Care & Use of Flat Web Slings

Look for:

• Any external wear such as abrasion or cuts and contusions.
• Internal wear which is often indicated by a thickening of the sling or the presence of grit and dirt.
• Damage caused by high temperatures, sunlight or chemicals (indicated by discolouration).
• Damage to the label or stitching.
• Damage to the eyes or to any end fittings.

• There is excessive surface wear, cross or longitudinal cuts in the webbing. Cuts or chafe damage to the edges, crystallisation of the webbing (caused by exposure to excessive heat), or local weakening of the webbing so that surface fibres can be plucked or rubbed off.
• The label has been removed or is illegible.
• End fittings are pitted, corroded, cracked or otherwise damaged.
• There is any damage to protective sleeving.
• A nylon sling comes into contact with acid.
• A polyester sling comes into contact with strong alkaline substances.

Proper storage is essential to prevent deterioration and damage to web slings. Wet slings must be allowed to dry naturally before being stored. Under no circumstances should slings be heated or otherwise force dried. Slings must be stored in locations that have the following conditions:

• Clean and free from dirt and grit.
• Dry and ventilated to prevent condensation.
• Off the ground and without contact with any surface that may corrode.
• Away from the following:
  • Direct sunlight and ultraviolet rays.
  • Sources of heat (e.g. steam pipes, furnaces).
  • Sparks from any sources.
  • Chemically degrading atmospheres, including damaging fumes.
  • Chemically degrading materials, incl. liquids that may leak from containers.
  • Locations where mechanical damage is likely to occur, i.e. on or underneath
    racks containing heavy objects that could inadvertently damage the slings.