How to Inspect a Synthetic Roundsling to ASME B30.9 Standards

The most basic, yet essential, part of using a synthetic roundsling is inspecting it prior to each use.

When using a synthetic roundsling at a job site, it is imperative that it is properly inspected in accordance with ASME B30.9 Slings standard prior to being put into service. At Mazzella, we employ a team that is highly-trained and qualified to perform sling inspections and sling repair. Our goal is to help all of our customers understand what is required for their lifting and rigging equipment to meet ASME standards—which will help to ensure the safety of the user, help extend the life of the equipment, and help to reduce unnecessary equipment repair costs and costly down time.

Synthetic Roundsling Inspection

The most basic, yet essential, part of using a synthetic roundsling is properly inspecting it prior to each use. Properly inspecting your synthetic roundsling will confirm that the equipment is in proper working condition, and that the correct synthetic roundsling is being used for the specific job requirements.

During the life of a synthetic roundsling, three major inspections need to occur:

Initial Inspection (Prior to initial use) – Upon receiving your synthetic roundsling from the manufacturer, double-check the sling tag to make sure that it is what you ordered and that its rated capacity meets all of your project specifications and lifting requirements.

Frequent Inspection (Each day or prior to use) – Prior to each shift or prior to a change in lifting application, the user or other designated personnel should check for the following two things:

  • Locate the sling tag and confirm it is intact, legible, and that all of the sling tag specifications meet the current job’s lifting requirements.
  • Inspect the synthetic roundsling itself for any damage, irregularities, or signs of wear-and-tear.

Periodic Inspection – These inspections are performed by either a professional service provider, or by a trained or qualified person. Best practice is to inspect and document each sling during your periodic inspection. Frequency of use, severity of service conditions, and experience gain on service life of synthetic roundslings used in similar applications are determining factors in scheduling the frequency of periodic inspection, with at least one inspection performed at a minimum of every 12 months—monthly to quarterly inspections in more severe service conditions. ASME provides the following guidelines for periodic inspection based on sling service:

  • Normal Service – Yearly
  • Severe Service – Monthly to Quarterly
  • Special Service – As recommended by a qualified person

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ASME B30.9 Synthetic Roundsling Inspection Standards – Removal from Service

How to Inspect a Synthetic Roundsling to ASME B30.9 Standards: Synthetic Roundsling Inspection

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.

The following ASME B30.9 synthetic roundsling inspection standards require immediate removal from service for any synthetic roundsling with any of the following visible occurrences:

  • Missing or illegible sling identification
  • Acid or caustic burns
  • Evidence of heat damage
  • Holes, tears, cuts, abrasive wear or snags that expose the core yarns
  • Broken or damaged core yarns
  • Weld splatter that exposes core yarns
  • Discoloration and brittle or stiff areas on any part of the slings, which may mean chemical or other damage

**If there are any signs of damage to the synthetic roundsling including any evidence of the following, immediately remove the sling from service:

  • Missing or illegible sling identification
  • Heat damage
  • Knots
  • Fittings that are pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or broken
  • Other conditions, including visible damage, that cause doubt as to the continued use of the sling

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use, repair, or replacement of your synthetic roundsling, contact the manufacturer for their recommendation.**

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to help extend the life of a synthetic roundsling, and help to ensure that it stays in service, is to properly maintain it during and in-between each use. Take care of your gear and your gear will take care of you—it’s that simple.

Here are some best practices to keep your synthetic roundslings in great condition:

  • Keep your synthetic roundslings off of the ground and store them in a cool, dry, and dark environment.
  • Avoid continued exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures and store them away from direct sunlight and UV exposure to prevent loss of strength.
  • Keep your synthetic roundslings clean. Continual exposure to dust, dirt, and moisture can degrade the materials over time and shorten the life expectancy of the product.
  • Do not store your synthetic roundslings in a chemically active environment. Chemically active environments can affect the strength of the polyester synthetic roundslings in varying degrees, ranging from little to total degradation. Consult your synthetic roundsling manufacturer before using your synthetic roundslings in a chemically active environment.
  • Synthetic roundslings should not be used at temperatures in excess of 194° F / 90° C, or at temperatures below -40°F / -40° C.
  • Use edge protection or barriers to prevent cutting of the polyester jacket and yarn core when lifting materials with edges.
  • Always contact your synthetic roundsling manufacturer with any questions or concerns about maintaining, storing, and protecting your synthetic roundsling equipment.

Proper inspection of your synthetic roundslings for damage or irregularities, prior to each use, is the best way to help keep everybody on the job site safe. Keep in mind that you’re planning to lift valuable and expensive equipment, and if a failure were to occur, it would not only cause unnecessary equipment repair costs and costly down time, but also potentially jeopardize the lives of workers on site.

If you have any questions or concerns about the condition, usage, repair, or replacement of your synthetic roundslings, or would like to schedule a time for our team to come out and perform an annual sling inspection for ASME compliance, please contact a Lifting Specialist at a location near you.


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OSHA 1910.184, ASME B30.9, B30.20, B30.26, & ANSI Z359 require periodic, documented inspections on slings, rigging hardware, lifting devices, and fall protection every 12 months, at minimum, and monthly to quarterly in more severe service conditions.

Call us at 800.362.4601 or click here if you need inspections for slings, rigging hardware, lifting devices, or fall protection!

Copyright 2017. Mazzella Companies.

Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.