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Slings versus crane hoist lines

Summary A safety consultant asked what counts as a sling under OSHA’s rule. OSHA said a sling is an accessory connecting the load to a lifting hook; a rope, wire rope, or chain attached to the hoist drum is a component of the lifting apparatus, not a sling.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1980-06-20
Date issued
June 20, 1980
Status
Active
Status last verified October 10, 2026

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About this page: The full text below is the official document from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ezel adds the plain-English summary and tracks the document's status. The official source linked on this page is authoritative for any reliance.

June 20, 1980

Mr. Edward M. Morris
President
Occupational Safety Consultants, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Mr. Morris:

This is in response to your inquiry requesting an interpretation of 29 CFR 1910.184(b) which defines "sling".

A sling is defined as an assembly which connects the load to the material handling equipment. This does not include any rope line, wire rope line, or chain attached to the drum of any hoisting equipment which is a component part of the crane or other lifting apparatus. A sling is attached to the hook and is and is an accessory to the lifting apparatus and not a component part of the crane.

We are not aware of any enforcement problems in this regard. However, if you are aware of specific instances of misapplication of 29 CFR 1910.184(b) in the field, please provide us with the information and we will attempt to resolve the matter.

If I may be of further assistance, please feel free to call or write.

Sincerely,
John K. Barto Chief,
Division of Occupational Safety Programming

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