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Using a quadruple sling after removing one hook

Summary A safety consultant asked whether a defective hook could be removed from a four-leg sling and the sling used with three legs. OSHA said this was permissible if the sling’s integrity was unaffected and a new proof test was unnecessary because the cited rated capacities were identical.
Document
Federal opinion letter
Agency
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Document number
1995-05-31
Date issued
May 31, 1995
Status
Active
Status last verified October 9, 2026
Topics
Workplace Safety OSHA 1910 Lifting Equipment
Source
View the official document

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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.

May 31, 1995

Dr. Timothy P. Rhoades
Applied Safety & Ergonomics, Inc.
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Dr. Rhoades:

This is in response to your letter of January 12 requesting clarification of 29 CFR 1910.184 Slings.

Per our conversation of May 24, it would be permissible to remove a defective hook from a quadruple sling and then use it as a triple sling, so long as the integrity of the sling is not affected. A proof test would not be necessary since the rated capacity for triple and quadruple slings are identical.

We appreciate your interest in employee safety and health. If we can be of further assistance, please contact Carla Marcellus of my staff on 202-219-8041 ext. 105.

Sincerely,
Raymond E. Donnelly, Director
Office of General Industry Compliance

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