Which sling types are included in OSHA's rated capacity requirement?

• A. Alloy steel chain slings
• B. Wire rope slings
• C. Metal mesh slings
• D. All of the above slings

Answer: (D)

OSHA requires slings used for lifting to have a rated capacity (often called the working load limit) that is clearly marked by the manufacturer. This requirement covers the common sling types used in rigging, including alloy steel chain slings, wire rope slings, and metal mesh slings. The rated capacity is the maximum load the sling is designed to safely handle in a specific configuration, not just the raw strength of the material. It depends on the sling type and size, the end fittings, and the lift setup (such as the number of legs and the angle of the sling). When planning a lift, you must choose a sling whose rated capacity matches or exceeds the load and never exceed that rating. Since all these sling types have published ratings, the correct understanding is that all of them fall under OSHA’s rated capacity requirement.