Sling Inspection Criteria

The following article is from Tuffy Products. 

You can learn more about their Synthetic Web Slings, Hardware, Tie Downs, Pipeline Slings, Hand Chain Hoists, Trolley Hoists, Sling Protection and Custom Products by clicking on the logo.

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How to Inspect Synthetic Web Slings

All of our synthetic web products are designed for long life under punishing conditions, but they will eventually wear out after extended use. The key is knowing when to replace them, and that’s why it’s very important to inspect your slings on a regular basis. We’ve developed an inspection program based on the procedure outlined in ANSI B30.9 that will make the most of your investment. 

It’s based on four sound beliefs:

• The importance of following regular and uniform inspections.
• A respect for the capabilities and limitations of synthetic web slings.
• The need to keep complete, permanent records.
• Perhaps most importantly, a lot of common sense.

How Often to Inspect Slings

The frequency of inspection depends on three important factors:

1. Sling usage – the more you use a sling, the more you need to inspect it.
2. The working environment – the harsher the conditions, the more often you need to inspect.
3. Sling service life – based on your experience in using slings. 

It’s a good idea for the person handling the slings to visually inspect all slings before each lift. Additional inspections should be performed at least annually by a qualified designated person and permanent records kept. OSHA specifies, “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. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant.” In other words, you should visually inspect your sling before each lift.

When to Replace Slings

Remove all slings, including Flexi-Grip® roundslings, from service if you see damage such as the following, and return to service only when approved by a designated person. These are removal criteria established by ASME B30.9: 

1. Acid or caustic burns.
2. Melting or charring of any part of the sling.
3. Holes, tears, cuts or snags.
4. Broken or worn stitching in load-bearing splices.
5. Excessive abrasive wear.
6. Knots in any part of the sling.
7. Excessive pitting or corrosion, or cracked, distorted or broken fittings.
8. Other visible damage that causes doubt as to the strength of the sling.
9. Missing or illegible sling identification.

In addition, we recommend three other important reasons to remove slings from service:

1. Anytime you see our Red-Guard® warning yarns.
2. Distortion of the sling.
3. Anytime a sling is loaded beyond its rated capacity for whatever reason.

While most of these standards are very specific regarding reasons for removal, others require your good judgment. The critical areas to watch are wear to the sling body, the selvage edge of webbing and the condition of the sling eyes.

Identifying Wear and Abuse

These are some of the most common types of web sling damage caused by abuse and misuse. When you see any of these problems during your regular inspection, stop. Replace the sling immediately because the damage is done. Never attempt to mend the sling yourself and, more so, never attempt to lift with these slings. Whether a sling is damaged from improper use or normal wear, the same rule applies in all cases: Always cut the sling eyes and discard the sling right away when you see damage. Only with properly working slings can you take a load off your mind.