1910.184(f)(1): Wire-Rope Sling Identification Tags
Employers must use only wire-rope slings with permanently attached, legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer. The markings must show the recommended safe working load for the hitch types used, the angle it is based on, and the number of legs if more than one.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(f)(1) 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 $87,026 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (5), NJ (3), VA (2).
- Related part: 1910.184(f) Wire-rope slings (39 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(f)(1) ("Sling use") 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
(1) Sling use. Employers must use only wire-rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer, and that indicate the recommended safe working load for the type(s) of hitch(es) used, the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one. 18 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Export the list: 18 inspections cited 1910.184(f)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.184(f)(1).
At 10:28 p.m. on November 4, 2024, an employee working as an oil well driller for a drilling company was holding pipes to be lifted. The bleeder valve cable that is attached to the elevator broke causing the 30-pound bleeder valve to fall 90 feet…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: TX (5), NJ (3), VA (2), OH (2), TN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| CORESLAB STRUCTURES, INC | MARSHALL, MO | $15,322 |
| WHITE RIVER OPERATING, LLC | WOODVILLE, MS | $11,585 |
| NORTHSTAR CEMETERY SERVICES OF TEXAS, LLC | DALLAS, TX | $10,000 |
| HAILIANG COPPER TEXAS INC. | SEALY, TX | $8,075 |
| NEXTEEL SAHA, LLC | CROSBY, TX | $6,951 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(f)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(f)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(f) Wire-rope slings 39 citations
- 1910.184(f)(5) Removal from service 19 citations
- 1910.184(f)(5)(vii) 2 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can a wire-rope sling be used without a tag?
No. Only slings with permanently affixed, legible identification markings may be used.
What must the markings show?
The recommended safe working load for the types of hitches used, the angle it is based on, and the number of legs if more than one.
Who sets the marking format?
The markings are as prescribed by the manufacturer.
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 2026-11-06
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.