Ropes, chains, and slings

Under 1915.112(a), manila rope and manila‑rope slings must have permanently affixed, legible identification markings showing the manufacturer's recommended safe working load, the type(s) of hitch(es) used (and the angle on which the rating is based), and the number of legs if more than one. See 1915.112(a)(1) for the exact marking requirements.

• These markings must be permanent and readable during use.
• The marking must specify the hitch type and the angle used to calculate the safe working load so users can select the correct load capacity for the lift.

No. Under 1915.112(a)(3), manila rope and manila‑rope slings may not be used unless they have the permanently affixed and legible identification markings required by the manufacturer. See 1915.112(a)(3).

• If markings are missing or unreadable, remove the sling from service until it is properly marked or replaced with one that meets the marking requirement.

You must not load manila rope or manila‑rope slings in excess of the manufacturer's recommended safe working load indicated on the identification markings. See 1915.112(a)(2).

• Exceeding the marked safe working load is prohibited because it risks rope failure and serious injury or property damage.

Under 1915.112(b)(1), wire rope and wire‑rope slings must have permanently affixed, legible identification markings that indicate the manufacturer's recommended safe working load, the type(s) of hitch(es) used (and the angle on which the rating is based), and the number of legs if more than one. See 1915.112(b)(1)(i)–(iii).

• These markings allow users to match the sling and hitch to the load and lifting configuration.
• If a sling lacks these markings or they are unreadable, it must not be used per 1915.112(b)(1)(iii).

No. Wire rope shall not be secured by knots under 1915.112(b)(4).

• Use approved end fittings, splices, clips, or other manufacturer‑recommended terminations rather than knots to form eyes or secure the rope.

When using U‑bolt wire rope clips to form eyes, you must determine the number and spacing of clips using Table G–1 in 1915.118 and apply each U‑bolt so that the "U" section contacts the dead end of the rope, as required by 1915.112(b)(3).

• Refer to 1915.118 Table G–1 for the correct number and spacing based on rope diameter.
• Proper orientation (U on the dead end) is required to maximize holding strength of the clips.

Protruding ends of strands in splices on slings and bridles must be covered or blunted, per 1915.112(b)(2).

• Covering or blunting prevents sharp strand ends from cutting, snagging, or injuring workers and reduces damage to nearby materials.

Under 1915.112(c)(1), chain and chain slings must have permanently affixed, legible identification markings that indicate the manufacturer's recommended safe working load, the type(s) of hitch(es) used (and the angle on which the rating is based), and the number of legs if more than one.

• These markings let users choose the correct chain and hitch configuration to match the lifted load and avoid overloading.

Under 1915.112(c)(2), all sling chains (including end fastenings) must have a visual inspection before each use, and a thorough inspection must be performed every 3 months. Each chain shall bear an indication of the month in which it was thoroughly inspected.

• The thorough inspection must check for wear, defective welds, deformation, and increase in length (stretch).
• Marking the month on the chain makes it easy to verify that the required quarterly inspection has been completed.

Under 1915.112(c)(3), chain slings must be removed from service when interlink wear reaches the maximum allowable wear at any point of a link as specified in Table G–2 in 1915.118.

• Inspect links for wear and compare measured dimensions to the limits in 1915.118 Table G–2.
• Remove any chain from service that meets or exceeds those wear limits to prevent failure.

Under 1915.112(c)(4), a chain sling must be removed from service when an increase in length of a measured section exceeds 5 percent (stretch); when a link is bent, twisted, or otherwise damaged; or when raised scarfs or defective welds appear.

• Any of these defects compromise chain strength and require immediate removal and repair or replacement.

All repairs to chains must be made under qualified supervision, replaced links must have proper dimensions and be made of material similar to the chain, and repaired chains must be proof tested to the proof test load recommended by the manufacturer before being returned to service, per 1915.112(c)(5).

• Qualified supervision ensures repairs restore rated capacity.
• Proof testing to the manufacturer's recommended load verifies the repair's integrity.

No. Alloy chains shall never be annealed, while wrought iron chains in constant use shall be annealed or normalized at intervals not exceeding six months when recommended by the manufacturer, according to 1915.112(c)(6).

• Always consult the chain manufacturer for recommended procedures for annealing or normalizing.

No. A load shall not be lifted with a chain having a kink or knot in it, and a chain shall not be shortened by bolting, wiring, or knotting, per 1915.112(c)(7).

• Shortening chains by such makeshift methods weakens them and creates serious hazards; use approved shortening fittings or properly sized slings instead.

If a chain link is found defective as described in 1915.112(c)(4), the defective links or portions must be replaced by links having proper dimensions and made of material similar to the chain, and repairs must be made under qualified supervision with proof testing before return to service as required by 1915.112(c)(5).

• Do not attempt field repairs with mismatched or improvised links; follow the manufacturer's guidance and the standard.

You must use Table G–1 in 1915.118 to determine the number and spacing of U‑bolt wire rope clips, as required by 1915.112(b)(3).

• Refer to 1915.118 Table G–1 for clip counts and spacing based on the rope diameter to ensure proper connection strength.

You must measure critical dimensions of the chain links and compare them to the maximum allowable wear values given in Table G–2 in [1915.118], and remove the chain from service if the wear reaches those limits as required by 1915.112(c)(3).

• Use calipers or appropriate gauges to measure link thickness or other specified dimensions.
• Consult 1915.118 Table G–2 for the exact tolerances for each chain size.

Yes. Under 1915.112(c)(4), a chain sling shall be removed from service when the increase in length of a measured section exceeds five (5) percent.

• Measure a defined section and compute the percentage increase; if it exceeds 5%, remove the chain to prevent load instability or failure.

Yes. Under 1915.112(c)(2), each sling chain and its end fastenings must receive a visual inspection before being used on the job, and a thorough inspection every 3 months with the month of the thorough inspection indicated on the chain.

• The visual pre‑use inspection checks for obvious defects; the quarterly thorough inspection examines wear, welds, deformation, and stretch more closely.
• Marking the inspection month helps supervisors and users confirm the inspection schedule has been followed.