What Does
Lifting Slings Mean?
A lifting sling consists of cable, chain, rope or webbing and is used in conjunction with a lift or crane in order to facilitate lifting and balance the load. Slings generally include metal slinging devices in the form of hooks, shackles, links or rings. The capacity specifications for lifting slings vary depending on the application for which they were designed. Various types of slings are described according to their type, working load limit (WLL), length of the sling leg and slinging mode.
Safeopedia Explains Lifting Slings
Extreme caution should be exercised in processes where lifts and slings are employed to move materials from one place to another. Operator training is essential and regular sling inspection should be conducted in order to avert accidents. OSHA specifies specific standards for lifting slings and prescribes various inspection criteria depending on the material used and the type of sling.
Generally speaking, any form of damage to a sling means that it should no longer be used. OSHA requires that all slings should be permanently marked with their load capacity and employees may not exceed the load capacity of a sling. Lifting slings must be inspected before use on a daily basis.