Slings
Overview
There are a number of different types of slings that are used to assist in the lifting of heavy objects using lifting equipment. Some of these are listed below:
- Flat synthetic - webbing slings
- Fibre rope slings
- Wire - coil flat slings
- Wire - rope slings
- Chain slings - grade T
All slings should have a working load limit (WLL) that will provide adequate safe working loads (SWL) for the intended uses, taking into account the mode of connection and use and the nature of the load to be lifted.
Do not use a sling to lift items above the SWL as specified on the sling label.
When the lifting configuration to be used is not covered on the label, consult sling load charts which can be found in the relevant Australian Standard for the type of sling to be used.
Proper storage of slings will prevent deterioration and damage whilst maximising their usable life.
Responsibilities
UTS staff members that use slings have the responsibility to:
- inspect the sling before each use and ensure that it is appropriate for the intended job, and
- assess the work area and task that they are about to perform in order to ensure that any risks are recognised and reduced as much as is practicable.
Managers and supervisors
Managers and supervisors of UTS facilities that own or operate slings have to ensure that:
- all slings are regularly inspected according to the relevant Australian Standard,
see details in the Resources below, - records of these inspections are maintained, and
- all slings are safe to use and that they are stored in a safe and satisfactory manner.
Inspections
All slings in service should be inspected by a competent person at intervals specified in the relevant Australian Standard.
Sling register
All testing and inspection of slings undertaken should be outlined in a sling register.
A record for each sling should include information such as:
- a brief description of the sling,
- the date of purchase,
- the date of introduction to service, and
- general details of service.
Records should be kept in the same location that the sling is stored and should be readily accessible to staff members using the slings.
Damaged and faulty slings
Slings should be immediately discarded if they are found to have any of the faults outlined in the relevant Australian Standard.
Repairs, where applicable, can only be performed by the original sling manufacturer and can only be returned to use after it has been load tested.
Resources
Australian Standards / New Zealand Standards
- AS/NZS 1353.2:1997 - Flat Synthetic - Webbing Slings Part 2: Care and Use
- AS/NZS 1380.2:1998 - Fibre - Rope Slings Part 2: Care and Use
- AS/NZS 1438.2:1998 - Wire - Coil Flat Slings Part 2: Care and Use
- AS/NZS 1666.2:1995 - Wire - Rope Slings Part 2: Care and Use
- AS/NZS 3775.2:2004 - Chain Slings - Grade T Part 2: Care and Use
According to AS/NZS 1353.2:1997 - Flat Synthetic - Webbing Slings Part 2: Care and Use, a competent person is:
a person having practical and threoretical knowledge and relevant experience, sufficient to enable them to detect and evaluate any defects and any weaknesses that may affect the intended performance of this equipment.
