Wire Rope Sling Warnings
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Rated Load = Rated Capacity = Working Load Limit
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![]() ![]() Can fail if damaged, misused or overloaded. Inspect before use. Use only if trained. Observe rated load. Avoid sharp edges. DEATH OR INJURY can occur from improper use or care. |
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE, USE, INSPECTION, AND REPAIR.
CARE
- Store in a clean, dry place and protect from mechanical damage, extreme heat, corrosion, or kinking.
- Maintain lubricated condition.
USE
- Check weight of load.
- Check sling rated load for type of lift, angle of loading (see load angle chart on page 10).
- Sling shall always be protected from being cut by sharp corners, sharp edges, protrusions, or abrasive surfaces.
- Center load on base (bowl) of hook unless hook is designed for point loading.
- Balance load.
- Avoid jerking load.
- Maintain load control.
- Be alert for snagging of load.
- Avoid dragging sling over rough surfaces and from under the load.
- Stand clear of the load at all times.
- No person allowed beneath the load.
- Persons are not to ride on sling or load.
- Avoid knotting, twisting and kinking the sling.
- Restrict use to temperatures below 400°F (fiber core wire rope 180°F) and above -60°F. Important: A single leg sling with hand tucked splice can unlay and drop the load if allowed to rotate during a lift. Always use a tag line.
INSPECTION
- Before use, look for rope distortion, kinks, cut or broken strands, corrosion, heat damage, birdcaging, or crushing. Look at the end attachments for cracks, wear or deformation, hooks with twists or a throat opening increase. Look for broken wires: For strand laid and single part slings, no more than 10 broken wires in 1 lay or 5 in 1 strand in 1 lay. For cable laid and braided broken wire inspection criteria, consult the manufacturer. If an inspection reveals that such wear or damage is present, replace the sling. Frequent inspection is done by the person handling the sling before each use and must include all of the Before use items. Periodic inspections must be recorded at least annually for normal service; quarterly or more frequently if in severe service or nearly constant use. Periodic inspections are performed by a designated person who records the observed condition and determines when further use would be hazardous.
REPAIR
- Any hazardous condition disclosed by an inspection shall require replacement of the wire rope sling. Repair is not an option when damage/wear seriously reduces the sling’s capacity.