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Web Slings GENERAL INFORMATION

Synthetic Web Sling Safety Bulletin

⚠ WARNING

This bulletin contains important safety information about the use of synthetic web slings. However, it DOES NOT contain all the information you need to know about handling, lifting and manipulating  materials and loads safely. Sling use is only one part of a lifting system and it is your responsibility to consider all risk factors prior to using any rigging device or product.
Failure to do this may result in severe INJURY or DEATH due to sling failure and/or loss of load.

The following six points briefly summarize some important safety issues:
1. All users must be trained in sling selection, use and inspection, cautions to personnel, environmental effects and rigging practices
4. Do not exceed a sling’s rated capacity. Always consider the effects of sling angle and tension on the slings rated capacity.

2. Inspect sling for damage regularly, if the sling is damaged, remove it from service.
5. Do not stand on, under or near a load with the sling under tension. All personnel should be alert to dangers of falling and/or uncontrolled loads, sling tension and the potential for snagging.
3.Protect sling from damage. ALWAYS protect slings in contact with edges, corners, protrusions, or abrasive thickness and construction to prevent damage.
6. Maintain and store slings properly. Slings should be protected from mechanical, chemical and environmental damage.

Follow these steps to avoid SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH!
BEFORE USE:

  • Inspect sling for damage from cuts, heat, chemicals or excessive wear.
  • If damage is visible, DO NOT USE! Remove sling from service IMMEDIATELY!
  • Be sure sling capacity tag is in place and can be easily read.
  • See Sling Angle Load Chart to determine loss of capacity due to lift angle and sling configuration (hitch)
  • NEVER expose sling to temperatures above 194 degrees F (90 degrees C)
  • Remember: Exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet light degrades sling strength.

DURING USE:

  • ALWAYS protect sling from cuts. Avoid edges & corners, pointed objects, and rough surfaces.
  • NEVER tie knots in sling webbing.
  • NEVER pull objects that are stuck or snagged
  • NEVER use near acids with nylon OR alkalis with polyester

 

Inspection, care and use of Synthetic Web Slings
REMOVAL FROM SERVICE CRITERIA:
A Sling shall be removed from service if any of the following are visible:

1. Red Core Yarn is visible on any part of the Sling.
2. If Sling rated capacity tag is missing or not readable.
3. Acid or alkalis burns
4. Melting, charring or weld spatter on any part of the Sling
5. Holes, tears, cuts, snags, or embedded particles
6. Broken or worn stitching in load bearing slices.
7. Excessive abrasive wear
8. Knots in any part of the Sling. 9. Distortion, excessive pitting, corrosion or broken fittings.
10. Any conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of
the Sling.

INSPECTION RECORDS
Written inspection records should be established and kept on file for each new Sling. Records should include all the information taken from the Sling’s identification tag (type, reach, rated capacity, manufacture, and date purchased), along with its location. These records should be updated after each periodic inspection.

TYPES OF INSPECTION
IMPORTANT: ALL INSPECTIONS MUST BE DONE ONLY BY TRAINED AND QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
A. Initial Inspection: Before any new or repaired Sling is placed in service, it shall be inspected to ensure that the correct Sling is being used, as well as to determine that the Sling meets the requirements of this specification and has not been damaged in shipment.
B. Frequent Inspection: This inspection shall be done each time the Sling is used.
C. Periodic Inspection: Frequency of inspection should be based on: 1. Frequency of Sling use. 2. Severity of service conditions. 3. Experience gained on the service life of Slings used in similar applications. 4. Periodic inspections should be conducted at least monthly.