1910.184(h): Fiber Rope Sling Requirements
Employers must use natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings with permanent, legible markings showing rated capacity for the hitches used and the angle it is based on, fiber type and number of legs if more than one. These slings, except wet frozen ones, may be used from minus 20 °F to plus 180 °F without lowering the working load limit; otherwise follow the manufacturer. Spliced slings must meet the minimum tuck counts and tail lengths in the rule.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(h) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 28 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $68,269 in current penalties.
- Most citations: NJ (7), CT (6), TX (3).
- Related part: 1910.184(h)(5) Removal from service (17 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(h) ("Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 19 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
(h) Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings — 28 citations
(1) Sling use. Employers must use natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings stating the rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one. Open (h)(1) 11 citations
(2) Safe operating temperatures. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings, except for wet frozen slings, may be used in a temperature range from minus 20 °F to plus 180 °F without decreasing the working load limit. For operations outside this temperature range and for wet frozen slings, the sling manufacturer's recommendations shall be followed.
(3) Splicing. Spliced fiber rope slings shall not be used unless they have been spliced in accordance with the following minimum requirements and in accordance with any additional recommendations of the manufacturer:
(i) In manila rope, eye splices shall consist of at least three full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least six full tucks, three on each side of the splice center line.
(ii) In synthetic fiber rope, eye splices shall consist of at least four full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least eight full tucks, four on each side of the center line.
(iii) Strand end tails shall not be trimmed flush with the surface of the rope immediately adjacent to the full tucks. This applies to all types of fiber rope and both eye and short splices. For fiber rope under one inch in diameter, the tail shall project at least six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck. For fiber rope one inch in diameter and larger, the tail shall project at least six inches beyond the last full tuck. Where a projecting tail interferes with the use of the sling, the tail shall be tapered and spliced into the body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will require a tail length of approximately six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck).
(iv) Fiber rope slings shall have a minimum clear length of rope between eye splices equal to 10 times the rope diameter.
(v) Knots shall not be used in lieu of splices.
(vi) Clamps not designed specifically for fiber ropes shall not be used for splicing.
(vii) For all eye splices, the eye shall be of such size to provide an included angle of not greater than 60 degrees at the splice when the eye is placed over the load or support.
(4) End attachments. Fiber rope slings shall not be used if end attachments in contact with the rope have sharp edges or projections.
(5) Removal from service. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present: Open (h)(5) 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.
(6) Repairs. Only fiber rope slings made from new rope shall be used. Use of repaired or reconditioned fiber rope slings is prohibited.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Export the list: 28 inspections cited 1910.184(h) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NJ (7), CT (6), TX (3), OH (2), AL (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 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(h), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.184(h).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(h)(5) Removal from service 17 citations
- 1910.184(h)(5)(iii) 12 citations
- 1910.184(h)(1) Sling use 11 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What markings must a fiber rope sling have?
Rated capacity for the hitch types used and the angle it is based on, fiber material type, and number of legs if more than one.
What temperatures can fiber rope slings be used in?
From minus 20 °F to plus 180 °F without decreasing the working load limit, except wet frozen slings; outside that range follow the manufacturer.
How many tucks are needed in a manila eye splice?
At least three full tucks.
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.