1910.184(e)(7): Repairing Alloy Steel Chain Slings
Employers must not use worn or damaged alloy steel chain slings or attachments until they are repaired. When welding or heat testing is done, slings must not be used unless repaired, reconditioned and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity, and mechanical coupling links or low carbon steel repair links must not be used to repair broken chain.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(7) 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) ("Repairing and reconditioning alloy steel chain slings") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). 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
(7) Repairing and reconditioning alloy steel chain slings. 3 citations
(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. Open (e)(7)(i) 3 citations
(ii) Mechanical coupling links or low carbon steel repair links shall not be used to repair broken lengths of chain.
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).
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), 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).
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)(i) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can a damaged chain sling be used?
No, worn or damaged alloy steel chain slings or attachments must not be used until repaired.
Who must handle repairs involving welding or heat testing?
The sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity, who must repair, recondition and proof test it.
Can I fix a broken chain with a coupling link?
No, mechanical coupling links or low carbon steel repair links must not be used.
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.