18.1 FOREWORD

Fibre rope slings are the traditional form of textile sling whose origins are recorded in the earliest history of lifting equipment. Although their use has declined in recent years in favour of the newer forms of textile slings, i.e. flat woven webbing slings and roundslings, they may still be found in general use throughout industry.

Fibre rope slings are produced from cut lengths of rope which are then hand spliced. In the case of three strand rope this is an easily learned skill and as a result many fibre rope slings are produced by the user. The intention is not to condemn or condone this practice, but to acknowledge that it occurs. It must be remembered that the manufacturer of the sling is the responsible person (legal) under the applicable national legislation, who must comply fully with that legislation. LEEA therefore, strongly recommends that slings are obtained from a lifting equipment supplier who is able to guarantee compliance with the appropriate legislation and applicable standards.

Fibre rope slings are less pliable than other forms of textile sling and are more bulky to handle. Unlike flat woven webbing slings and roundslings they present a hard, point contact to the load although this is less severe than with chain or wire rope.