Fiber rope slings

Fiber rope slings are essential for lifting heavy loads. However, considering the nature of the job they are used in, they can be extremely dangerous and could lead to serious damages, injuries or even loss of life if they were to break during an operation. Ropes and slings should be carefully inspected often.

Since dangers and damages of ropes and slings are not always visible, it is essential that a detailed examination is carried out and, where possible, testing equipment is used to establish their condition. A risk assessment should ensure that damages or defect slings are immediately withdrawn from service to prevent incident cases.

Much depends on the material the slings and ropes are made off as certain fiber needs certain attention. Employees should be able to identify different needs and conditions of fiber ropes they use to reduce or avoid accidents. A good example is synthetic web. Acid and caustic burns will seriously impair the strength of the sling. Companies that use synthetic webs slings should, therefore, ensure that their working environment is free of acid.

It is policy that the use of nylon web slings in environment where acid fumes, vapour or sprays are present in the atmosphere is prohibited. This indicates that employers should be discreet when buying material for their workplaces by considering the nature of their industry. Not following these procedures would result in material breaking up in the middle of an operation and it could cause serious damage to property and injuries to employees. Another example is polyester which also cannot be used where there is the presence of caustic in any form, be it liquid, vapour, gas or fumes.

A risk assessment should also establish the temperatures that slings and ropes are exposed to. Material like polypropylene should be used only in conditions where temperature does not exceed 93 degrees Celsius. Synthetic web slings could get damaged and become a safety hazard if they are exposed to temperatures exceeding 82 degrees Celsius.

It is vital that employees know which slings are suitable for their jobs. They should also be educated on the hazards of using such materials in conditions where there is excess heat as some materials can't withstand it.

Slings and ropes that have snags, punctures, tears or cuts should be removed immediately if an inspector comes across them during a risk assessment. These kinds of defects could cause a rope to break in the middle of an operation. Employees should be encouraged to report any ropes or slings that are showing signs of wearing out as soon as possible and immediately discontinue their use.

Fiber slings' fittings should be free of sharp edges. With the strain imposed on a sling when a load is lifted, any sharp edge will cut the material and damage the sling. A risk assessment should ensure that all fittings do not consist of any sharp components so as to ensure that they would work effectively without loads falling off and injuring employees.

An inspector should ensure that correct clamps are used on ropes so that the rope can be used effectively. Improper clamps could result in the rope breaking and an injury could occur.

All slings should be coded to indicate the amount of loads they are allowed to carry. Employees should be educated on the meaning of these codes as they may prove to be meaningless to some. Ignorant employees could overload a sling and contribute to a serious accident when a sling gives away due to excess pressure exempted on it. An inspector should inspect and establish if the correct load is used according to the weight indications.

Employers should ensure that they know what to consider when purchasing new fiber slings and ropes. They should ensure that only stitching is used and the stitching is correct. This to ensure that they purchase ropes and slings that would work effectively and last longer and reduce cases of incidents.

Slings that are deteriorating in condition can be identified by discolouring and breaking of threads. This is a signs that they should be disposed and replaced. Employers should not take chances and wait for a day when a sling breaks until they take action. Employers should also be discouraged from repairing slings or expecting employees to repair broken slings. If it is broken, it should not be used as its strength would have been reduced by far. If a repair is to be done, only the manufacturer has the power to do so and a certificate should be issued to confirm that the repaired sling or rope was tested successfully. Repaired slings and ropes are a safety hazard and another break could occur anytime. It is better to replace than repair so as to maximum safety.

Lastly; slings and ropes should be stored where they are free of rot, weather hazards or wet atmospheres to prolong their life.

Even the hangman takes care of his tools. Let not your ropes and slings become the final string to which the safety of employees is attached to.