twinpath high performance synthetic slings

TWIN-PATH® HIGH PERFORMANCE SLINGS

Twin-Path® Slings are the world’s strongest and lightest lifting slings. These synthetic round slings feature two individual paths of fiber working together as one slings – providing the rigger with redundant back-up protection in the event that one of the paths are cut. Twin-Path® slings are used in place of chain and wire rope slings for heavy lifts. They weigh approximately 90% less than steel slings and have less than 1% elongation at rated capacity (compare to braided polyester round slings, which can stretch up to 9%). Twin-Path® slings can also be repaired.

Twin-Path® Slings are constructed with high performance fibers known as K-Spec® which are resistant to chemicals, heat and moisture. Independent testing has shown that K-Spec® core yarn is the longest lasting load-bearing core yarn in any sling.

The K-Spec® yarns are protected by an internal red polyester cover which is further protected by the outer green cover of Covermax® nylon. Covermax® provides superior abrasion resistance and contrasts with the internal red covers to assist in visual inspections for cut and wear. Additional sleeves can also be sewn around the body of the sling so that they can be positioned in areas where abrasion is prevalent.

Twin-Path® Slings also feature Check-Fast® Inspection overload indicators. The Check-Fast® Inspection system features external warning indicators (EWI) that extend from the cover of the sling. In the event that the sling has been overloaded, the EWI will retract, indicating that the sling’s integrity has been compromised. The Check-Fast® Inspection System is included on all Hanes Supply Twin-Path® slings unless specified otherwise.

Twin-Path® slings conform to ASME B30.9 Chapter six, US Navy NAVFAC P-307 Section 14, and CI 1905-07. The safety and inspection features found only in Twin-Path® products were created to overcome shortfalls riggers found in single path round slings. If ergonomics, productivity and safety are important, then Twin-Path® slings are your best choice. Twin-Path® slings are made in sizes up to 500,000 lbs. vertical rated capacity with larger capacities available by special order.

Mechanical/Rigging Considerations

Determine the weight of the load. The weight of the load shall be within the rated capacity of the sling.
Select a sling having suitable characteristics for the type of load, hitch and environment.
Slings shall not be loaded in excess of the rated capacity. Consideration shall be given to angle of lift which may affect the lifting capacity. Diameters of pins and edges also may affect the capacity of the lifting sling.
Slings used in a choker shall not be forced to tighten around the load by pounding with hammers or other objects. Choker hitches are the least effective way to use a sling based on capacity. Two chokers should be used to balance the load. One choker in the center of the load may create an unbalanced situation which could lead to an accident.
Slings used in a basket hitch must have the load balanced to prevent slippage and accidents.
Slings used with fittings shall be compatible with the fittings used. The lifting capacity shall be rated at the lower of the fitting or sling. Fitting openings shall be of the proper shape and size to assure that the sling will seat properly.
Slings shall be protected from cutting and edges. All protrusions and abrasive surfaces will be kept from contact with the sling. Where unavoidable situations develop padding shall be placed between the sling and load. The pin area of a shackle can cause synthetic slings to cut and placing synthetic slings on the pin should avoided.
Slings shall not be dragged on the floor or drawn across other surfaces which may damage the sling.
Slings shall not be twisted or tied in knots or shorten.
Slings shall not be pulled from under loads resting on the sling.
Do not drop objects on slings or run over them with vehicles.
Slings which are damaged shall not be used.
Sling hitches must provide control of the load.
Portions of the human body shall be kept from between the sling and the load and from between the sling and any attachment to lifting devices such as hooks.
Personnel shall stand clear of suspended loads.
Personnel shall not ride on the sling or suspended loads.
Avoid snatch or shock loading.
Twisting and kinking the legs of the sling shall be avoided.
Load applied to the hook should be centered in the bowl of the hooks. Do not point load the hook.
During lifting with or without the load all personnel shall be alert for possible snagging.
The slings should contain or support the load from the sides above the center of gravity so that the load will not tilt when the load is lifted.
Slings shall be of the proper length so that the angle of the sling to the load does not reduce the rated capacity of the sling for a given angle.
Only legibly marked or labeled slings should be used. If the tag is not legible, or missing, the sling should not be used.
Keep labels or tags away from the load, the hook and the angle of choke.
Synthetic slings should be inspected each time before each lift.

Inspection Before Use

Tell-Tails should extend at least ½" past the tag area of each sling. If both Tell-Tails are not at least ½" long remove the sling from service. If the Tell-Tails show evidence of chemical degradation, remove the sling from service. Send to manufacturer for repair evaluation.
Slings should be inspected for evidence of cutting or tearing of the outer cover. Slings with cuts should be removed from service and sent back to the manufacturer for repair evaluation. Damage to the cover may indicate core damage.
Inspect slings for evidence of heat damage. Slings with polyester or Covermax™ covers should not be exposed to temperature above 82°C/180°F. Aramid Sparkeater Slings should not be exposed to temperatures over 149°C/300°F. K-Spec™ Core Slings should not be exposed to temperatures above 82°C/180°F. Cold temperature exposure down to minus 40°C/minus 40°F do not effect he strength of the products. Other temperatures should be referred to the manufacturer.
Slings using aluminum fittings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, or mists of alkalis or acids are present.
Twin-Path® Lifting Slings and any fittings attached should be the subject of frequent and regular inspections. In addition to the initial inspection by a competent person and frequent written inspections, the slings should be visually inspected before each use.
Written inspections should be performed as required and documents of such inspection by a competent person shall be kept on file in the safety department of the plant or site where used. Inspections may be done more often based on frequency of use, severity of conditions, experience of past service life.
Slings should be examined throughout their length for abrasion, cuts, heat damage, fitting distortion or damage, tag legibility, and if any doubts are held by the inspector, the sling should be removed from service. Core integrity is determined by fiber optic light transfer if this type of tell-tail is installed in the sling. If a deterioration is found, the sling must be removed from service and returned to the manufacturer for evaluation.
Slings removed from service that are not capable of repair should be destroyed and rendered completely unfit for future use.
Abrasion, heat damage or cuts to the cover may indicate a loss of strength to the load core and these slings should not be used until evaluated by the manufacturer. At area of damage, cover should be opened and the core yarns counted and visually inspected.