16.9.1 Pre-use inspection
In addition to the thorough examination necessary under statutory provisions, all webbing slings should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use. As flat woven webbing slings are easily damaged in use, they should be visually checked on each occasion prior to slinging the load.
It is recommended that a formal system of pre-use inspection is implemented, and a written record kept identifying the date inspected, confirmation that it passed inspection and the name and signature of the person making the inspection. In the event that it does not pass inspection, there should be procedure to quarantine the sling to prevent further use of the equipment until the problem has been resolved.
The purpose of the pre-use inspection is to check functionality of the sling and make a visual check for any obvious defects. This inspection must be carried out with the sling in a reasonably clean condition and in adequate lighting. The following are examples of the common defects which may become apparent in use or during the regular inspection of webbing slings and if any are present, the sling should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person:
Surface chafe. In normal use some chafing will occur and is unavoidable. If this is confined to the surface fibres as opposed to the yarns, it has no effect on the safe use. However, in extreme cases, the faces of the webbing become so worn that the outer yarns are severed.
Local abrasion. If the webbing shows signs of local abrasion, as opposed to general wear, serious loss of strength may occur.
Cuts. Both longitudinal and cross cuts into the surface of the webbing result in loss of strength.
Cuts and chafing to the selvedge. A small cut into the selvedge of the webbing will result in serious loss of strength.
Chemical attack. Whilst man-made fibres have a good resistance to selected chemicals, attack by other chemicals to the webbing fibres results in local weakening and softening of the material. This is indicated by flaking of the surface fibres, which can be plucked or rubbed off.
Heat and friction damage. The surface fibres take on a glazed appearance and in extreme cases, fusion of the fibres occurs.
Weld splatter burns. Textile slings are often used in welding processes as they insulate the work piece from the lifting appliance. Weld splatter will cause localised burning and will be embed in the webbing, causing internal abrasion.
Damaged stitching. Any damage to the stitching or looseness of the threads noticed at any time must be treated very seriously.
Loose webbing. The webbing becomes loose and soft to the touch so that the weft can be moved or split with the fingers.
Damaged eyes or terminal fittings. Cuts, abrasion or any apparent damage to the stitching around folded eyes and where eye protection is fitted, check this for deep cuts or excessive wear. Cracks, bruising, deformation or any other form of damage to metal terminal fittings. Particular attention should be paid to the webbing where it passes around terminal fittings as this is a point of high wear and cutting can occur from misuse.
Missing or illegible marking.
Soiling. Heavy soiling can obscure damage, making detection during inspection difficult. It can also make identification difficult by obscuring any marking or colour coding. Grit and dirt will pick up on the face of soiled webbing and can cause rapid wear and abrasion. Clean the sling in an approved manner but if the soiling is such that cleaning has little or no effect, withdraw from service and refer to a Competent Person.
Only use cleaning agents approved by the manufacturer, whose instructions on its use must be sought and followed. Clean water may however be freely used.