17.9.1 Pre-use inspection
In addition to the thorough examination necessary under statutory provisions, all roundslings should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use. As round 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 construction of roundslings is such that only the outer cover can be examined. The outer cover, whilst being of the same material as the inner fibres, is non-load-bearing. If however the outer sleeve is undamaged then, in the absence of any other evidence, the inner core can be considered to be undamaged also. The following are examples of the common defects which may become apparent in use or during the regular inspection of roundsling and if any are present, the sling should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person:
Exposed core. Some scuffing and general wear of the protective cover is acceptable provided the inner load bearing core is not exposed.
Cuts in the outer protective cover.
Failure of the stitching.
Heat and friction damage. Excessive heat, especially that generated by friction, will cause a smooth shiny area on the outer cover and may also cause internal damage. 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 may embed in the cover, causing abrasion, but is more likely to penetrate the cover and damage the inner core.
Chemical attack. Normally difficult to detect until advanced deterioration has occurred. In an advanced state, surface powdering occurs. Possible loss of colouring of the sleeve. Unless the manufacturer has agreed to such usage and a safe system of work has been agreed, slings exposed to chemicals (e.g. acids, alkalis, solvents) should be washed and cleaned in water and withdrawn from service for examination by a Competent Person.
Illegible marking or missing label; i.e. the sling identification mark and SWLs.
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 the cover 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.