1926.251(b)(1): Chain Sling Identification Tags
Employers must make sure welded alloy steel chain slings have permanently affixed, durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and sling manufacturer.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(b)(1) 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 $31,824 in current penalties.
- Most citations: TX (4), NY (2), TN (2).
- Related part: 1926.251(b) Alloy steel chains (40 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(b)(1) 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
(1) Welded alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and sling manufacturer. 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (4), NY (2), TN (2), CT (2), AZ (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WEEKLEY ASPHALT PAVING, INC. | MIRAMAR, FL | $11,916 |
| BLACK ROCK CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, LLC. | BRUCEVILLE, TX | $8,276 |
| RFX2024XJW184X0051 - J WISE CORP. | PHOENIX, AZ | $7,813 |
| TRIPLE CROWN ENTERPRISES, LLC. | HOUSTON, TX | $1,659 |
| MAGNOLIA UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION INCORPORATED | MEMPHIS, TN | $900 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(b)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(b)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(b) Alloy steel chains 40 citations
- 1926.251(b)(6) Inspections 22 citations
- 1926.251(b)(6)(ii) 16 citations
- 1926.251(b)(6)(i) 6 citations
- 1926.251(b)(4) 1 citations
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
What must a chain sling tag show?
Size, grade, rated capacity, and sling manufacturer.
Must the tag be permanent?
Yes. The identification must be permanently affixed and durable.
Which slings does this apply to?
Welded alloy steel chain slings.
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.