Slings require regular inspections for safe use

Slings are critical for keeping loads on overhead cranes attached, steady and balanced. The safe use of lifting attachments requires regular inspections to make sure they are working properly, and an identification tag can help you keep track of the equipment and their inspection information.

 

OSHA 1910.184(d) and (e)(3) Sling Inspections
The following excerpt is taken directly from OSHA 1910.184*

Inspections 

• Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings shall be immediately removed from service.
• In addition to the inspection required by paragraph (d) of this section, a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use shall be made on a regular basis, to be determined on the basis of (A) frequency of sling use; (B) severity of service conditions; (C) nature of lifts being made; and (D) experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar circumstances. Such inspections shall in no event be at intervals greater than once every 12 months.
• The employer shall make and maintain a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, and shall make such record available for examination. 
• The thorough inspection of alloy steel chain slings shall be performed by a competent person designated by the employer, and shall include a thorough inspection for wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length. Where such defects or deterioration are present, the sling shall be immediately removed from service.

 

Konecranes inspectors and technicians can inspect the slings and other rigging equipment in your facility to determine if it meets OSHA standards. The Konecranes Slings and Accessories Inspection checks non-maintainable load lifting attachments and accessories to identify deficiencies and deviations from local statutory safety and health regulations. The inspection service utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to record load lifting attachment inspection data and a smartphone app to help quickly and reliably identify attachments.

 

 

*The foregoing OSHA regulations are not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all applicable regulations pertaining to the designated topic. State laws may mandate different safety and maintenance standards. Accordingly, please consult applicable state laws as well as original equipment manufacturer specifications for further guidance. The statements and descriptions contained herein constitute the opinion/recommendation of the seller and are not intended to create any express warranties.

Wire Rope Sling Inspection Criteria

Wire Rope Sling Inspection

A specific procedure for sling inspection is the best safeguard against injury, death and property damage. It is important that you employ a three stage level of inspection to ensure that slings are inspected with appropriate frequency. It is also important that all inspections must be done by trained and qualified personnel.

To detect possible damage, you should perform a visual inspection of the entire sling by making all parts of the sling readily visible. If necessary, remove dirt and grime so wires and components are visible. Look for any of the conditions listed in the Removal from Service Criteria. The following example depict some of the types of damage, but note that they are relatively extreme examples provided for illustration purposes only.

If you identify ANY of these types of damage, remove slings from service immediately, even if the damage you see is not as extensive as shown. Slings that are removed from service must be destroyed and rendered completely unusable. Never ignore sling damage or attempt to perform temporary field repairs of damaged slings. It is very important that slings are regularly and properly inspected. If you are not sure whether or not a sling is damaged, DO NOT USE IT.

 

Sling Tag Requirements

Identification Requirements- ASME B30-9, Section 9-2.7.1 states: Each sling shall be marked to show:

1. Name or trademark of manufacturer.
2. Rated load for at least one hitch and the angle
   upon which it is based.
3. Diameter or size.
4. Number of legs, if more than one..

Sling identification should be maintained during the life of the sling by the sling user.

Wire Rope Sling Removal From Service Criteria

 Do not inspect Wire Rope slings by passing bare hands over the wire rope body. Broken wires, if present, may puncture hands.

Slings shall be inspected throughout their entire length for evidence of damage. Wire Rope Slings shall be removed from service if any of the following is visible:

1. A)  Missing or Illegible Sling Tag.
2. B)  Broken Wires

   

For cable-laid slings: 20 broken wires per lay.

 

For 6 part braided slings: 20 broken wires per braid.

 

For eight part braided slings: 40 broken wires per braid.

Either the broken wire or broken strand count shall apply separately to the one braid length or one lay length in cable-laid slings.

 

1. C)  Severe localized abrasion and scraping.
2. D)  Kinking, crushing, birdcaging or any other damage resulting in damage to the rope structure.
3. E)  Evidence of heat damage, usually manifested by metallic discoloration or the presence of internal lubricant.
4. F)  End attachments that are cracked, deformed or worn to the extent that the strength of the sling is substantially affected.
5. G)  Severe corrosion of the rope, end attachments or fittings.
6. H)  For hooks, removal criteria, as stated in ASME B30.10.
7. I)  For other applicable hardware, removal criteria as stated in ASME B20.36.
8. J)  Other conditions, including visible damage that cause doubt as to the continued use of the sling.
   
   

Sling Damage Examples

 If you identify ANY of these types of damage in a sling, remove it from service immediately, even if the damage is not as extensive as shown. Slings that are removed from service must be destroyed and rendered completely unusable. Never ignore sling damage or attempt to perform temporary field repairs of damaged slings. It is very important that slings are regularly and properly inspected. If you are not sure whether or not a sling is damaged, DO NOT USE IT.

 

Wire Rope Sling Considerations

Follow OSHA, ASME, Association, Industry and Manufacturer Guidelines. Be sure to read and understand the following information relative to proper sling usage:

Lift-Planning & Evaluation

Purchase & Use Considerations

Repair and Testing

Hitches, Angles and Tension

Sling Care and Storage

Sling Training

Sling Protection

Rigging & Hitch Information

Mechanical Considerations

Sling Inspection Systems