US · Expiry & renewal tracking
Keep every chain sling's thorough inspection on time
Every alloy steel chain sling in use needs a thorough periodic inspection by a competent person at an interval the employer sets by use and service conditions, but never more than 12 months apart (29 CFR 1910.184(e)(3)). The employer records the month of the last inspection; a defective sling leaves service at once.
OSHA's sling standard, 29 CFR 1910.184, applies to slings used with other material handling equipment to move material by hoisting. It covers slings made from alloy steel chain, wire rope, metal mesh, natural or synthetic fiber rope, and synthetic web (1910.184(a)). Each day before use, every sling and its fastenings and attachments must be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer, and damaged or defective slings must be removed from service immediately (1910.184(d)).
Alloy steel chain slings in use also need a thorough periodic inspection on a regular basis. The employer sets the interval based on how often the sling is used, how severe the service conditions are, the nature of the lifts, and experience with slings used in similar conditions. The interval may in no event be greater than once every 12 months (1910.184(e)(3)(i)).
The thorough inspection is done by a competent person designated by the employer and covers wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length. If such defects are present, the sling must be removed from service immediately. The employer must make and keep a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, and make it available for examination (1910.184(e)(3)(ii) and (iii)).
At a glance
| Rule | 29 CFR 1910.184(e)(3), OSHA |
|---|---|
| Applies to | Alloy steel chain slings in use |
| Thorough inspection | At least once every 12 months; more often if use and conditions call for it |
| Daily inspection | Before use each day, for all slings |
| Who inspects | A competent person designated by the employer |
| Record | The most recent month each sling was thoroughly inspected |
| Defects found | Remove the sling from service immediately |
Each new, repaired or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling must be proof tested before use by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity, and the employer must keep the proof test certificate (1910.184(e)(4)). Each sling must carry durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and reach (1910.184(e)(1)).
Who is responsible?
The employer. It designates the competent person, sets the inspection interval, and keeps the inspection record available for examination (1910.184(e)(3)).
When a chain sling must come out of service
Apart from the inspection results, an alloy steel chain sling must be removed from service if it has cracked or deformed master links, coupling links or other components, if a hook is cracked, opened more than 15 percent of the normal throat opening or twisted more than 10 degrees, or if the chain size at any point is below the minimum in Table N-184-1. A sling heated above 1000 degrees F must be removed permanently (1910.184(e)(6), (8) and (9)).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each alloy steel chain sling, using its identification tag, and record the date its next thorough inspection is due: no more than 12 months after the last one, or sooner if you set a shorter interval.
- Reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the due date and on the due date itself.
- Assign a responsible person (for example your maintenance or rigging supervisor) so the right person gets the reminder.
- If a date passes, managers get overdue reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
- Ask the inspector to upload the inspection record through a secure upload link, valid for 14 days; no account is needed.
Frequently asked questions
- How often must alloy steel chain slings be thoroughly inspected?
- On a regular basis set by the employer, and in no event at intervals greater than once every 12 months (29 CFR 1910.184(e)(3)(i)).
- Does the yearly inspection replace the daily check?
- No. The thorough periodic inspection is in addition to the inspection required each day before use (1910.184(d) and (e)(3)(i)).
- What record do we need?
- A record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, available for examination (1910.184(e)(3)(ii)).
- What does the thorough inspection cover?
- Wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length. A sling with these defects must be removed from service immediately (1910.184(e)(3)(iii)).
Sources
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for alloy chain sling inspection (OSHA) (US)
A ready template for alloy chain sling inspection (OSHA) (US) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each alloy chain sling inspection (OSHA) (US) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each alloy chain sling inspection (OSHA) (US) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.