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OSHA 1910.184, Slings

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) administers guidelines for the safe operation and use of slings in regulation 1910.184.  OSHA 1910.184 applies to slings used in conjunction with other material handling equipment, such as hoists and overhead cranes, for the movement of material by hoisting. OSHA 1910.184 covers slings made from wire rope, alloy steel chain, metal mesh, natural or synthetic fiber rope, and synthetic web such as nylon, polyester, and polypropylene.  The regulation covers both safe operating practices and sling inspections.

Safe Operating Practices

Sling safety is important.  OSHA 1910.184 covers certain sling practices that shall be observed prior to using any sling, including but not limited to not using damaged or defective slings, not shortening slings with knots or bolts, not kinking sling legs and not loading slings in excess of the sling's rated capacity. The regulations also cover certain operator requirements such as keeping suspended loads free of all obstructions, securing attaching slings to their loads, padding or protecting slings from sharp edges and keeping slings clear of all obstructions.  In addition, the regulations cover certain employer requirements such as keeping employees clear of loads about to be lifted and clean of suspended loads, not loading a sling in excess of its recommended safe working load and not using slings without affixed and legible identification markings.  The sling manufacturers that we carry will include the identification markings affixed to the sling.

Inspections

OSHA 1910.184 also covers sling inspections, including both the frequency and type of inspection. Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings shall be immediately removed from service.  Please see the full OSHA 1910.184 regulations for the full inspection requirements.

This summary is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the OSHA 1910.184 regulations to ensure proper compliance for slings. For more information on OSHA 1910.184 and a complete overview of the OSHA 1910.184 regulations, please visit OSHA's website at www.osha.gov.