1910.184(e)(9): Removing Deformed Chain Slings and Hooks
Employers must remove alloy steel chain slings from service if master links, coupling links or other components are cracked or deformed. Slings must also be removed if hooks are cracked, opened more than 15 percent of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest point, or twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(e)(9) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 12 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- Most citations: CT (7), VA (1), NY (1).
- 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)(9) ("Deformed attachments") 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
(9) Deformed attachments. 12 citations
(i) Alloy steel chain slings with cracked or deformed master links, coupling links or other components shall be removed from service. 9 citations
| Chain size, inches | Minimum allowable chain size, inches |
|---|---|
| 1⁄4 | 13⁄64 |
| 3⁄8 | 19⁄64 |
| 1⁄2 | 25⁄64 |
| 5⁄8 | 31⁄64 |
| 3⁄4 | 19⁄32 |
| 7⁄8 | 45⁄64 |
| 1 | 13⁄16 |
| 11⁄8 | 29⁄32 |
| 11⁄4 | 1 |
| 13⁄8 | 13⁄32 |
| 11⁄2 | 13⁄16 |
| 13⁄4 | 113⁄32 |
(ii) Slings shall be removed from service if hooks are cracked, have been opened more than 15 percent of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest point or twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook. 3 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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: CT (7), VA (1), NY (1), ID (1), MD (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| BGF INDUSTRIES, INC. | ALTAVISTA, VA | $0 |
| TOWN OF NEW FAIRFIELD | NEW FAIRFIELD, CT | $0 |
| TOWN OF BROOKLYN | BROOKLYN, CT | $0 |
| FRAZER & JONES, LLC | SYRACUSE, NY | $0 |
| TOWN OF BLOOMFIELD | BLOOMFIELD, CT | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(e)(9), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(e)(9).
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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
When must a chain sling with a damaged link be removed?
When master links, coupling links or other components are cracked or deformed.
How much hook opening requires removal?
A hook opened more than 15 percent of the normal throat opening, measured at the narrowest point, requires removal.
How much twist in a hook requires removal?
A hook twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.
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.