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This information is of a general nature only covering the main points for the safe use of wire rope slings. It may be necessary to supplement this information for specific applications.

ALWAYS:

• Store and handle wire rope slings correctly.
• Inspect wire rope slings and accessories before use and before placing into storage.
• Follow safe slinging practices, as given overleaf.
• Fit slings carefully, protect them from sharp edges and position hooks to face outward from the load.
• Apply the correct mode factor for the slinging arrangement.
• Back hook free legs to the master link.

NEVER:

• Attempt to shorten, knot or tie wire rope slings.
• Force, hammer or wedge slings or their fittings into position.
• Lift on the point of the hook.
• Use wire rope slings in acidic conditions without consulting the supplier.
• Use wire rope slings at temperatures above 100°C or below minus 40°C without consulting the supplier.
• Shock load wire rope slings.

Selecting the Correct Sling

Wire rope slings are available in a range of sizes and assemblies, select the slings to be used and plan the lift taking the following into account:

Type of sling to be used - endless, single, two, three or four leg. Capacity - the sling must be both long enough and strong enough for the load and the slinging method.

Apply the mode factor for the slinging method.

For use at temperatures exceeding 100°C or below minus 40°C refer to the suppliers instructions.

Where slings may come into contact with acids or chemicals consult the supplier.
In the case of multi-leg slings the angle between the legs should not be less than 30° or exceed the maximum marked.

Multi-leg slings exert a gripping force on the load which must be taken into account, this increases as the angle between the legs increases.

Due to the possibility of sparking, the use of aluminum is restricted in certain classified atmospheres, so ensure the ferrule is suitable for such conditions.

Storing and Handling Wire Rope Slings
Never return damaged or contaminated slings to storage. They should be dry, clean and protected from corrosion.

Store wire rope slings on a rack and not lying on the ground. The storage area should be dry and free of any contaminates which may harm the sling.

Do not alter, modify or repair a wire rope sling but refer such
matters to a Competent Person.

Using Wire Rope Slings Safely
Do not attempt lifting operations unless you understand the use of the equipment, the slinging procedures and the mode factors to be applied.

Do not use defective slings or accessories.

Do not force, hammer or wedge slings or fittings into position. They must fit freely. Check to ensure correct engagement of fittings and appliances.

Position hooks of multi-leg slings facing outward from the load.

Do not lift on the point of a hook.

Ensure that the wire rope is not twisted or knotted.

Ensure the effective diameter of pins, hooks etc upon which soft eyes fit is at least 2 x the wire rope diameter.

Position the splices of endless slings in the standing part of the sling away from hooks and fittings.

Never join wire rope slings made from different lays of rope together as this will cause them to un-lay thus seriously affecting their capacity.

Back hook free legs to the masterlink to avoid lashing legs which might accidentally become engaged or otherwise become a hazard.

Take the load steadily and avoid shock loads.

Do not leave suspended loads unattended. In an emergency cordon off the area.

In-service Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance requirements are minimal. Keep wire rope slings clean and protect from corrosion. Use non-acidic lubricants Regularly inspect wire rope slings and, in the event of the following defects, refer the sling to a Competent Person for thorough examination: illegible markings; distorted, worn or damaged fittings; broken or cut wires; kinks; protrusion of core; corrosion; heat damage or discolouration; signs of movement at splices and ferrules; any other visible defect to the wire rope, thimbles or fittings.

GENERAL PURPOSE SLINGING PRACTICE

This information is of a general nature only covering the main points for the safe use of various types of slings for general lifting purposes.

ALWAYS:

• Plan the lift, establish the weight of the load and prepare the landing area ensuring that it will take the weight.
• Check slings and equipment are free of damage, use slings/slinging methods suitable for the load and protect slings from sharp edges and corners.
• Attach the sling securely to the load and appliance and position hooks to face outwards.
• Ensure the load is balanced and will not tilt or fall.
• Keep fingers, toes etc clear when tensioning slings and when landing loads.
• Ensure that the load is free to be lifted.
• Make a trial lift and trial lower.

