Lifting Slings, whether chain, synthetic, or wire rope, are essential when it comes to safe material handling. Proper servicing and regular checks assist in preventing accidents and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Here we look at servicing intervals, daily checks, and how to identify potential failures.
Lifting Sling Servicing Requirements
- Purpose of Servicing: Thorough servicing ensures that your lifting slings remain compliant with safety regulations. It also helps to identify any hidden damage before failures occur.
- Inspection Standards: Servicing must align with the relevant safety standards, for example ISO 7594 or ASME B30.9. These specify requirements for testing and certification.
Recommended Servicing Intervals
- Routine Inspections: t's a legal requirement to conduct thorough servicing, by a competent person, every 6 months. Sooner intervals may be required depending on usage frequency and operating conditions.
- Heavy-Duty Applications: For slings used in extreme conditions, i.e. high/low temperatures or corrosive environments, inspect more frequently.
- Post-Incident Servicing: After a load drop or suspected overload, service your slings immediately.
Daily Lifting Sling Checks
Perform daily visual inspections, prior to operation, to identify visible wear or damage. Key things to look out for include:
- Sling Surface: Look for cuts, tears, or abrasions on fabric slings. Check for signs of corrosion or pitting on wire rope and chain slings.
- Attachment Points: Inspect all hardware such as hooks, shackles, or rings for bending, deformation, or cracks.
- Labels & Markings: Ensure load capacity labels are intact and legible, and confirm certification tags are present.
- Hardware Condition: Examine stitching on synthetic slings for fraying and separation. Test for stiffness or hardening which may indicate damage from chemicals and heat.
Warning Signs of Potential Failure
To avoid failures, replace or service the sling immediately if you notice:- Deformation: Bent or stretched hardware components
- Frayed Materials: Exposed fibres or excessive wear on synthetic slings
- Cracks or Corrosion: Visible damage on metal slings or fittings
- Missing Tags: Lack of proper certification or capacity markings
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
- Improves Safety: Reduces the risk of accidents caused by equipment failure
- Extends Lifespan: Helps to maintain the durability of slings under arduous, regular use
- Ensures Compliance: Meets legal and safety standards for lifting equipment
Regular servicing and daily checks are vital for maintaining the integrity of lifting slings. Following recommended servicing intervals and inspecting slings before each use is essential. Address any visible damage immediately to avoid failures. By prioritising maintenance, you will enhance safety, productivity, and equipment reliability - proper servicing is a win-win-win!
At LES - Lifting Equipment Store, we have the capabilities to service your slings on your behalf. If you next thorough inspection is due, why not contact one of our fully trained team, and they can talk you through the process and get your slings booked in for servicing or simply email us by filling in the form below.