Explaining Mazzella’s Synthetic Roundslings Color System
Color-coding systems for synthetic roundslings are not universal. Our article looks at how color-coding systems for roundslings differ throughout the industry. We will also discuss the importance of checking your sling tags and not relying too much on sling colors for your operations.
We often get tasked with the following assignment:
“We need 12 purple roundslings, three orange roundslings, and five green roundslings at our facility by next week.”
The problem: not all synthetic roundslings are created equal, and one manufacturer’s purple roundsling can be another company’s grey roundsling.

Many people in our industry do not know that the color-coding systems for synthetic roundslings are not universal.
Synthetic roundslings have grown in popularity for their versatility and affordability. Consequently, our lifting and rigging experts get asked, “What is Mazzella’s color coding system for synthetic roundslings? How does it differ from other company’s color-coding systems?”
Mazzella has been a leader in selling synthetic polyester roundslings to organizations across the country, and we know that keeping up with color-coding systems can be an irritating task.
With the help of Mazzella’s lifting and rigging experts, our article will examine Mazzella’s color system, and how color-coding systems for roundslings differ throughout the industry. We will also discuss the importance of checking your sling tags and not relying too much on sling colors for your operations.
What are Synthetic Roundslings?

Synthetic roundslings are a polyester-based lifting sling that can be used in a vertical, choker, or basket hitch configuration.
They are growing evermore popular in the construction industry, thanks to their light weight, versatility, and ease of storage. And unlike synthetic web slings, high-performance roundslings can be repaired if the jacket is damaged.
You can find synthetic roundslings in manufacturing shops, construction sites, chemical plants, warehouses, and power generation facilities.
Conversely, you will want to avoid using them in high temperature environments, like steel mills, as the excess heat will cause the fibers to melt. While they can be used outdoors, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays will affect the sling’s integrity.
Why are Synthetic Roundslings Color-Coded?

The colors of a roundsling are far from an aesthetic choice. Because of their wide capacity range, the color-coding system was designed so workers could quickly determine what sling they needed.
Just by glancing at the jacket’s color, workers could tell the sling’s capacity in any configuration: a vertical, choker, or basket configuration.
What is Mazzella’s Color-Coding System?
Depending on the type of hitch, the working load limit for standard Mazzella synthetic roundslings can range from 2,120 lbs. to 62,000 lbs. This is a wide range, and our color system reflects that.
Our system has 12 colors:

Do Synthetic Roundslings Need Tags?
Per ASME B30.9, each synthetic roundsling shall be marked by the manufacturer to include:
- Name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs
- Manufacturer’s code or stock number
- Rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based
- Core material
- Cover material, if different from core material
- Number of legs, if more than one (NOTE: this may come in the form of a secondary tag attached to a master link

Contact Your Roundsling Manufacturer
It’s good practice to contact your roundsling manufacturer if you have questions about their color system. Also, some companies could change their color system over time, so make sure to reach out to them periodically to stay on top of changes.
Roundsling colors systems are not standardized across the industry and should not be relied upon solely for ordering or reordering. You need to be prepared to provide the capacity (working load limit) required for your application so the manufacturer can verify which roundsling is right for you.
Color coding systems can also vary depending on the country you live in. For example, the European Union’s color-coding system says that any roundsling over a 25,000 lb. capacity must be orange.
Consider Your Color-Blind Workers
Medical institutions estimate that around 12 million Americans are color blind—roughly 3-4% of the country’s population. There’s a chance one of those color-blind Americans works at your construction site or on your shop floor.
Let’s say you have a worker that is color blind, but you don’t know. You may ask them to hook a load with a red sling rated at 13,200 lbs. capacity, and they might grab a purple roundsling only rated for 2,600 lbs. This not only puts your load at risk of catastrophic failure, but it also puts your workers’ lives at risk.
Color blindness, like other medical conditions, is on a spectrum. Many people go years (even decades) without knowing they are color blind. If you work in an environment that uses multiple roundsling colors, ask your workers if they are color blind, and direct them to reference the sling’s tag rather than the jacket color.

Are Synthetic Roundslings Right for You?
Synthetic roundslings are an exceptional lifting sling. They’re lightweight, durable, and can be used in multiple hitch orientations, making them a great fit for multiple industries. The flexibility of roundslings provides multiple bearing points when compared to eye and eye flat web slings, resulting in more versatility.
If you work in construction or general manufacturing, roundslings will be great for you. Conversely, people working in high heat and high UV environments may want to choose a wire rope sling or an alloy chain sling, as the fibers of a roundsling will melt.
Plus, no matter what color your roundsling is, pairing it with cut or abrasion protection will help extend its lifespan and keep workers safe.
We also understand there is growing confusion throughout the industry on color-coding. We hope this article, while explaining our own coloring system, answered some questions you have on color-coding practices.
A color-coding system has been a great way for workers to quickly identify a sling’s working load limit. But as they grow more popular, it’s important for people to get in the habit of checking the tags rather than just the jacket color.
If you would like to learn more about synthetic roundslings, download our Lifting Slings Types & Terms E-Book, which covers the popular lifting sling varieties and their capabilities. Contact one of our Lifting Specialist as well.

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