NEVER:

• Use damaged slings or accessories.
• Twist, knot or tie slings.
• Hammer slings into position.
• Overload slings due to the weight of the load or the mode of use.
• Trap slings when landing the load.
• Drag slings over floors etc or attempt to pull trapped slings from under loads.
• Allow personnel to ride on loads.

Sling Configurations and Rating

Slings are available in single, two, three and four leg or endless form. In practice it will be found that chain, wire rope and fiber rope slings are available in any of these configurations but that flat woven webbing is limited to single leg and endless whilst roundslings are only supplied in endless form. The maximum load that a sling may lift in use will be governed by the slinging arrangement (mode of use) and may vary from the marked WLL. In the case of textile slings the WLL for the various modes of use
is usually given on the information label. In other cases it is necessary to multiply the marked WLL by a mode factor.

The following three simple rules will ensure that the sling is not overloaded. In some cases this will mean that the sling will be under utilised although this is unlikely to hinder the user unduly. Where the maximum utilisation is required reference should be made to a Competent Person who understands the factors involved and who can perform the necessary calculations.

1. For straight lift never exceed the marked WLL and in the case of multi-leg slings the specified angle or range of angles.
2. When using slings in choke hitch multiply the marked WLL by 0.8 to obtain the reduced maximum load the sling may lift ie reduce the safe working load by 20%.
3. With multi-leg slings, when using less than the full number of legs, reduce the maximum load in proportion to the number of legs in use. Simply multiply the marked WLL by the number of legs in use expressed as a fraction of the total thus: one leg of a two leg sling = ½ marked WLL, three legs of a four leg sling = ¾ marked WLL and so on.

Operative Training
Slings should only be used by trained operatives who understand the methods of rating and application of mode factors.

Safe use of Slings

• Good slinging practice must ensure that the load is as safe and secure in the air as it was on the ground and that no harm is done to the load, lifting quipment, other property or persons.
• Establish the weight of the load, ensure the lifting method is suitable and inspect the sling and attachments for obvious defects. Prepare the landing area making sure the floor is strong enough to take the load. Follow any specific instructions from the supplier.
• Ensure the lifting point is over the center of gravity. Any loose parts of the load should be removed or secured. Secure the sling firmly to the load by hooks onto lifting points or shackles etc. The sling must not be twisted, knotted or kinked in any way.
• Use packing to prevent damage to the sling from corners or edges and to protect the load.
• Do not exceed the WLL or rated angle. Any choke angle must not exceed 120° and any basket 90°.
• Do not hammer, force or wedge slings or accessories into position; they must fit freely.
• When attaching more than one sling to the hook of the appliance use a shackle to join the slings and avoid overcrowding the hook.
• Use an established code of signals to instruct the crane driver.
• Ensure the load is free to be lifted and not, for example, bolted down.
• Check that there are no overhead obstacles such as power lines.
• Keep fingers, toes etc clear ensuring they do not become trapped when lifting, lowering or controlling loads.
• Make a trial lift by raising the load a little to ensure it is balanced, stable and secure and if not lower it and adjust the slinging arrangement.
• Where appropriate use tag lines to control the load.
• Except where special provision is made, do not allow anyone to pass under or ride upon the load. The area should be kept clear.
• Make a trial set down, ensure the sling will not become trapped and the load will not tip when the slings are released. Use supports which are strong enough to sustain the load without crushing.
• Never drag slings over floors etc or attempt to drag a trapped sling from under a load.
• Never use a sling to drag a load.
• Place the hooks of free legs back onto the master link and take care to ensure that empty hooks do not become accidentally engaged.
• Never use slings in contact with chemicals or heat without the manufacturer’s approval.
• Never use damaged or contaminated slings.
• On c o m p l e t i o n of the lift return all equipment to proper storage.