Criteria for rejecting textile slings

Inspection, maintenance, examination and repair

Before each use, inspect the roundsling/webbing sling for defects and ensure the identification and specifications are correct. Never use an unidentified or defective sling. Instead, refer it to a competent person for examination.

During use, frequently check for defects or damage, including damage concealed by soiling, which might affect the sling's continued safe use. These checks should also include any fittings and lifting accessories associated with the sling. If there is any doubt about the sling's fitness for use, or if any required markings have been lost or become illegible, remove the sling from service for examination by a competent person.

Examination periods should be determined by a competent person, considering the application, environment, frequency of use, and similar factors. However, slings should be visually examined at least annually by a competent person to establish their fitness for continued use.

1. Maintain records of such examinations.
2. Any damage evident in the cover indicates potential damage to the load-bearing core.
3. Withdraw damaged slings from service.

 Warning! Never attempt to repair slings yourself! Round slings should not be stored in direct sunlight or near sources of ultraviolet radiation.

Examples of conditions likely to affect continued safe use:

• Surface Chafe: In normal use, some chafing will occur to the surface fibers of the cover. This is normal and has little effect, but as it progresses, some loss of strength can be expected. Any substantial chafe, particularly localized, should be viewed critically.
• Local Abrasion: Distinct from general wear, local abrasion can be caused by sharp edges while the sling is under tension, leading to cuts in the cover and/or significant loss of strength.
• Cuts in the Cover: Cross or longitudinal cuts, or any damage to the stitching, raise serious doubts about the integrity of the core. Exposed core indicates potential damage.
• Cuts on the Strap: Cross or longitudinal cuts, rubs on edges, cuts through seams or eyes.
• Chemical Attack: Results in local weakening and softening of the material, indicated by flaking of the cover surface which may be plucked or rubbed off.
• Heat or Friction Damage: Indicated by the fibers of the cover material taking on a glazed appearance, and in extreme cases, fusion of the fibers can occur, indicating a weakening of the core.
• Damaged or Deformed Fittings: Any damage or deformation to fittings should be addressed immediately.