What is Sling Protection? How to Maintain Your Lifting Slings for a Long Time

Be it shipping yards or construction sites,Ā rigging and liftingĀ heavy loads wouldnā€™t be possible without slings. They are a simple and cost-effective tool to ensure safe and efficient lifting, even for the heaviest and most oddly shaped loads. As a result, theĀ industrial lifting slingsĀ undergo regular wear and tear, making it necessary to protect and care for them as much as possible.

The lack ofĀ sling protectionĀ means you will be throwing out damaged slings constantly. Synthetic slingsĀ are probably the cheapest of allĀ industrial lifting devices. But, wire rope andĀ chain slingsĀ are very expensive. In other words, a high sling turnover can cost you a pretty penny. Besides, your productivity will take a nosedive because replacing the chain andĀ wireĀ rope slingsĀ could take days, if not weeks.

If you want to provide the bestĀ lifting solutions, you have to pay attention toĀ sling protectionĀ and maintenance.

Letā€™s understand how that works in detail.

What is Sling Protection?

In theĀ rigging and liftingĀ industry,Ā sling protectionĀ is a collective term for all the measures taken to protect the slings from sharp edges, corners, and other potential damage. You can use different types of protective equipment such as corner guards, sleeves, reinforced eyes, and wear pads to protect the slings from sharp edges.

Usually made from wood, Kevlar, rubber, leather, and nylon, these devices come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose a protective gear depending on the types of slings, load, and lifting height or distance.

All types of slings require protection, even chain, andĀ wire rope slings. But it is more prevalent when usingĀ synthetic slingsĀ likeĀ web and round slings. As they are made from Nylon or Polyester, these slings are more prone to cuts from sharp edges or corners.

However, sling protectionĀ goes well beyond just using protective equipment. It lays down guidelines for usingĀ lifting slingsĀ in the safest way possible to avoid accidents. It also covers the basics of maintenance and storage procedures to ensure prolonged use.

Slings usually require protection when:

  • Used to lift oddly shaped loads with sharp edges and corners.
  • Used to lift heavy loads with sharp edges.
  • Used to lift loads in harsh weather or environment.
  • Connecting the load to crane hook, shackle, hoist rings, eye bolts, and master link.

Downsides Of Not Protecting Your Lifting Slings

Sling protectionĀ is a must. Without it, you would be facing several problems, including:

  • Workplace Accidents, Injuries, And Deaths:Ā Imagine what will happen if a heavy load gets dropped because of a damaged sling. It can seriously injure or even kill people standing underneath or near it.
  • Damage To The Load Itself:Ā If slings break down when lifting a heavy and expensive load, you could end up with damages worth thousands of dollars. Also, wire rope or chain slingsĀ often put unbearable pressure on the loads. Without proper protection, delicate loads may get damaged.
  • Higher Sling Costs:Ā You will have to buy new lifting slings more frequently than ever. It can run your budget dry pretty fast.

How Do I Protect My Slings?

In order to provide optimalĀ lifting solutions, you must protect your slings when in use and kept in storage. Here are a few things you should keep in mind.

A. When Using Your Lifting Slings: Ā 

Avoid Exposure To High Temperature:Ā AllĀ lifting slingsĀ need protection from extreme temperatures. EvenĀ alloy chain slingsĀ are susceptible to damage caused by extreme temperature. Although these wonā€™t melt or burn likeĀ synthetic slings, they will become soft and brittle over time.

Keep An Eye Out for Chemical Exposure:Ā Many industries have to lift and rig loads in harsh chemical environments. For example, in theĀ manufacturing industry, metal parts require a protective coating. In this process, these parts often get dipped in a mixture of chemicals. What will happen to your lifting slings when they get exposed to the chemicals? You need to consider the potential risks and use suitable protective equipment.Ā Ā Ā 

Protect Lifting Slings from UV Light:Ā Slings, particularlyĀ synthetic slings, are more susceptible to UV light damage. So, you have to store them in a cool and dry place that doesnā€™t receive direct sunlight. If you see any discoloration, discard theĀ synthetic slingsĀ immediately. It is a sign of UV light exposure and weakened fiber strands.

Use Sling Protection When Necessary:Ā Whenever you areĀ rigging and liftingĀ loads with sharp edges and corners, make sure to use protective equipment such asĀ sling wear pads. Even if the slings come with an edge guard coating, itā€™s still better to use suitable cut protection.

Never Cross The Working Load Limits:Ā AllĀ lifting slings, made from synthetic fibers or metal alloys, come with a working load limit or WLL. Crossing the WLL will not only damage the slings but also result in accidents. Always make sure to check the WLL stated on the slings. Donā€™t use them if this information is not visible.

B. When Keeping Your Lifting Slings In Storage:

Keep The Slings Clean And Dry:Ā Make sure to clean theĀ lifting slingsĀ after each use. Continuous exposure to moisture, dirt, and dust can damage the slings. However, donā€™t use solvents or de-greasing solutions to clean them up. These chemicals will reduce the strength of theĀ synthetic slings.

You also need to conduct a thorough visual inspection before each use. If you see any damage such as cuts, discoloration, kinks, doglegs, and scratches, discard theĀ industrial lifting slingsĀ immediately. Stick to the guidelines given in theĀ ASME B30.9Ā to keep your slings in excellent working condition.

Store Slings Properly:Ā Always store theĀ lifting slingsĀ off the ground, preferably hanging on the wall. Also, keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. It will protect slings from moisture, dirt, UV light, and dust. But most importantly, it will protect your staff from tripping over. Never storeĀ lifting slingsĀ in a chemically active environment.

In Conclusion

If you useĀ industrial lifting slingsĀ regularly, you must keep them in top shape. It will ensure longevity and safety. Replacing a damaged sling is an expensive and demanding task. Instead, you can save time, money, and effort by ensuring properĀ sling protectionĀ and care. Hopefully, these tips will help.

If you are looking forĀ industrial lifting devices, check out our online store or give us a call. HHI sells and rents different types ofĀ rigging and liftingĀ hardware at attractive rates.Ā Call usĀ today to know more.