1926.251(e)(8): When to Remove Synthetic Web Slings
Employers must immediately remove synthetic web slings from service if they show acid or caustic burns, melting or charring of any part of the surface, snags, punctures, tears or cuts, broken or worn stitches, or distorted fittings.
Key takeaways
- 1926.251(e)(8) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart H).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 25 inspections, with $46,263 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NY (5), TX (5), IL (2).
- Related part: 1926.251(e) Synthetic webbing (39 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.251(e)(8) ("Removal from service") is one requirement inside 1926.251 Rigging equipment for material handling, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart H). It includes 5 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
(8) Removal from service. Synthetic web slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present: 27 citations
(i) Acid or caustic burns;
(ii) Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface; Open (e)(8)(ii) 2 citations
(iii) Snags, punctures, tears or cuts; Open (e)(8)(iii) 17 citations
(iv) Broken or worn stitches; or Open (e)(8)(iv) 3 citations
(v) Distortion of fittings.
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(e)(8).
At 3:00 p.m. on December 19, 2024, Employee #1 was sitting on a trailer where heavy equipment was loaded onto the trailer bed. While seated, a steel guard from an excavation trencher slipped off a counterweight and struck him in the head. Employee #1 sustained…
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 | 8 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: NY (5), TX (5), IL (2), GU (2), KS (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 595 CONSTRUCTION LLC | ELBURN, IL | $12,421 |
| LEGENDARY CONSTRUCTION LLC | LEMONT, IL | $6,875 |
| GLOBAL EARTHWORKS + UNDERGROUND LLC | KANSAS CITY, MO | $4,966 |
| BRADLEY FRAMING LLC. | CINCINNATI, OH | $4,965 |
| CARLTON STRUCTURAL SERVICES CORP. | ATLANTIC CITY, NJ | $4,965 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.251(e)(8), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.251(e)(8).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.251(e) Synthetic webbing 39 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(iii) 17 citations
- 1926.251(e)(4)(ii) 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(4) Fittings 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1) 6 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(iv) 3 citations
- 1926.251(e)(1)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.251(e)(8)(ii) 2 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
When must a web sling be taken out of service?
Immediately, if it has acid or caustic burns, melting or charring, snags, punctures, tears or cuts, broken or worn stitches, or distorted fittings.
Is a small cut acceptable?
No. Snags, punctures, tears or cuts are listed conditions requiring immediate removal.
What about damaged hardware?
Distortion of fittings also requires immediate removal from service.
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.