10 Mar 2026
HOW TO INSPECT ROUND SLINGS FOR DAMAGE
Regular inspection of lifting equipment is essential for maintaining safe lifting operations. Among the most commonly used lifting equipment are round slings, which must be carefully checked before each use to ensure they remain safe and compliant.
Although polyester round slings are durable and designed for heavy lifting, they can still suffer damage from abrasion, chemicals, heat, or improper use.
Failing to inspect lifting slings properly can lead to equipment failure, dropped loads, and serious workplace accidents.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to inspect round slings, identify signs of damage, and understand when slings must be removed from service.
👉 If any lifting sling shows signs of damage, it should be replaced immediately. You can browse our full range of certified endless round slings suitable for professional lifting operations here
Why Round Sling Inspections Are Important
Routine inspections play a critical role in workplace safety.
Lifting slings are subjected to heavy loads, friction, and environmental exposure during lifting operations.
Over time, this can lead to wear or hidden damage that may compromise the sling’s strength.
Regular inspection helps prevent:
- sling failure during lifting
- dropped loads
- damage to expensive equipment
- serious workplace injuries
Many lifting regulations and safety standards also require equipment to be inspected regularly.
In the UK, lifting equipment is subject to the LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), which require periodic examination of lifting accessories.
Pre-Use Round Sling Inspection Checklist
Operators should inspect round slings before every lifting operation.
A visual inspection takes only a few moments but can prevent serious accidents.
Key areas to check include:
Cuts or Tears in the Outer Sleeve
The outer sleeve protects the internal polyester fibres.
If the sleeve shows:
- cuts
- holes
- excessive abrasion
the sling may no longer be safe to use.
Exposed Internal Fibres
If the internal yarn fibres become visible, the sling’s strength may be compromised.
This is one of the clearest signs that the sling should be removed from service immediately.
Chemical Damage
Exposure to chemicals may weaken polyester fibres.
Signs of chemical damage include:
- brittle fibres
- discolouration
- hardened areas of the sling
Heat Damage
Polyester lifting slings can be damaged by high temperatures.
Heat damage may appear as:
- melted fibres
- glossy or hardened surfaces
- shrinkage of the sleeve
Knotting or Deformation
Round slings should never be used if they are:
- knotted
- twisted
- permanently deformed
These conditions can dramatically reduce lifting capacity.
Signs a Round Sling Must Be Removed From Service
Some types of damage automatically require the sling to be discarded.
A sling must be removed from service if it has:
- exposed load-bearing fibres
- severe cuts or abrasion
- heat or chemical damage
- knots or deformation
- missing or unreadable labels
Continuing to use damaged lifting slings can create serious safety hazards.
Understanding Sling Labels and Identification Tags
Every lifting sling should have a manufacturer label or tag.
This label contains essential information such as:
- Working Load Limit (WLL)
- manufacturer identification
- serial number
- safety standards compliance
If the label becomes unreadable or detached, the sling should not be used, because its capacity can no longer be verified.
👉 If you want to understand how sling colours relate to lifting capacity, you can read our detailed guide explaining round sling colour codes and WLL ratings
LOLER Requirements for Lifting Equipment
In the UK, lifting equipment must comply with LOLER regulations.
These regulations require lifting accessories such as round slings and lifting slings to be:
- properly maintained
- inspected regularly
- examined periodically by a competent person
LOLER examinations typically occur every 6 months for lifting accessories, though frequency may vary depending on usage.
Maintaining proper inspection records helps ensure compliance and improves workplace safety.
Best Practices for Storing and Maintaining Round Slings
Proper storage can significantly extend the lifespan of lifting slings.
Best practices include:
- storing slings in a clean, dry environment
- avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight
- keeping slings away from chemicals
- protecting slings from sharp edges
Cleaning slings regularly and inspecting them after use also helps identify early signs of wear.
Conclusion
Round slings are reliable and versatile lifting accessories, but like all lifting equipment, they must be properly inspected and maintained.
Regular inspections help identify damage early and prevent potentially dangerous lifting failures.
Before every lift, operators should check for:
- cuts or abrasions
- exposed fibres
- chemical or heat damage
- missing labels
If any of these issues are present, the sling should be removed from service and replaced immediately.
