6-4 | Basic Inspection Criteria
<p>The goal of a sling inspection is to evaluate remaining strength in a sling which has been used previously to determine if it is suitable for continued use. When inspecting metal mesh slings, daily visual inspections are intended to detect serious damage or deterioration which would weaken the strength and integrity of the sling.</p>
Mike Close
August 18, 2026
The goal of a sling inspection is to evaluate remaining strength in a sling which has been used previously to determine if it is suitable for continued use. When inspecting metal mesh slings, daily visual inspections are intended to detect serious damage or deterioration which would weaken the strength and integrity of the sling.
If during any point of the inspection the following is observed, the metal mesh sling should be removed from service and be discarded, according to ASME B30.9 standards:
Missing or illegible sling identification
Broken weld or a broken brazed joint along the sling edge
Broken wire in any part of the mesh
Reduction in wire diameter of 25% due to abrasion or 15% due to corrosion
Lack of flexibility due to distortion of the mesh
Distortion of the choker fitting so the depth of the slot is increased by more than 10%
Distortion of either end fitting so the width of the eye opening is decreased by more than 10%
15% reduction of the original cross-sectional area of any point around the hook opening of the end fitting
Visible distortion of either end fitting out if its plane
Slings in which the spirals are locked or without free articulation shall not be used
Cracked end fittings, or fittings that are pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or broken
