Lifting Slings Explained
Lifting slings are a given in any rigging operation, but they’re not always explained or understood. They’re not just used to lift loads but also to safeguard the load from damage during lifting.
When selecting a sling you must consider many factors; the load weight and centre of gravity, slinging configuration, working load limit and ambient conditions. We’ll look at the most common sling types; alloy chain slings and synthetic webbing slings.
Strength
A wire rope, chain, synthetic, or webbing sling is used to assist with lifting, balancing and distributing loads. These slings are usually fitted with metal slinging devices like hooks, shackles, links or rings. They can also have a specific capacity specification. Different configurations of these slings will offer various benefits for specific applications such as abrasion resistance, flexibility or strength.
Alloy chain slings are among the strongest and most durable types of lifting slings available. They can withstand extreme temperatures, collisions and chemical exposure. They are also a good choice for applications with sharp and rigid corners that could damage other types of slings.
These slings can be configured to fit almost any rigging application and are relatively inexpensive. They are available in a variety of widths, lengths and plies. Some can be equipped with built-in wear pads for added abrasion resistance. They are often colour-coded in accordance with their rated working load limit.
Regular maintenance of webbing lifting slings will help to prolong their lifespan. It is essential to inspect them for signs of wear and tear and identify any faulty webbing or hardware before use. Slings that are damaged to the point where they expose their core should be discarded immediately. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) advises users to discard any slings that show broken wires, severe locational bruising or evidence of heat damage.
Durability
In addition to being able to handle heavy loads, the lifting slings best lifting slings are also designed for repeated use and tough environments. They can withstand impact, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. They are designed to last for a long time, but they need to be inspected regularly for signs of wear. Any damaged sling should be immediately discarded and replaced.
A versatile option, synthetic web slings are used to lift various types of objects such as bulky generators and tanks. They can also protect fragile or delicate items from getting scratched during a lift. They can also be used to transport heavy items around a construction site.
Before choosing a sling, it is important to know as much detail about the load as possible. This includes the weight, centre of gravity, the number of attachment points for a balanced lift, the angle of the lift and any ambient conditions. This information should be communicated or collected to ensure the correct sling type is chosen for the job.
Alloy chain slings are one of the most durable lifting solutions on the market. They are ideal for use with hoists and provide flexibility to handle a Lifting Slings Manufacturer variety of lifting movements. They can withstand impact and are resistant to chemicals, UV rays and other environmental factors. They are available in a wide range of sizes with capacities up to 1 metric tonne.
Flexibility
The flexibility of lifting slings makes it easy to use them for heavy loads that are difficult or impossible to move manually. They can be used in a variety of ways to connect the load to the hoist or crane, and they are available in many configurations to suit specific applications.
The slings are made of lightweight materials such as synthetic polyester, which make them easy to transport between work sites. They are also suitable for handling fragile or soft loads, as they will not scratch or crush them. These slings are also able to resist acidic and alkaline environments, which is ideal for chemical applications.
Slings can be adapted to almost any type of rigging application, including single-leg, two-leg and multi-leg synthetic bridle assemblies, as well as direct, choker and basket hitches. They are a popular choice in construction and other general industries due to their strength, flexibility, kinking resistance and fatigue resistance. Their flexible design means that they can be manipulated to meet the needs of a particular lift, and are able to handle a wide range of bending stresses.
However, it is important to keep in mind that they are only suitable for loads up to their working load limit. They should be checked carefully before each use, and they must be withdrawn from service if they show signs of permanent elongation exceeding 5% or if they are damaged in other ways.
Safety
Slings are used by a variety of industries. Anyone that is responsible for handling or moving materials, products and structures should be familiar with the sling selection process, safe use procedures and hazards associated with the equipment.
All slings need to be inspected regularly, especially prior to each lift. The inspection should include a visual check for snags, breaks, frays or stretched sections. It’s also vital to ensure the rated capacity has not been exceeded. Damaged slings are not safe to use and should be destroyed or returned to the manufacturer for repair.
It’s important to note that slings should never be shortened with knots, bolts or makeshift devices. In addition, they should never be exposed to extreme temperatures. This can cause them to lose their strength and durability.
Choosing the right sling for your environment depends on many factors including load type, weight and lifting frequency. It’s also crucial to consider the environment where you’re working and the sling’s potential exposure to chemicals. For example, polyester has acid resistance, while nylon is resistant to bleaching agents and oil. If you’re unsure which type of sling is best for your needs, speak to one of our specialist sales team who can guide you. They’re always on hand to help!