1926.251(b): Alloy Steel Chain Slings
Employers must use alloy steel chain slings that carry permanent identification of size, grade, rated capacity and manufacturer, never load them beyond rated capacity, and use attachments rated at least equal to the chain. Makeshift hooks and fasteners are banned, worn chains must be removed from service, and slings need thorough periodic inspections at least once every 12 months with a record of the most recent inspection month.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(b) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 40 times in the last 3 years, in 28 inspections, with $36,243 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: TX (13), CT (5), NY (3).
- Related part: 1926.251(b)(6) Inspections (22 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(b) ("Alloy steel chains") is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). It includes 12 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
(b) Alloy steel chains. 40 citations
(1) Welded alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity, and sling manufacturer. Open (b)(1) 16 citations
(2) Hooks, rings, oblong links, pear-shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links, or other attachments, when used with alloy steel chains, shall have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the chain.
(3) Job or shop hooks and links, or makeshift fasteners, formed from bolts, rods, etc., or other such attachments, shall not be used. 1 citations
(4) Employers must not use alloy steel-chain slings with loads in excess of the rated capacities (i.e., working load limits) indicated on the sling by permanently affixed and legible identification markings prescribed by the manufacturer. Open (b)(4) 1 citations
(5) Whenever wear at any point of any chain link exceeds that shown in Table H-1, the assembly shall be removed from service.
(6) Inspections. Open (b)(6) 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).
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 | 4 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Top states: TX (13), CT (5), NY (3), FL (3), TN (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WEEKLEY ASPHALT PAVING, INC. | MIRAMAR, FL | $11,916 |
| BLACK ROCK CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, LLC. | BRUCEVILLE, TX | $9,206 |
| RFX2024XJW184X0051 - J WISE CORP. | PHOENIX, AZ | $7,813 |
| PROFESSIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS OF CT, INC. | WINSLOW, ME | $2,644 |
| TRIPLE CROWN ENTERPRISES, LLC. | HOUSTON, TX | $1,659 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(b)(6) Inspections 22 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
What markings must a welded alloy steel chain sling have?
Permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and sling manufacturer.
How often must alloy chain slings get a thorough inspection?
On a regular basis set by use, service conditions, type of lifts and experience, but in no event at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
Can I use a hook made from a bolt or rod?
No. Job or shop hooks and links, or makeshift fasteners formed from bolts, rods or similar items, shall not be used.
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.