70 Years of Lifting & Rigging Excellence Click here to view our commemorative video!

4-3 | Basic Inspection Criteria

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.

Synthetic Roundsling Basic Inspection Criteria

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


LiftingU: 1

Missing or illegible sling identification


LiftingU: 2

Acid or caustic burns


LiftingU: 3

Evidence of heat damage


LiftingU: 4

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


LiftingU: 5

Broken or damaged core yarns


LiftingU: 6

Weld splatter that exposes core yarns


LiftingU: 7

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


LiftingU: 8

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


LiftingU: 9

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


LiftingU: 10

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


LiftingU: 11

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


LiftingU: 12

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

Lesson tags: synthetic roundsling inspection criteria