1910.184(h)(5)(iii): Fiber Rope Slings with Broken or Cut Fibers
Employers must remove natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings from service when they have broken or cut fibers. This item is one of the listed conditions that take a fiber-rope sling out of use.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(h)(5)(iii) 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 $39,136 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (6), CT (4), TX (1).
- Related part: 1910.184(h) Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings (28 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(h)(5)(iii) 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
(iii) Broken or cut fibers. 12 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Export the list: 12 inspections cited 1910.184(h)(5)(iii) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: NJ (6), CT (4), TX (1), OR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| COUNTY OF PASSAIC | WAYNE, NJ | $7,000 |
| SPRUCE RUN RECREATION AREA | CLINTON, NJ | $7,000 |
| PRIME METAL BUILDINGS & COMPONENTS | DUBLIN, TX | $6,776 |
| NORTH HUNTERDON HIGH SCHOOL | ALLENDALE, NJ | $6,300 |
| BOROUGH OF WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | WASHINGTON, NJ | $4,900 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(h)(5)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(h)(5)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(h) Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings 28 citations
- 1910.184(h)(5) Removal from service 17 citations
- 1910.184(h)(1) Sling use 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Can I use a fiber rope sling with cut fibers?
No. Broken or cut fibers are a condition that requires removing the sling from service.
What kind of slings does this cover?
Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings.
What should I do with a damaged fiber rope sling?
Take it out of service so it is not used again.
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.