24 Mar Sling Inspection and Safe Use

Sling Inspection and Safe Use

Sling inspection and safe use are essential to preventing dropped loads, equipment damage, and serious injuries during lifting operations. Slings, fastenings, and attachments must be inspected before use and used only within their rated capacities.

Sling Inspection

Before each use, inspect slings and all fastenings and attachments for damage, defects, or deterioration. Immediately remove any damaged or defective sling from service.

Inspect the entire sling, including fittings and attachments, and verify that identification and rated-capacity markings are legible.

Safe Use of Slings

Follow these safe practices when using slings:

• Never use a damaged or defective sling.
• Do not shorten slings with knots, bolts, or other makeshift devices.
• Do not kink, knot, or twist sling legs.
• Never exceed the sling’s rated capacity.
• Consider the type of hitch and sling angle when determining allowable capacity.
• Balance loads used in basket hitches to prevent shifting or slipping.
• Securely attach slings to the load before lifting.
• Pad or otherwise protect slings from sharp edges and abrasive surfaces.
• Keep suspended loads clear of obstructions.
• Keep all personnel clear of suspended loads and loads about to be lifted.
• Never place hands or fingers between a sling and the load while the sling is being tightened.
• Do not stand, walk, or work beneath a suspended load.
• Never shock-load a sling.
• Do not pull a sling from beneath a load while the load is resting on it.
• Store slings properly to protect them from moisture, chemicals, excessive heat, sunlight, and physical damage.

Synthetic Web Slings

Remove a synthetic web sling from service when inspection identifies conditions that could affect its safe use, including:

• Acid or caustic burns.
• Melting, charring, or other heat damage.
• Snags, punctures, tears, or cuts.
• Broken or worn stitching.
• Excessive abrasive wear.
• Knots or other unauthorized modifications.
• Cracked, distorted, corroded, or otherwise damaged fittings.
• Missing or illegible identification.
• Any other visible damage that causes doubt about the sling’s strength or continued safe use.

Never attempt makeshift repairs to a damaged sling. Remove questionable equipment from service and have it evaluated in accordance with company procedures and the manufacturer’s requirements.

Remember

Proper sling inspection and safe use begin before the load leaves the ground. Inspect the sling, verify its capacity, rig the load correctly, and keep personnel clear of suspended loads.