1910.184(e)(7)(i): Do Not Use Damaged Chain Slings
Worn or damaged alloy steel chain slings or attachments must not be used until repaired. When welding or heat testing is performed, slings must not be used unless repaired, reconditioned and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(7)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 3 times in the last 3 years, in 3 inspections, with $10,245 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(7)(i) 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
(i) Worn or damaged alloy steel chain slings or attachments shall not be used until repaired. When welding or heat testing is performed, slings shall not be used unless repaired, reconditioned and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity. 3 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)(7)(i).
At 9:40 p.m. on April 18, 2024, the employee was maneuvering a double-leg chain sling into position to lift 20-foot-long steel tubing for an order. It is unclear whether the hook or the tubing became caught on an I-beam located beneath the stack of steel…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(e)(7)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(e)(7)(i).
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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
When can a worn chain sling be used again?
Only after it is repaired.
What is required after welding or heat testing?
The sling must be repaired, reconditioned and proof tested by the manufacturer or an equivalent entity.
Does this cover attachments?
Yes, worn or damaged attachments are covered too.
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.