The safety of the webbing sling is directly related to the life safety of the operator and the surrounding people. Use of damaged or non-compliant webbing slings may cause cargo to accidentally fall, resulting in serious injury or death. A sling may be deemed no longer usable or must be removed from service under several circumstances, principally pertaining to visible damage or degradation that could compromise its integrity and safety. Here’s a list of situations that necessitate the discontinuation of a sling’s use.
Abrasion or Wear
Excessive wearing on the sling, particularly on the load-bearing surfaces, that might weaken the fabric or webbing.
Cuts or Tears
Any cuts, tears or snags in the fabric of the sling can significantly reduce its strength.
Broken or Worn Stitching
Compromised stitching, including broken or worn threads that affect the sling’s capacity to safely carry loads.
Deformation
If any components, such as metal fittings or attachment points, are bent, twisted, stretched, or have developed cracks, nicks, or gouges.
Corrosion
Rust or corrosion on metal fittings might lead to failure under load.
Heat Damage
Signs of melting, charring, or weld spatter indicate that the sling has been subjected to damaging temperatures.
Chemical Damage
Staining or brittleness could suggest the sling has been exposed to harmful chemicals that could degrade the material.
UV Damage
Significant fading or brittleness of the material, indicating prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light which may have weakened the sling.
Unauthorized Repairs
Any alterations or repairs to the sling not conducted by a qualified person or in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
Missing or Illegible Identifications
When the sling’s identification tag, which typically includes information such as load capacity and manufacturer details, is missing or cannot be read.
Elongation
If the sling has been stretched beyond the manufacturer’s recommended limits it might be a sign of overloading.
A sling displaying any of these indicators should not be used and should be discarded, subjected to a thorough inspection by a competent person. To prevent accidents and ensure safe usage, routine inspections before each use and periodic formal inspections as prescribed by industry regulations or the manufacturer’s recommendations should be strictly followed.