How to Inspect and Test Wire Rope Slings According to ASME B30.9

Wire rope slings are subject to various stresses during use, including bending, twisting, and shock loading. These stresses can cause the wire rope to weaken and eventually fail. By inspecting and testing wire rope slings regularly, you can help to identify any potential problems before they lead to failure.

The requirements of ASME B30.9 for inspecting and testing wire rope slings

• Visual inspection: A visual inspection should be performed whenever a wire rope sling is used. This inspection should look for any signs of damage, such as broken wires, kinks, or corrosion.
• Functional test: A functional test should be performed every 12 months. This test involves loading the sling to its rated capacity and observing it for any signs of failure.
• Load test: A load test should be performed every five years. This test involves loading the sling to its rated capacity plus 25% and observing it for any signs of failure.

Three main types of inspections can be performed on wire rope slings:

• Visual inspection: This is the most basic type of inspection and involves looking for any obvious signs of damage, such as broken wires, kinks, or corrosion.
• Functional test: This test involves loading the sling to its rated capacity and observing it for any signs of failure.
• Load test: This is the most rigorous type of inspection and involves loading the sling to its rated capacity plus 25% and then observing it for any signs of failure.

The frequency of inspections for wire rope slings depends on the type of sling and the environment in which it is used. However, ASME B30.9 specifies that visual inspections should be performed whenever a wire rope sling is used. Functional tests should be performed every 12 months, and load tests should be performed every five years.

A qualified person should perform a visual inspection of a wire rope sling. The inspector should look for any of the following signs of damage:

• Broken wires
• Kinks
• Corrosion
• Heat damage
• Crushing
• Distortion

If any signs of damage are found, the sling should be removed from service and replaced.

A qualified person should perform a functional test of a wire rope sling. The test should involve loading the sling to its rated capacity and observing it for any signs of failure. The following steps should be followed when performing a functional test:

1. Attach the sling to a load that is equal to its rated capacity.
2. Slowly lift the load until it is clear of the ground.
3. Hold the load for a few minutes and observe the sling for any signs of failure.
4. Lower the load and remove it from the sling.

If any signs of failure are found during the functional test, the sling should be removed from service and replaced.

A qualified person should perform a load test of a wire rope sling. The test should involve loading the sling to its rated capacity plus 25% and observing it for any signs of failure. The following steps should be followed when performing a load test:

1. Attach the sling to a load equal to its rated capacity plus 25%.
2. Slowly lift the load until it is clear of the ground.
3. Hold the load for a few minutes and observe the sling for any signs of failure.
4. Lower the load and remove it from the sling.

If any signs of failure are found during the load test, the sling should be removed from service and replaced.

Following the guidelines outlined in ASME B30.9, you can help ensure your wire rope sling.