SLINGS

WIRE ROPE

WIRE ROPE SLING INSPECTION AND REMOVAL CRITERIA

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Both ANSI Standard B30.9 and OSHA require that wire

(1)  First, it is necessary that all parts of the sling are read 

rope slings receive two types of inspections: a DAILY visu 

ily visible.  The sling should be laid out so every part is

al inspection, and additional inspections where service

accessible.

conditions warrant.

(2)  Next, the sling should be sufficiently cleaned of dirt

Daily visual inspections are intended to detect serious

and grease so wires and fittings are easily seen.  This can

damage or deterioration which would weaken the sling.

usually be accomplished with wire brush or rags.

This inspection is usually performed by the person using

the sling in a day to day job.  He should look for obvious

(3)  The sling should then be given a thorough, systematic

things, such as broken wires, kinks, crushing, broken

examination throughout it's entire length, paying particular

attachments, severe corrosion, etc.

attention to sections showing the most wear.

Additional inspections should be performed at regular

(4)  Special attention should also be paid to fittings and

intervals based on, (1) frequency of sling use, (2) severity

end attachments and areas of the sling adjacent to these

of service conditions, (3) nature of lifts, and (4) prior expe 

fittings.

rience based on service life of slings used in similar cir 

cumstances.

(5)  When the worst section of a sling has been located, 

this area should then be carefully checked against the

It is required that these additional inspections be carried

OSHA criteria.

out by a designated person who much have good knowl 

edge of wire rope.  An accurate WRITTEN and dated

(6)  Label or identify slings that are inspected.

record of all conditions observed should be kept.  Any

deterioration of the sling which could result in appreciable

(7)  Keep records of inspections that include dates and

loss of original strength should be carefully noted, and

corresponding conditions of slings.

determination made on whether further use would consti 

tute a safety hazard.

(8)  Dispose immediately of slings that are rejected.

HOW TO INSPECT

A knowledgeable inspector will also insist on proper stor 

age for out of use slings  to make his job easier if not for

Precisely how to make proper, adequate inspections is not

the good of the slings.  Inspections are much easier  and

detailed by OSHA  yet it is in the HOW of inspection that

probably more thorough  when slings are available for

the big difference between a good inspection and some 

inspection in an orderly arrangement, out of the weather,

thing less become apparent.

away from heat and dirt.

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