24 Mar Inspection And Use Of Slings

Inspection And Use Of Slings

Equipment Hazards 

Each day before being used, all slings, fastenings and attachments must be inspected for damage or defects. Any damaged or defective sling must be immediately removed from service. Some general safe operating practices for slings of all types are:

• Slings, which are damaged or defective, shall not be used.

• Slings shall not be shortened with knots, bolts or other makeshift devices.

• Sling legs shall not be kinked.

• Slings shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacities.

• Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent slippage.

• Slings shall be securely attached to their loads.

• Slings shall be padded or protected from all sharp edges of their loads.

• Suspended loads shall be kept clear of all obstructions.

• All persons shall be kept clear of suspended loads or those about to be lifted.

• Hands or fingers shall not be placed between the sling and its load while the sling is being tightened around the load.

• Shock loading is prohibited.

• A sling shall not be pulled from under a load when the load is resting on the sling.

Synthetic web slings shall be removed from service if one or more of the following conditions are present:

• Acid or caustic burns; melting or charring of any part of the sling surface.

• Snags, punctures, tears or cuts.

• Broken or worn stitches.

• Distortion of fittings.