Sling and Lifting Strap Inspections

Sling and Lifting Strap Inspections Free Toolbox Topic

The use of slings and lifting straps is a common practice in many workplaces. These tools are subjected to heavy loads and a lot of stress. Using damaged slings can lead to catastrophic accidents. Sling and lifting strap inspections are a vital step in workplace safety.

Today we will discuss some common ways slings can fail and some best practices for inspecting slings. Remember- damaged slings and straps can get people killed.

Ways Slings can Fail

• Being overloaded
• They can be exposed to welding splatter, sparks, or heat and become burned or damaged over time.
• They can stretch and become frayed from frequent use.
• Chemical exposure can weaken the material.
• Sunlight, moisture, and other weather effects can cause weakness and rot over time.

Best Practices for Sling and Lifting Strap Inspections

Slings and lifting straps should be inspected before every use. If they fail the inspection, they should be taken out of service immediately. You should inspect every part of the sling , including the stitching. Things you should look for include:

• Burn marks and unraveling threads
• Red fibers are visible
• Frayed, discolored, or rotting threads
• The sling is rigid or difficult to bend.
• Missing or unreadable tags
• Material caked on the sling, such as mud or oil.
• Any sign of the loop ends separating from the sling body
• In addition to pre-use inspections, slings should be inspected thoroughly monthly and annually.

Conclusion

Sling and lifting strap inspections are a critical step in any rigging situation. This is because the use of a damaged or unsafe sling can lead to major accidents and can get people killed. If any problems are identified, the equipment must be removed from service immediately. Attempting to repair a sling is never a good idea. Therefore, a quick inspection can save a life.