When is it Safe to Use Damaged or Defective Slings?

Inspections play a crucial role in maintaining a safe rigging environment. According to OSHA 1910.184(d), a competent person designated by the employer must inspect slings, along with all fastenings and attachments, for damage or defects before each use. Additional inspections should be conducted during sling use when service conditions warrant it. It is essential to identify key elements during these inspections to determine when a sling should be removed from service. Let’s delve into the inspection criteria for each type of sling.

Proper Tagging

All slings must include identifiable and proper tags, as per ASME B30.9 standards. These tags should contain important details such as the manufacturer’s name or trademark. During inspections, riggers should reference these details. It is important to note that tags should not be used as attachment points. At Ashley Sling, we ensure that all tags are legible and designed to last as long as possible. Immediately remove slings with improper or unidentifiable tags from service.

Wire Rope Slings Inspections

Wire rope slings require careful inspection for immediate hazards. These hazards include mechanical damage, corrosive damage, chemical damage, and heat damage. It is vital to inspect wire rope slings for kinking, crushing, and birdcaging. Additionally, check for any damage to the rope structure. Remember to examine the inside of the eye as well, as there may be broken wires concealed within.

Tip: Bend the wire rope to expose any broken wires.

According to ASME B30.9 standards, remove wire rope slings from service if any of the following conditions are present:

1. Missing or illegible identification.
2. Broken wires:
   • For strand-laid and single-part slings: 10 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or 5 broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.
   • For cable-laid slings: 20 broken wires per lay.
   • For less than eight-part braided slings: 20 broken wires per braid length.
   • For eight-part or more than eight braided slings: 40 broken wires per braid length.
3. Severe localized abrasion or scraping resulting in a reduction from nominal diameter of more than 5%.
4. Kinking, crushing, birdcaging, or any other damage resulting in damage to the rope structure.
5. Evidence of heat damage.
6. Cracked, deformed, or worn fittings that substantially affect the sling’s strength.
7. Severe corrosion of the rope or fittings.
8. Removal criteria for hooks and rigging hardware, as stated in ASME B30.10 and ASME B30.26, respectively.
9. Other conditions, including visible damage, that create doubt about the sling’s continued use.

Synthetic Web Slings Inspections

When inspecting web slings, consider environmental factors such as types of acids and temperatures. Immediate hazards to watch out for include chemical damage, heat damage, mechanical damage, and UV damage. Environmental factors like prolonged exposure to sunlight, dirt or gritty-type matter, and cyclical changes in temperatures and humidity can accelerate the deterioration of web slings. Additionally, web slings should be protected from cuts and other damages. At Ashley Sling, we recommend using our TUFF-ASH® Sling Protection products.

Tip: Avoid washing web slings, as it may cause mechanical/chemical damage and weaken their strength.

ASME B30.9 standards state that web slings should be removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

1. Missing or illegible sling identification.
2. Acid or caustic burns.
3. Melting or charring of any part of the sling.
4. Holes, tears, cuts, or snags.
5. Broken or worn stitching in load-bearing splices.
6. Excessive abrasive wear.
7. Knots in any part of the sling.
8. Discoloration, brittle or stiff areas on any part of the sling, indicating chemical or ultraviolet/sunlight damage.
9. Pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or broken fittings.
10. Removal criteria for hooks and rigging hardware, as stated in ASME B30.10 and ASME B30.26, respectively.
11. Other conditions, including visible damage, that raise doubt about the sling’s continued use.

Alloy Chain Slings Inspections

For overhead lifting applications, it is recommended to use Grade 80 or 100 alloy chain slings. During inspections, immediate hazards to look for include mechanical damage, corrosive damage, heat damage, and chemical damage. Pay close attention to cracks, nicks, and gouges, as they require immediate removal. Riggers must also inspect the chain links for any signs of stretching.

Tip: Measure the chain sling from pull to pull and compare it to the tag to check for signs of stretching. Remove the sling from service if any stretch is detected.

ASME B30.9 standards dictate that alloy chain slings should be removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

1. Missing or illegible sling identification.
2. Cracks or breaks.
3. Excessive wear, nicks, or gouges.
4. Stretched chain links or fittings.
5. Bent, twisted, or deformed chain links or fittings.
6. Evidence of heat damage.
7. Excessive pitting or corrosion.
8. Lack of ability of chain or components to hinge (articulate) freely.
9. Weld splatter.
10. Removal criteria for hooks and rigging hardware, as stated in ASME B30.10 and ASME B30.26, respectively.
11. Other conditions, including visible damage, that raise doubt about the sling’s continued use.

Polyester Round Slings Inspections

Polyester round slings pose immediate hazards if chemical damage, heat damage, mechanical damage, or UV damage is evident. These damages not only compromise the sling’s integrity but can also cause harm. Exposed core yarns are another common hazard that must be avoided. If core yarns are exposed, it indicates that the sling has been cut. Riggers must remove round slings with exposed core yarns from service.

ASME B30.9 standards state that synthetic round slings should be removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

1. Missing or illegible sling identification.
2. Acid or caustic burns.
3. Evidence of heat damage.
4. Holes, tears, cuts, abrasive wear, or snags that expose the core yarns.
5. Broken or damaged core yarns.
6. Weld splatter that exposes core yarns.
7. Knots in the roundslings, except for core yarn knots inside the cover installed by the manufacturer during the fabrication process.
8. Pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or broken fittings.
9. Removal criteria for hooks and rigging hardware, as stated in ASME B30.10 and ASME B30.26, respectively.
10. Other conditions, including visible damage, that raise doubt about the sling’s continued use.

In addition to inspecting slings, riggers should also inspect all rigging hardware. For more information, read our article on Tips for Inspecting Rigging Hardware. Remember to refer to manufacturer warnings and other applicable standards. We highly recommend that all riggers undergo Qualified Rigger Training Courses. Our rigger preparation training courses provide detailed guidance on sling inspection, along with valuable insights into warnings, applications, and other important information.

Immediate Hazards Chart

Warning

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of inspection criteria. For additional information, please visit 5 WS. Also, refer to OSHA, ASME, and WSTDA standards as applicable. The information provided here should not override any regulations and requirements set by local, state, federal, OEM, or any other ruling body.