Sling Inspection Criteria

All types of slings must be checked regularly and inspected for damages. When in doubt, a potentially defective sling must be removed from service and evaluated for repair or replaced. Below are some general inspection guidelines for various types of lifting slings.

For a proper evaluation, contact one of our sling experts for a comprehensive inspection audit.

Chain Sling Inspection Criteria

It is important both to inspect chain slings regularly and to keep a record of all chain inspections. Follow this guide for such an inspection system:

Before inspecting, clean chains with a non-acid/noncaustic solvent so that marks, nicks, wear and other defects are visible. Inspect each link for these conditions.
Twists or bends.
Nicks or gouges.
Excessive wear at bearing points.
Stretch.
Distorted or damaged master links, coupling links or attachments; especially those spread in throat opening of hooks. Mark plainly with paint each link or attachment showing any of the conditions listed here to indicate rejection; remove from service until properly repaired.

Wear Allowances of CM® Herc-Alloy 800 Chains

Measure cross section at link ends to determine wear. If chain is worn to less than the minimum allowable thickness, remove from service.

Size (Inches)	Maximum Allowable Wear	Minimum Thickness Allowable at Link Ends*
7/32"(5.5mm)	–	11/64" (.171) inches
9/32"(7.0mm)	3/64" (.046) inches	13/64" (.203) inches
3/8"(10.0mm)	5/64" (.078) inches	18/64" (.281) inches
1/2"(13.0mm)	7/64" (.109) inches	22/64" (.343) inches
5/8"(16.0mm)	9/64" (.140) inches	27/64" (.421) inches
9/64"(20.0mm)	10/64" (.156) inches	34/64" (.531) inches
3/4"(22.0mm)	11/64" (.171) inches	40/64" (.625) inches
7/8"(26.0mm)	12/64" (.187) inches	47/64" (.734) inches
1"(32.0mm)	16/64" (.250) inches	58/64" (.906) inches

*Applies to CM® Herc-Alloy 800 chain only.

Polyester Sling and Nylon Web Sling Inspection Criteria

SLINGS – SECTION 5.4 INSPECTIONS

Proper usage and knowledge of slings is an essential safety factor for all sling usage. Never use a lifting sling without inspecting it prior to each use. If you have any questions about slings or sling usage, give our rigging experts a call at 1-888-426-3755.

5.4.1 – Types of Inspection

Initial Inspection:

Before any new or repaired sling is placed in service, it shall be inspected to insure that the correct sling is being used, as well as to determine that the sling meets the requirements of this specification.

Frequent Inspection:

The person handling the sling each time the sling is used should make this inspection.

Periodic Inspection:

This inspection shall be conducted by designated personnel.

Frequency of Inspection should be based on:

Frequency of sling use.
Severity of service conditions.
Experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar applications.
Periodic inspections should be conducted at least monthly.

5.5 – Possible Defects

A sling shall be removed from service if any defects such as the following are visible:

Acid or Alkali Burns
Melting, Charring, or Weld Spatter on Any Part of the Sling
Holes, Tears, Cuts, Snags or Embedded Particles
Broken or Worn Stitching in Load Bearing Splices
Excessive Abrasive Wear
Knots in Any Part of the Sling
Distortion and Excessive Pitting or Corrosion or Broken Fittings
Other apparent defects which cause doubt as to the strength of the sling
If Sling Rated Capacity or Sling Material Identification is Missing or Not Readable

Frequency of Inspection should be based on:

Frequency of sling use.
Severity of service conditions.
Experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar applications.
Periodic inspections should be conducted at least monthly.

SECTION 5.6 – INSPECTION RECORDS

5.6.1

Written inspection records, utilizing the identification for each sling as established by the user, should be kept on file for all slings. These records should show a description of the new sling and its condition on each subsequent inspection.

SECTION 5.7 – REPAIR OF WEB SLINGS

5.7.1

Only a sling manufacturer shall repair slings. When repaired by other than the original manufacturer, the sling shall be permanently marked to identify the repair agent.

5.7.2

All repaired slings shall be proof tested to two (2) times its newly assigned rated capacity, before being put back into service. Certification of proof test should be provided.

Warning! Temporary repairs of either webbing, fittings, or stitching shall not be permitted.

Our trained and experienced rigging experts are available to come to your workplace to conduct proper sling inspections, complete with written records.