1926.251(a)(2)(iii): No Slings Without Identification Markings
Employers must not use alloy steel chain slings without affixed, legible identification markings required by paragraph (a)(2)(i).
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(a)(2)(iii) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 16 inspections, with $53,014 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (3), NY (2), IL (2).
- Related part: 1926.251(a) General (180 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(a)(2)(iii) is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). 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) Not be used without affixed, legible identification markings, required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section. 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(a)(2)(iii).
At 11:23 a.m. on September 24, 2024, Employee #1 was working inside a precast concrete manhole section that had been previously installed in an excavation. A second precast concrete manhole section, suspended above by rigging, came loose and fell approximately 9 feet. The falling load…
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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: TX (3), NY (2), IL (2), TN (1), CT (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | LA PORTE, TX | $14,188 |
| FERREIRA CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | NEWARK, NJ | $11,823 |
| YANTIS COMPANY | SCHERTZ, TX | $8,296 |
| 67610 - R SQUARED CONTRACTING L L C | FRANKLIN, KY | $4,900 |
| SUPERIOR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS INC. | BRADENTON, FL | $3,973 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(a)(2)(iii), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(a)(2)(iii).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(a) General 180 citations
- 1926.251(a)(1) 68 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2) 58 citations
- 1926.251(a)(6) Inspections 45 citations
- 1926.251(a)(2)(i) 33 citations
- 1926.251(a)(4) 7 citations
- 1926.251(a)(5) Scope
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
Can a sling be used if the tag is missing?
No. It must not be used without affixed, legible identification markings.
What if the markings cannot be read?
The markings must be legible, so the sling must not be used.
Which rule sets the required markings?
Paragraph (a)(2)(i) of 1926.251.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.251 (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 2026-10-19
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.