1910.184(i): Synthetic Web Slings
Employers must use synthetic web slings marked with rated capacities, with uniform webbing, fittings as strong as the sling and free of sharp edges, and only stitched eyes and end fittings. Slings must be kept from chemicals that attack their material, nylon and polyester slings not used above 180 degrees F or polypropylene above 200 degrees F, and repaired slings used only after repair and proof testing by the manufacturer or equivalent.
Key takeaways
- 1910.184(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 91 times in the last 3 years, in 81 inspections, with $150,918 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TN (13), OR (10), CT (7).
- Related part: 1910.184(i)(9) Removal from service (63 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.184(i) ("Synthetic web slings") is one requirement inside 1910.184 Slings, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 22 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
(i) Synthetic web slings — 91 citations
(1) Sling identification. Each sling shall be marked or coded to show the rated capacities for each type of hitch and type of synthetic web material. Open (i)(1) 28 citations
(2) Webbing. Synthetic webbing shall be of uniform thickness and width and selvage edges shall not be split from the webbing's width.
(3) Fittings. Fittings shall be:
(i) Of a minimum breaking strength equal to that of the sling; and
(ii) Free of all sharp edges that could in any way damage the webbing.
(4) Attachment of end fittings to webbing and formation of eyes. Stitching shall be the only method used to attach end fittings to webbing and to form eyes. The thread shall be in an even pattern and contain a sufficient number of stitches to develop the full breaking strength of the sling.
(5) [Reserved]
(6) Environmental conditions. When synthetic web slings are used, the following precautions shall be taken:
(i) Nylon web slings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, mists or liquids of acids or phenolics are present.
(ii) Polyester and polypropylene web slings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, mists or liquids of caustics are present.
(iii) Web slings with aluminum fittings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, mists or liquids of caustics are present.
(7) Safe operating temperatures. Synthetic web slings of polyester and nylon shall not be used at temperatures in excess of 180 °F. Polypropylene web slings shall not be used at temperatures in excess of 200 °F.
(8) Repairs. Open (i)(8)
(i) Synthetic web slings which are repaired shall not be used unless repaired by a sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity.
(ii) Each repaired sling shall be proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity to twice the rated capacity prior to its return to service. The employer shall retain a certificate of the proof test and make it available for examination.
(iii) Slings, including webbing and fittings, which have been repaired in a temporary manner shall not be used.
(9) Removal from service. Synthetic web slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present: Open (i)(9) 63 citations
(i) Acid or caustic burns;
(ii) Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface;
(iii) Snags, punctures, tears or cuts; Open (i)(9)(iii) 43 citations
(iv) Broken or worn stitches; or Open (i)(9)(iv) 8 citations
(v) Distortion of fittings.
[40 FR 27369, June 27, 1975, as amended at 40 FR 31598, July 28, 1975; 41 FR 13353, Mar. 30, 1976; 58 FR 35309, June 30, 1993; 61 FR 9240, Mar. 7, 1996; 76 FR 33607, June 8, 2011; 84 FR 15105, Apr. 15, 2019]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.184.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.184(i).
At 7:45 a.m. on June 11, 2024, an employee working as a forklift operator for a stainless-steel manufacturer was assisting a coworker, also a forklift operator,by directing movement of an 800-pound steel beam. The strap holding the beam ripped and the beam struck the employee.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 35 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 18 |
Top states: TN (13), OR (10), CT (7), PA (6), UT (6)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| KASPAR RANCH HAND EQUIPMENT LLC | SHINER, TX | $15,606 |
| KIOTI TRACTORS | MEXIA, TX | $12,768 |
| ACCENT CONTROLS INC | SAN DIEGO, CA | $11,754 |
| STRATIS VISUALS LLC | TORRINGTON, CT | $9,931 |
| OMEGA STEEL, INC. | BLOOMINGDALE, GA | $7,100 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.184(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Removing synthetic web slings from service. (1982-03-29)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.184(i)(9) Removal from service 63 citations
- 1910.184(i)(9)(iii) 43 citations
- 1910.184(i)(1) Sling identification 28 citations
- 1910.184(i)(9)(iv) 8 citations
- 1910.184(i)(8) Repairs
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Must web slings be marked?
Yes. Each sling must be marked or coded to show rated capacities for each type of hitch and the type of web material.
What temperature limits apply?
Polyester and nylon slings may not be used above 180 degrees F, and polypropylene slings not above 200 degrees F.
Can a repaired sling be used?
Only if repaired by a sling manufacturer or equivalent entity and proof tested to twice the rated capacity.
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 2026-10-21
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.