or increased length must be removed from service immediately.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(3) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 133 times in the last 3 years, in 112 inspections, with $110,468 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CT (56), ME (15), OH (12).
- 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) ("Inspections") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 7 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
(3) Inspections. 133 citations
(i) In addition to the inspection required by paragraph (d) of this section, a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use shall be made on a regular basis, to be determined on the basis of Open (e)(3)(i) 57 citations
(A) frequency of sling use;
(B) severity of service conditions;
(C) nature of lifts being made; and
(D) experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar circumstances. Such inspections shall in no event be at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
(ii) The employer shall make and maintain a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, and shall make such record available for examination. Open (e)(3)(ii) 56 citations
(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. Open (e)(3)(iii) 18 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.184(e)(3).
At 11:08 a.m. on November 21, 2023, an employee was assisting in the loading andunloading of a 40-foot Conex box from a low boy trailer to the shop floor. A chain used in the hoisting system broke. The Conex box hit the low boy, rolled,…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 61 |
| 2025 | 44 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Top states: CT (56), ME (15), OH (12), MD (10), TX (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| VTCU, CORP. | POCATELLO, ID | $12,098 |
| RFX2024XVM508X0029 - CITY OF PHOENIX- WATER SERVICES DEPARTMENT VAL VISTA WATER TREATMENT PLANT | MESA, AZ | $11,162 |
| KEN FORGING INC | JEFFERSON, OH | $10,828 |
| BALLARD CONTRACTORS, INC. | MOUNDVILLE, AL | $9,464 |
| UNIVERSAL STAINLESS AND ALLOY PRODUCTS | DUNKIRK, NY | $9,457 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(e)(3), 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).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(e) Alloy steel chain slings 306 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)(3)(iii) 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
How often must alloy steel chain slings be thoroughly inspected?
On a regular basis determined by use and conditions, but in no event at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
What records are required?
A record of the most recent month in which each sling was thoroughly inspected, available for examination.
What defects take a sling out of service?
Wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length.
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.