Limitations on cargo chains

A chain must be removed from service when a measured section has increased in length by more than five percent. The rule states that "Chains forming a part of vessel's cargo gear shall not be used when, due to stretch, the increase of length of a measured section exceeds five percent" (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Measure a representative section of the chain and compare to its original (or previously recorded) length; if the increase is >5% the chain cannot be used.
• After removal, keep the chain clearly tagged or segregated until repaired or replaced.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

A chain must be taken out of service when a link is damaged or when other external defects are evident. The standard explicitly prohibits use "when a link is damaged, or when other external defects are evident" (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Examples of external defects to look for include cracked, bent, excessively worn, or deformed links, severe corrosion that reduces cross‑section, or busted/chipped welds on welded links.
• If you find any such damage, stop using the chain immediately and tag it out of service until a qualified inspector determines whether repair or replacement is appropriate.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

No. Chains used as part of a vessel's cargo gear shall not be shortened by bolting, wiring, or knotting. The standard states plainly: "Chains shall not be shortened by bolting, wiring, or knotting" (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Temporary field shortcuts such as bolting links together, wrapping wire around links, or tying links with knots are specifically prohibited.
• If you need a shorter assembly, use properly rated, certified fittings or replace the component with correct‑length certified gear.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

The limitation applies to a measured section: the chain must not be used when "the increase of length of a measured section exceeds five percent." In other words, you check specific measured sections rather than only the total chain length (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Practically, inspect and measure representative sections (for example a fixed number of links or a fixed length) and compare to the original or a baseline measurement.
• If any measured section shows more than a 5% increase, tag the chain out of service.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

You calculate percent increase by comparing the current measured length to the original (or baseline) measured length and using the formula ((new − original) / original) × 100%. If that result is greater than 5%, the chain cannot be used. This follows the standard's threshold that a measured section must not have increased in length by more than five percent (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Example: if the original 1‑meter measured section is now 1.052 meters, the increase is (1.052−1.000)/1.000 × 100% = 5.2% → remove from service.
• Always document the baseline measurement and the date so future inspections can be compared reliably.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

No. The standard expressly forbids shortening a chain by bolting, wiring, or knotting, so such temporary field repairs are not allowed if they alter length or splice links. The rule says: "Chains shall not be shortened by bolting, wiring, or knotting" (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Do not use bolted or wired splices or knots to make a chain serviceable. These practices are explicitly prohibited.
• If a repair or splice is needed, remove the chain from service and have it evaluated and repaired or replaced by qualified personnel using approved methods and fittings.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

The standard requires that chains with excessive stretch or evident external defects not be used, but it does not name a specific job title for inspectors; therefore, employers should designate a qualified or competent person to perform inspections. OSHA guidance has stated that employers assign a "competent person" to identify hazards and take corrective actions (see the 1977 interpretation about competent person procedures).

• Practical approach: have a trained, qualified person (often a certified rigger, crane/gear inspector, or other competent person) perform regular inspections and measurements.
• Document who is authorized to inspect and what inspection steps they must take; remove and tag any chain that fails inspection in line with 1919.25.

(Referenced: 1919.25 and 1977-04-26 interpretation.)

1919.25 does not expressly authorize or describe welding or other in‑place repairs; it only states that chains with damaged links or external defects must not be used. Because the standard forbids unsafe conditions but does not specify repair methods, you should remove the chain from service and have repairs performed or approved by qualified personnel in accordance with manufacturer guidance and applicable certification procedures (see Requirement in 1919.25 and the 1977 interpretation referencing Part 1919 certification procedures).

• Do not attempt field welding or makeshift fixes unless expressly permitted by the chain manufacturer and performed by qualified personnel following approved procedures.
• Best practice: replace damaged links or the entire chain with certified replacements, or send the chain to an authorized repair facility and keep it tagged out until recertified.

(Referenced: 1919.25 and 1977-04-26 interpretation.)

The rule specifically applies to chains forming part of a vessel's cargo gear. The title and text make clear it covers "Chains forming a part of vessel's cargo gear" and sets limitations on their use (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Chains used for other shipboard or shore operations that are not part of cargo gear may be governed by other applicable standards or employer procedures; this provision is focused on cargo gear certification and safety.

(Referenced: 1919.25 and Part overview at 1919.)

No. 1919.25 states that chains with damaged links or with other evident external defects shall not be used. Even minor damage should remove the chain from service until a qualified inspector evaluates it and determines whether repair or replacement is required (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Do not simply re‑mark or re‑label a damaged chain and put it back into service without inspection and documented approval by a qualified individual.
• If the chain must be returned to service, have it inspected and certified by qualified personnel or an authorized facility consistent with shipboard gear certification practices.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

The standard explicitly prohibits shortening a chain by bolting, wiring, or knotting: "Chains shall not be shortened by bolting, wiring, or knotting." It does not list allowed splices, so any change in length should be done only with approved, certified fittings or by replacing the chain, consistent with manufacturer and certification requirements (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Use only manufacturer‑approved connectors or certified components if a length change is required; do not improvise with bolts, wire, or knots.
• When in doubt, remove the chain from service and consult the manufacturer's specifications or a qualified inspector.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

Immediately remove the chain from service and prevent its use until it is repaired or replaced and approved by qualified personnel. The standard requires that such chains "shall not be used" when stretch or damage is present (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Tag or physically segregate the chain so it cannot be re-used accidentally.
• Arrange for inspection, repair, recertification, or replacement by a qualified person or authorized repair facility.
• Keep records or tags indicating the reason for removal (stretch, damaged link, etc.) and the date removed for accountability.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

A visual inspection can detect many external defects and obvious damage, but the standard's 5% stretch criterion requires measurement of a section to determine whether stretch exceeds the limit. 1919.25 prohibits use when "the increase of length of a measured section exceeds five percent" and when "other external defects are evident," so both measurement and visual inspection are relevant (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Use visual inspection to identify damaged links, corrosion, deformation, and other external defects.
• Use measured checks (baseline vs. current measurements) to determine whether stretch exceeds 5%.
• Assign trained personnel to perform both types of inspection and follow-up actions.

(Referenced: 1919.25.)

1919.25 specifies the criterion (an increase in length of a measured section exceeding five percent) but does not prescribe a specific measurement procedure. The standard states the limitation but leaves measurement methods to the employer or qualified inspectors (see Requirement in 1919.25).

• Employers should establish a consistent measurement procedure (for example, define the measured section length, measurement points, and tolerance) and train inspectors accordingly.
• When questions arise about measurement or certification procedures, consult qualified inspection personnel, the chain manufacturer, or applicable certification authorities referenced in Part 1919 practices.

(Referenced: 1919.25 and general Part overview 1919.)

OSHA enforces these limitations as part of the maritime gear certification standards in Part 1919; the rule is located at 1919.25 titled "Limitations on use of chains." You can read the rule in 1919.25 and see the broader Part at 1919.

• During inspections, OSHA compliance officers will expect employers to remove from service any chain that shows >5% stretch or apparent external defects and to avoid prohibited shortening methods.

(Referenced: 1919.25 and 1919.)