This document summarizes OSHA safety standards for material handling and rigging. It outlines requirements for properly storing materials to prevent collapse, inspecting rigging equipment before each use and removing any defective equipment, and only loading rigging below its recommended safe working load. Rigging like chains and wire ropes must be clearly marked with identification information. When dropping materials from over 20 feet, an enclosed chute must be used.

1. OSHA Office of Training & Education 1
Safety Standards for Material Handling and
Rigging
Only standards cited 5 times were
included

2. MATERIALS STORED TO PREVENT SLIDING FALLING, OR COLLAPSE
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9
10
17
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251(a)(2)(i)
250(a)(1)
251(b)(1)
251(a)(1)
252(a)
Materials Handling, Storage, Use & Disposal
[1926.250 – 252]
2
GENERAL RIGGING EQUIPMENT IDENTIFICATION
EXTERIOR DROP CHUTES
RIGGING EQUIPMENT INSPECTION & REMOVAL FROM SERVICE
WELDED ALLOY STEEL CHAIN SLING IDENTIFICATION
SUBPARTH

3. General
• All materials stored in tiers shall
be stacked, racked, blocked,
interlocked, or otherwise
secured to prevent sliding, falling
or collapse
1926.250(a)(1)

4. Rigging
• Rigging equipment for material
handling shall be inspected prior
to use on each shift and as
necessary during its use to
ensure that it is safe.
• Defective rigging equipment
shall be removed from service.
1926.251(a)(1)

5. Rigging
• Not be loaded in excess of its
recommended safe working load
as prescribed on the
identification markings by the
manufacturer;
1926.251(a)(2)(ii)

6. Rigging
• Each day before being used, the sling
and all fastenings and attachments
shall be inspected for damage or
defects by a competent person
designated by the employer.
• Damaged or defective slings shall be
immediately removed from service
1926.251(a)(6)

7. Rigging
• Welded alloy steel chain slings
shall have permanently affixed
durable identification stating
size, grade, rated capacity, and
sling manufacturer.
1926.251(b)(1)

8. Rigging
• The employer shall make and
maintain a record of the most
recent month in which each alloy
steel chain sling was thoroughly
inspected, and shall make such
record available for examination
1926.251(b)(6)(ii)

9. Rigging
• Wire rope slings shall have
permanently affixed, legible
identification markings stating size,
rated capacity for the type(s) of
hitch(es) used and the angle upon
which it is based, and the number
of legs if more than one.
1926.251(c)(16)

10. Disposal
• Whenever materials are dropped
more than 20 feet to any point
lying outside the exterior walls of
the building, an enclosed chute of
wood, or equivalent material, shall
be used.
1926.252(a)