17.10 SAFE USE OF ROUNDSLINGS

In addition to any specific instructions relating to the safe use of the roundsling issued by the manufacturer, the following points should be observed:

  1. The sling should be of adequate strength and length; never exceed the SWL for the particular mode of use. Care must also be taken to ensure the compatibility of any ancillary equipment used to sling the load, both in size and capacity.

  2. Where more than one sling is used to lift the load, each sling should be adequate for the share of the load imposed on it taking into account the slinging method. Do not overcrowd the hook of the lifting appliance. It is good practice when using more than one sling to join them with a shackle before placing them onto the hook. When a number of single slings are to be coupled together to form a multi-leg sling, consideration must be given to the terminal and/or connecting fittings. The seating of the fitting where the roundsling engages should be smooth with radiused edges and it must allow the roundsling to adopt its natural flattened form under load.

  3. It should be noted that the various man-made fibres used to manufacture roundslings have differing stretch and recovery rates and that elongation of a sling is proportional to its length. This must be borne in mind in all arrangements using more than one sling. The slings should therefore be of the same material and account must be taken of this if they are of unequal length.

  4. Roundslings have very different stretch characteristics to those of chain or wire rope slings. Their use in parallel with chain or wire rope slings to form multi-leg assemblies should therefore be avoided as the unequal stretch of the legs can lead to load instability. However, this is not intended to preclude their use combined in series as a means of connecting a sling to the load which can be advantageous in some circumstances. For example, a roundsling can be wrapped and choked onto a polished surface then hooked into a chain sling thus gaining the advantage of the roundsling protecting an easily damaged surface combined with the adjustability of a chain sling.

  5. Position slings correctly. Use packing protection for sharp edges and if protective sleeves are fitted, ensure they are correctly positioned to prevent cutting damage to the sling. Keep labels away from the load, point of choke and hook.

  6. Position the bight for choke hitch in the natural (120°) angle to avoid heat being generated by friction, which could cause damage to the cover and inner core.

  7. Great care should be taken to avoid shock loading as it effectively increases the weight of a load and could result in the lifting equipment being grossly overloaded. Man-made fibres have varying elastic characteristics and, dependent on the material in use, permanent elongation may result.

  8. When using roundslings in association with chemicals, ensure the sling material and that of the terminal fittings is suitable. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which may place limitations on the use of the sling. If any doubt exists, seek further advice.

  9. Where endless slings are to be joined together then you should not either tie them or use a loop to loop knot. It is good practice when using more than one sling in a single line, to join them with a ‘dee’ shackle or other suitable connector before placing them onto the hook.