19 Jan 2016

LIFTING SLING MAINTENANCE GUIDE: INSPECTION, CARE & SERVICING

Regular sling maintenance is vital for safety, as worn or damaged slings can fail, causing serious injuries or fatalities. Regardless of the tool, method, piece of equipment or whatever else, everything that is used in a workplace should be regularly tested and checked. 

Rigorous sling maintenance ensures compliance with regulations like LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) and PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations), which require thorough inspections and safe equipment use. 

Proper maintenance also helps to support cost control, by preventing expensive emergency replacements and downtime caused by avoidable sling failure. Additionally, well-maintained slings extend equipment lifespan, delivering long-term reliability and performance. Poor maintenance is a leading cause of sling failure, making consistent inspection, cleaning and servicing essential for safe and efficient lifting operations.

SLING MAINTENANCE CHECKS

These are the general safety checks to consider that will help you spot common issues, but you should still refer to the safety and maintenance guide for whatever you are using. Different sling types have different vulnerabilities. Webbing slings, for instance, can be prone to cuts, abrasion, UV damage and even chemical attacks, while chain slings may show signs of stretching, cracks or bent links and corrosion. Head to our helpful blog post here for more in-depth information about the different types of lifting slings. 

Before Use Checks

• Inspect the entire sling visually and feel for cuts, frays, broken fibres (webbing), bent or cracked links (chain), broken strands (wire rope), abrasions, burns or other damage.

• Check fittings (hooks, shackles, rings) for deformation, cracking, excessive wear or corrosion.

• Verify leg lengths are correct and markings/tags are legible with WLL (Working Load Limit).

• Ensure correct sling configuration for the planned lift and that load angles won’t exceed rated capacity.

EXTENDING THE LIFESPAN OF YOUR LIFTING SLINGS

You shouldn’t, however, simply rely on repairs or replacements, there are plenty of methods of sling maintenance and checks that can be carried out at work. Correct care and handling can add significant longevity to your equipment such as: 

Proper Storage - This is the first and most accessible option. Store lifting slings in a well-ventilated area away from direct UV exposure, extreme temperatures and moisture, preferably on designated racks.

Edge Protection - There are protective sleeves, guards and wear pads that can be implemented to help safeguard the lifting sling’s surface edge from any cuts, abrasion and premature wear. 

Proper Load Selection - Before using a lifting sling, you need to be sure that you have considered the load weight, centre of gravity, lifting angle and the shape of whatever it is you’re lifting. This information will help you decide on the correct sling for the job. 

Avoid Shocking the System - Smooth movements and avoiding sudden jerks or drops are crucial for safe working practices and extending the lifecycle of lifting slings. 

Clean Up - A fairly simple step that can often be missed, particularly in busy or hectic environments. But making sure your lifting slings are clean of oil, dirt and debris is crucial for continued usage. 

PROFESSIONAL LIFTING SLING REPAIRS & SERVICING 

Professional sling maintenance and servicing will ensure that your lifting equipment, whether they be made from synthetic materials, wire ropes or chains, are inspected, maintained and repaired to the highest standards. These checks will include looking for any wear, damage, compliance issues or improvements. Followed by any necessary repairs and a final test before being returned to use. 

Here at LES, we are the leading experts in lifting equipment from our base in Stourbridge. We have provided equipment all around the world from Birmingham to Nigeria. But we don’t just ship goods to you, we also provide an extensive repair and servicing option. If you are ever unsure about the condition of your lifting sling, if it's time for a replacement or any other sling maintenance and inspection services, reach out to our helpful team today. Call us on 01384 567 430 or email us at info@liftingequipmentstore.com.