1910.184(h)(5): Removing Fiber Rope Slings From Service
Employers must immediately remove natural and synthetic fiber rope slings from service if they show abnormal wear, powdered fiber between strands, broken or cut fibers, changes in strand size or roundness, discoloration or rotting, or distorted hardware.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(h)(5) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 17 times in the last 3 years, in 17 inspections, with $55,686 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (6), CT (5), OH (2).
- 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) ("Removal from service") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 6 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
(5) Removal from service. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present: 17 citations
(i) Abnormal wear. 2 citations
(ii) Powdered fiber between strands.
(iii) Broken or cut fibers. Open (h)(5)(iii) 12 citations
(iv) Variations in the size or roundness of strands.
(v) Discoloration or rotting. 2 citations
(vi) Distortion of hardware in the sling.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Export the list: 17 inspections cited 1910.184(h)(5) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: NJ (6), CT (5), OH (2), NE (1), TX (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| GREAT DANE LLC | JONESBORO, AR | $16,550 |
| 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 |
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A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(h)(5), 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).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(h) Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings 28 citations
- 1910.184(h)(5)(iii) 12 citations
- 1910.184(h)(1) Sling use 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
When must a fiber rope sling be taken out of service?
Immediately if it has abnormal wear, powdered fiber between strands, broken or cut fibers, size or roundness changes, discoloration or rotting, or distorted hardware.
Does this apply to synthetic rope?
Yes. It covers natural and synthetic fiber rope slings.
What does powdered fiber mean?
Powder between the strands is a listed sign that the sling must be removed.
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.