SLINGS SAFETY

YAWAR HASSAN KHAN

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Inspection procedures for alloy steel chain slings Remove slings from service if any of the

following conditions are present: • Defective welds; • Bending or elongation of chain links; • Cracked or deformed master and coupling links; • Removal of the identification tag.

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Use only slings that are not damaged or defective; • Never shorten slings with knots, bolts or other makeshift devices; • Never load slings in excess of their rated capacities; • Always pad or protect the slings from the sharp edges of their load; • Always keep suspended loads clear of all obstructions; • Always keep employees clear of loads to be lifted and suspended loads; • Always keep hands and fingers clear of the load while tightening the sling around the load; • Never pull a sling from under a load that is resting on the sling.

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Inspection procedures for wire rope slings Remove slings from service if any of the following conditions are present: • 10 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay or five broken wires in one strand in one lay; • Kinking, crushing, bird caging or any other damage; • Evidence of heat damage; • Cracked, deformed or worn end attachments; • Stretched or twisted hooks.

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Inspection procedures for alloy steel chain slings Remove slings from service if any of the

following conditions are present: • Defective welds; • Bending or elongation of chain links; • Cracked or deformed master and coupling links; • Removal of the identification tag.

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Inspection procedures for synthetic web slings Remove slings from service if any of the following conditions are present: • Acid or caustic burns; • Melted or charred sling surface; • Broken stitches; • Snags, tears or cuts to the point of exposure of the colored threads; • Removal of the identification tag

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Sling storage • Store slings in a dry environment out of the sun, off the floor or ground to prevent damage due to corrosion. • Hang slings from hooks to prevent tangling and allow for easy access when needed. • A good sling inspection program is not only

required, it is cost effective; this prevents sling deterioration and serious accidents caused by sling failure

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Rigging Improper rigging can lead to accidents

involving personal injury or damage to equipment

or material. Slings are like any other tool

and only trained workers should be allowed to rig

loads. The employer should designate who is

qualified to use slings to rig loads