Ashley Sling not only wants to provide products for our customers, but we want to be a resource for all of your rigging needs as well. One way we aim to be a resource for our customers is by offering training on how to be safe while using rigging products. If you follow Ashley Sling on social media, you may have noticed our Safety Tips series. You can continue reading for various tips we have shared.
Safety Tip 1: Do not use tags as an attachment point
ASME B30.9 requires all slings to include identifiable and proper tags. These tags should always be referenced before use and during inspections and should never be used as an attachment point for lifting.
Safety Tip 2: Remove rigging equipment from immediate work area when not in use.
Not only is it an OSHA requirement and helps prevent a hazardous work area, but removing slings from the work area and properly storing equipment can also help contribute to longer sling life.
Safety Tip 3: Invest in necessary Fall Protection for your job.
Falls are one of the common causes of serious work-related injuries. We always recommend to play it safe and purchase all the fall protection and safety gear you may need. You’ll be glad you did!
Safety Tip 4: Designate a person (or persons) for daily, routine, rigging inspections.
Each day before being used, rigging should be inspected for damage by a competent person. Make this a habit by designating the same person (or persons) to routinely inspect rigging.
Safety Tip 5: Do not wash web slings – a loss of strength is possible when washed.
Do not wash web slings! A loss of strength is possible due to mechanical/chemical damage when a web sling is washed.
Safety Tip 6: Inspect chain slings for any sign of stretch.
Always inspect your chain slings for any sign of stretch. Stretching or elongation of chain slings is a clear sign of overloading, and the sling should be removed from service.
Safety Tip 7: Do not knot or twist slings.
When a knot or twist is added to a sling, the strength of that sling is significantly reduced. This may lead to sling failure.
Safety Tip 8: “Slings must always be protected from being cut or damaged by corners, edges, protrusions or abrasive surfaces with protection sufficient for the intended purpose.” – WSTDA
The Web Sling & Tie Down Association makes it clear that slings must be protected by using protection products sufficient for the intended purpose. Always inspect your rigging and sling protection before, during and after every lift. Sling protection products should be carefully selected based on the type and weight of the load to be lifted. We offer a variety of TUFF-ASH Sling Protection products.
Safety Tip 9: Hardware should be large enough to avoid pinching of synthetic slings.
When hardware is not large enough and causes pinching on synthetic slings, it can reduce the capacity of the slings.
Safety Tip 10: Always rig to the center of gravity.
The center of gravity of a load is the single point on the load at which it can be lifted perfectly balanced. The center of gravity is directly below the load hook and connection to the load is above the center of gravity. It is important that the load is stable and will not shift during a lift.
Safety Tip 11: Web slings that are used outdoors regularly should generally be permanently removed from service within a period of 2 to 4 years.
According to WSTDA, web slings can lose up to 40% of their strength when exposed to the sun for just 16 months. All web slings that are regularly exposed to outdoor conditions should be highly scrutinized.
*These tips are in no particular order. Refer to all manufacturer’s owner manuals, warnings, current OSHA and ASME standards as they apply. It is not intended, nor should it be construed, that the information contained herein take precedence over any regulations and requirements, local, state, federal, OEM or any other ruling body.