Removal From Service
A sling shall be removed from service if any of the following are visible:
- Missing or illegible sling identification
- Acid or alkalis burns
- Melting, charring or weld spatter on any part of the sling
- Holes, tears, cuts, snags or embedded particles
- Broken or worn stitching in load bearing splices
- Excessive abrasive wear
- Knots in any part of the sling
- Distortion, excessive abrasive wear
- Any conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of the sling
Operating Practices:
- Determine weight of the load. The weight of the load shall be within the rated capacity of the sling.
- Select sling having suitable characteristics for the type of load, hitch and environment.
- Slings shall not be loaded in excess of the rated capacity. Consideration shall be given to the sling to load angle, which affects rated capacity. (See load charts.)
- Slings with fittings, which are used as a choker hitch, shall be of sufficient length to ensure that the choking action is on the webbing and never on a fitting.
- Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent slippage.
- The opening in fittings shall be the proper shape and size to ensure that the fitting will seat properly in the hook or other attachments.
- Slings shall always be protected from being cut by corners, edges, protrusions or abrasive surfaces.
- Slings shall not be dragged on the floor or over an abrasive surface.
- Slings shall not be twisted or tied into knots or joined by knotting.
- Slings shall not be pulled from under loads if the load is resting on the sling.
- Do not drop slings equipped with metal fittings.
- Slings that appear to be damaged shall not be used unless inspected and accepted.
- The sling shall be hitched in a manner providing control of the load.
- Personnel, including portions of the human body, shall be kept from between the sling and the load, and from between the sling and the crane hook or hoist hook.
- Personnel shall stand clear of the suspended load.
- Personnel shall not ride the sling.
- Shock loading shall be avoided.
- Twisting and kinking the legs (branches) shall be avoided.
- Load applied to the hook shall be centered in the base (bowl) of hook to prevent point loading on the hook.
- During lifting, with or without the load, personnel shall be alert for possible snagging.
- The sling’s legs (branches) shall contain or support the load from the sides above the center of gravity when using basket hitch.
- Slings shall be long enough so that the rated capacity of the sling is adequate when the angle of the legs (branches) is taken into consideration (see load charts).
