The Importance of Inspecting a Webbing Sling
A webbing sling is an excellent option for lifting heavy objects. It’s easy to rig and durable. However, you should avoid shock-loading and protect the sling from sharp edges. You should also inspect it regularly for heat damage, cuts, and other potential problems.
A webbing sling is a flat belt strap, usually made from polyester, with fittings on each end. It’s often colour coded for capacity recognition.
They are lightweight
Webbing slings are a flexible alternative to wire rope slings and can be used for a variety of applications. They are lightweight and can be easily rigged to fit the shape of your load. These slings are also safer to use than other types of lifting equipment. However, they are not suitable for use in applications that require high tensile loads.
They are also much easier to handle and deploy, requiring smaller crews and providing savings in labor costs. They are also more flexible than other lifting slings, making them better suited for curved loads or uneven surfaces. The flexibility of webbing slings makes them perfect for construction projects, where they can be wrapped around odd-shaped loads and provide minimal damage to the product being lifted or lowered.
Polyester webbing is resistant to most regularly encountered chemicals with the exception of acids, strong alkalis and ethers. Elevated temperatures above 200 degrees F significantly reduce the rated capacity. It is also susceptible to UV degradation. This can be minimized by using protective sleeves.
Webbing slings are one of the most essential accessories for heavy lifts. They are available in a wide range of designs including flat eye and eyes, endless and bridle type slings. It is important to choose a quality product that meets all the requirements of your project. You should look for the manufacturer, grading, details on functioning and quality assurance.
They are easy to handle
Flat woven webbing slings, also known as belt slings, are a type of lifting equipment used in many different applications. They are made from a woven web of polyester or nylon and have eye loops on both ends. They can be manufactured in a wide range of lengths and widths. They are typically colour coded to make it easy for users to identify the rated working load limit.
Webbing slings are ideal for towing vehicles, such as cars, lorries and diggers. They can also be used for vehicle recovery or de-bogging, where the sling is pulled through holes or ruts to free stuck vehicles. Webbing slings are also frequently used in webbing sling rescue operations. For example, firefighters often drag injured people using a webbing sling.
When selecting a webbing sling, it’s important to consider its fabric type, rated load capacity, and configuration. Choosing the right fabric is critical for your application, as it will determine how your sling performs. For example, webbing slings made from polyester are unaffected by acids and bleaching agents but are not suitable for use in locations where concentrated sulfuric acid and alkaline are present. Similarly, nylon webbing slings are unaffected by grease and oil but can be damaged by chemicals in the form of solids, liquids or vapors.
It’s also important to follow safe operation procedures, including ensuring that the sling is properly rigged and does not exceed its rated load capacity. It’s also a good idea to keep the sling protected from sharp corners and abrasive surfaces. Also, avoid putting the sling under tension, as this can cause heat damage.
They are durable
Webbing slings are more flexible than other types of lifting equipment, making them ideal for wrapping around wide or odd-shaped loads. They also cause less damage on load surfaces than metal slings. They are often used as vehicle recovery belts to help drag vehicles out of ditches, mud, snow and sand. They can also be used to rescue injured firefighters in what is known as a webbing sling drag.
Polyester webbing slings are extremely durable, especially when they are protected from environmental conditions. They are UV resistant, tear resistant and can withstand a range of lengths, widths and temperature ranges. They can be equipped with a variety of end fittings, including s-hooks, snap hooks and J-hooks.
They are often used in the construction industry to lift tools and heavy materials, and can be attached to a basket hitch. They are also frequently used by shipping and transportation companies to secure cargo.
Webbing slings are very durable, but their durability can be compromised by improper use or exposure to harsh environmental conditions. It is important to monitor visible signs of wear, adhere to safe working load limits and protect your slings from the elements to extend their lifespan. These measures can also enhance operational safety and ensure you remain OSHA compliant. In addition, it is essential to provide proper training for employees on load estimation and sling usage.
They are easy to inspect
It is important to inspect webbing slings before use to ensure they are in good condition. This will help prevent catastrophic failures during a lift and protect the safety of workers. Tears and cuts should be inspected for as well as abrasions, which can weaken the fibers and increase the risk of failure during lifting. Damages should be repaired immediately before slings are returned to service.
Inspecting webbing slings is an easy task, but it’s essential to do so regularly and accurately. The sling should be marked with the manufacturer’s webbing sling name/mark, stock code, rated load, type of material, and number of legs (if applicable). Legs are usually nylon or polyester, but other synthetic materials such as Dyneema may perform better in specific environments, so consult the manufacturer or a qualified person for proper guidance.
Other signs of sling damage include melted areas, which can look similar to heat and chemical damage. Also check for twists in the sling, which can cause uneven distribution of load forces and reduce the capacity. Finally, check for moisture and contaminants, which can damage the sling’s fibers. If the sling is wet or dirty, it should be cleaned and thoroughly dried before use. It’s also important to record the inspection dates and findings. This will help you maintain compliance with the yearly inspection requirement.
