1926.251(b)(6): Periodic Inspection of Alloy Steel Chain Slings
Employers must thoroughly inspect alloy steel chain slings in use on a regular basis set by how often they are used, how severe the service is, the kind of lifts and past service life experience, but never more than 12 months apart. Employers must keep a record of the most recent month each sling was thoroughly inspected and make it available.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(b)(6) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 20 inspections, with $4,419 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (8), CT (3), FL (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)(6) ("Inspections") is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). 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
(6) Inspections. 22 citations
(i) In addition to the inspection required by other paragraphs of this section, a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use shall be made on a regular basis, to be determined on the basis of Open (b)(6)(i) 6 citations
(A) frequency of sling use;
(B) severity of service conditions;
(C) nature of lifts being made; and
(D) experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar circumstances. Such inspections shall in no event be at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
(ii) The employer shall make and maintain a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, and shall make such record available for examination. Open (b)(6)(ii) 16 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.251.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.251(b)(6).
At 3:15 p.m. on September 10, 2024, employees were installing 84-inch reinforcedconcrete pipes using steel lifting chain slings connected to an excavator. During the process, one of the steel chain slings snapped at the lifting hook, striking a nearby employee in the chest and stomach.…
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 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 8 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Top states: TX (8), CT (3), FL (2), MA (2), ME (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS OF CT, INC. | WINSLOW, ME | $2,644 |
| BLACK ROCK CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, LLC. | BRUCEVILLE, TX | $930 |
| C.E. BARKER, LTD. | HOUSTON, TX | $717 |
| TOWN OF THOMASTON | THOMASTON, CT | $128 |
| JACKSON CONSTRUCTION, LTD. | FORT WORTH, TX | $0 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(b)(6), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(b)(6).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(b) Alloy steel chains 40 citations
- 1926.251(b)(6)(ii) 16 citations
- 1926.251(b)(1) 16 citations
- 1926.251(b)(6)(i) 6 citations
- 1926.251(b)(4) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How often must alloy steel chain slings be thoroughly inspected?
On a regular basis set by use and conditions, but in no event at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
What record is required?
A record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected.
What decides the inspection frequency?
Frequency of use, severity of service conditions, nature of lifts, and experience with service life of similar 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.