15.9.1 Pre-use inspection

In addition to the thorough examination necessary under statutory provisions, all wire rope slings should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use. For wire rope slings in regular use it is good practice to make the inspection at the start of each shift or working day. For wire rope slings used infrequently it should be done before use on each day of use.

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 wire rope 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become apparent in use or during the regular inspection of wire rope slings and if any are present, the sling should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person:

  1. Illegible markings, i.e. the sling identification mark and the SWL including the range of angles for which the sling is rated.

  2. Damage or wear to any of the terminal fittings including protective thimbles.

  3. Mechanical damage to the rope, fittings, hand splice (if any) or the ferrules, including any indication of cracking or slippage.

  4. Broken wires.

  5. Ineffective safety catches on hooks.

  6. Corrosion or drying out of lubricant.

  7. Kinks or other permanent set in the wire rope.

  8. Disturbance to the position of wires in the strands or strands in the rope or protrusion of the core.

  9. Evidence of heat damage, e.g. melted lubricant, blueing of wires, contamination by weld splatter, evidence of arcing, etc.

  10. Opening out of hooks, i.e. noticeable increase in the throat opening, or any other form of distortion in the terminal fittings, including thimbles.