Roundslings GENERAL INFORMATION
Recommended Operating Practices
Roundslings
Mechanical Considerations
Select a polyester roundsling having suitable characteristics for the type of load, hitch and environment.
Polyester roundslings shall not be loaded in excess of the rated capacity. Consideration shall be given to the roundsling to load angle which affects rated capacities. (See page 210.)
Polyester roundslings with fittings, which are used in a choke hitch, shall be of sufficient length to assure that the choking action is on the roundsling and never on the fitting.
Polyester roundslings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent slippage.
The openings in fittings shall be the proper shape and size to ensure that the fittings will seat properly
on the polyester roundsling, crane hook, or other attachments.
Polyester roundslings shall always be protected from being cut by sharp corners, sharp edges, protrusions, or abrasive surfaces.
Polyester roundslings shall not be dragged on the floor or over an abrasive surface.
Polyester roundslings shall not be twisted, shortened, lengthened, tied into knots, or joined by knotting.
Polyester roundslings shall not be pulled from under loads when the load is resting on the polyester roundsling.
Do not drop polyester roundslings equipped with metal fittings.
Polyester roundslings that appear to be damaged shall not be used unless inspected and accepted as usable.
Personnel, including all portions of the human body, shall be kept from between the polyester roundsling and the load, and from between the polyester roundsling and the crane hook or hoist hook.
Personnel shall stand clear of the suspended load.
Personnel shall not ride the polyester roundsling.
Shock loading shall be avoided.
Twisting the legs (branches) shall be avoided.
Load applied to a hook shall be centered in the bowl of the hook to prevent point loading.
During lifting, personnel shall be alert for possible snagging of the polyester roundsling.
The polyester roundslings legs (branches) shall contain or support the load from the sides above the center of gravity when using a basket hitch.
Polyester roundslings shall be long enough so the rated capacity is adequate when the sling to load angle is taken into consideration.
Only polyester roundslings with legible identification tags shall be used.
Tags and labels should be kept away from the load, hook and point of choke.
Polyester roundslings should not be constricted or bunched between the ears of a clevis or shackle, or in
a hook. When a polyester roundsling is used with a shackle, it is recommended that it be used (rigged) in
the bow of the shackle.
Place blocks under load prior to setting down the load, to allow removal of the polyester roundsling,
if applicable.
Polyester roundslings should be stored in a cool, dry, and dark place to prevent loss of strength when not in use through exposure to ultraviolet rays. Polyester roundslings shall not be stored in chemically active areas.
Chemically active environments can affect the strength of polyester roundslings in varying degrees ranging from little to total degradation. The polyester roundsling manufacturer, or qualified person, should be consulted before roundslings are used in a chemically active environment.
Acids
Polyester is resistant to many acids, but is subject to degradation, ranging from little to moderate in some acids.
Each application shall be evaluated, taking into consideration the following:
a. Type of acid
b. Exposure conditions
c. Concentration
d. Temperature
Alkalis
Polyester is subject to degradation in alkalis, ranging from little to total degradation.
Each application shall be evaluated, taking into consideration the following:
a. Type of alkali
b. Exposure conditions
c. Concentration
d. Temperature
Polyester roundslings shall not be used at temperatures in excess of 194° F (90° C), or at temperatures below minus 40° F (-40° C).
Polyester roundslings incorporating aluminum fittings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, mists or liquids of alkalis and/or acids are present, unless the compatibility of these materials is verified.
Inspection
Polyester roundslings shall be visually inspected by a designated person handling the polyester oundsling before each use. These visual observations shall be concerned with the identification tag and discovering damage. Polyester roundslings shall be removed from service if there is any doubt as to the condition of the roundsling.
Type of Inspection
a. Initial Inspection — Before any polyester roundsling is placed into service it shall be inspected by a designated person to ensure that the correct roundsling is being used as well as to determine that the roundsling meets the requirements of this specification.
c. Periodic Inspection — This inspection shall be conducted by a designated person. Frequency of inspection should be based on:
1. Frequency of use
2. Severity of service conditions
3. Experience gained on service life of polyester roundslings used in similar applications
4. Periodic inspections should be conducted at least monthly
Removal From Service
A polyester roundsling shall be removed from service if any of the following is visible:
a. If polyester roundsling identification tag is missing or unreadable.
b. Melting, charring or weld spatter of any part of the polyester roundsling.
c. Holes, tears, cuts, embedded particles, excessive abrasive wear, or snags that expose the core fibers
of the polyester.
d. Broken or worn stitching in the cover which exposes the core fibers.
e. Fittings when damaged, stretched, corroded, cracked or distorted in any way.
f. Polyester roundslings that are knotted.
g. Acid or alkali burns of the polyester roundsling.
h. Any conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of the polyester roundsling.
Inspection Records
Written inspection records, utilizing the identification for each polyester roundsling as established by the user, should be kept on file. These records should show a description of the new polyester roundsling and its condition on each periodic inspection.
Repair of Round Slings
There shall be no repairs of load bearing fibers. Repairs to the protective covers shall be done only by the original manufacturer or their appointed agent.
Only polyester roundslings, which can be identified from the information on the identification tag, shall be repaired.
All repaired polyester roundslings shall be proof tested to a minimum of two (2) times the rated capacity before being put back into service. Certification of proof test should be provided.