LIFT & MOVE ENTERPRISE

SAFE USE OF POLYESTER WEBBING SLINGS

 

In addition to any specific instructions relating to the safe use of the webbing sling issued by the manufacturer, the following points should be observed:

​

(1)  The sling should be of adequate strength and length; never exceed the SWL for the particular mode of use. Care must also be taken to ensure the compatibility of any ancillary equipment used to sling the load, both in size and capacity. The angle in the eye of the webbing should never exceed 20° when in use.

​

(2)  Where more than one sling is used to lift the load, each sling should be adequate for the share of the load imposed on it taking into account the slinging method. Do not overcrowd the hook of the lifting appliance. It is good practice when using more than one sling to join them with a shackle before placing them onto the hook.

      

(3)  It should be noted that the various man-made fibres used to manufacture flat woven webbing slings have differing stretch and recovery rates and that the elongation of a sling is proportional to its length. This must be borne in mind in all arrangements using more than one sling. The slings should therefore be of the same material and account must be taken of this if they are of unequal length.

​

(4)  Webbing slings have very different stretch characteristics to those of chain or wire rope slings. Their use in parallel with chain or wire rope slings to form multi-leg assemblies should therefore be avoided as the unequal stretch of the legs can lead to load instability. However, this is not intended to preclude their use combined in series as a means of connecting a sling to the load which can be advantageous in some circumstances. For example, a webbing sling can be wrapped and choked onto a polished surface then hooked into a chain sling thus gaining the advantage of the webbing protecting an easily damaged surface combined with the adjustability of a chain sling.

​

(5)  Position slings correctly. Use packing protection for sharp edges and if protective sleeves are fitted, ensure they are correctly positioned to prevent cutting damage to the sling. Keep labels away from the load and the hook. Never place stitching over hooks or other fittings; always ensure the stitching, other than at a folded eye, is placed in the standing part of the sling.

​

(6)  Position the slings so that the loading is uniformly spread over their width. Duplex or multi-layer slings should always have fittings to ensure that the webbing is loaded evenly across their width. Webbing slings must not be twisted or crossed in use. Care must be taken when using narrow or thin slings due to their greater vulnerability to abrasion, cutting and twisting in use.

​

(7)  Position the bight for choke lift in the natural (120°) angle to avoid heat being generated by friction, which could cause damage. When loads are lifted in choke hitch or straight pull by slings with soft eyes, the eyes should be fitted with eye protection. Slings with terminal fittings should only be choke hitched around large diameter loads so that the terminal fitting does not cut into or distort the standing part of the webbing. Where small diameter loads are to be choke hitched, a sling with soft eyes should be selected.

​

(8)  Great care should be taken to avoid shock loading as it effectively increases the weight of a load and could result in the lifting equipment being grossly overloaded. Man-made fibres have varying elastic characteristics and, dependent on the material in use, permanent elongation may result.

 

(9)  When using slings in association with chemicals, ensure the sling material and that of the terminal fittings is suitable. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which may place limitations on the use of the sling. If any doubt exists, seek further advice.