4-3 | Basic Inspection Criteria

<p>A key factor when inspecting synthetic roundslings is being able to identify a potential issue and taking action on it before the sling is connected to any rigging hardware. A small cut, burn, tear or hole in a synthetic roundsling can compromise the strength and lifting capabilities of the sling when under load, and therefore the sling must be removed from service immediately. </p>

person Mike Close

event August 18, 2026

A key factor when inspecting synthetic roundslings is being able to identify a potential issue and taking action on it before the sling is connected to any rigging hardware. A small cut, burn, tear or hole in a synthetic roundsling can compromise the strength and lifting capabilities of the sling when under load, and therefore the sling must be removed from service immediately.

If there is any doubt as to the condition of the synthetic roundsling prior to use, it needs to be removed from service and replaced.

Hands holding purple fabric sling at waist level; yellow sling shown separately on right side

If during any point of the inspection the following is observed, the roundsling should be removed from service and be discarded:

White number 1 centered on a bright red square background

Missing or illegible sling identification

White number 2 centered on a bright red square background

Acid or caustic burns

White number 3 centered on a bright red square background

Evidence of heat damage

White number 4 centered on a bright red square background

Holes, tears, cuts, abrasive wear or snags that expose the core yarns

White number 5 centered on a bright red square background

Broken or damaged core yarns

White number 6 centered on a bright red square background

Weld splatter that exposes core yarns

Large white number 7 centered on a bright red square background

Knots in the roundsling, except for core yarn knots inside the cover installed by the manufacturer during the fabrication process

Large white number 8 centered on a bright red square background

Fittings that are pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or broken

Large white number 9 centered on a bright red square background

Discoloration and brittle or stiff areas on any part of the slings, which may indicate chemical or other damage

For hooks, removal criteria as stated in ASME B30.10

Large white number 11 centered on a bright red square background

For rigging hardware, removal criteria as stated in ASME B30.26

Large white number 12 centered on a bright red square background

Other conditions, including visible damage, that cause doubt to the continued use of the sling

Lesson tags: synthetic roundsling inspection criteria