General Purpose Slinging Practice
The following information is based on Section 1 - Appendix 1.5 of the LEEA
Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment. It should be read in
conjunction with the instructions for the safe use, given overleaf, of which
it forms an integral part and with any specic instructions issued by the
supplier.
This information is of a general nature only covering the main points for the
safe use of various types of slings for general lifting purposes.
Sling Configuration & Rating
Slings are available in single, two, three and four leg or endless form. In
practice it will be found that chain, wire rope and bre rope slings are
available in any of these congurations but that at woven webbing is limited
to single leg and endless whilst roundslings are only supplied in endless
form. The maximum load that a sling may lift in use will be governed by the
slinging arrangement (mode of use) and may vary from the marked SWL.
In the case of textile slings the SWL for the various modes of use is usually
given on the information label. In other cases it is necessary to multiply the
marked SWL by a mode factor.
The following three simple rules will ensure that the sling is not overloaded.
In some cases this will mean that the sling will be under utilised although
this is unlikely to hinder the user unduly. Where the maximum utilisation is
required reference should be made to a Competent Person who understands
the factors involved and who can perform the necessary calculations.
(1) For straight lift never exceed the marked SWL and in the case of multi-
leg slings the specied angle or range of angles.
(2) When using slings in choke hitch multiply the marked SWL by 0.8 to
obtain the reduced maximum load the sling may lift ie reduce the safe
working load by 20%.
Always
• Plan the lift, establish the weight of the load and prepare the
landing area ensuring that it will take the weight.
• Check slings and equipment are free of damage, use slings/
slinging methods suitable for the load and protect slings
from sharp edges and corners.
• Attach the sling securely to the load and appliance and
position hooks to face outwards.
• Ensure the load is balanced and will not tilt or fall.
• Keep ngers, toes etc clear when tensioning slings and
when landing loads.
• Ensure that the load is free to be lifted.
• Make a trial lift and trial lower.
Never
• Use damaged slings or accessories.
• Twist, knot or tie slings.
• Hammer slings into position.
• Overload slings due to the weight of the load or the mode of
use.
• Trap slings when landing the load.
• Drag slings over oors etc or attempt to pull trapped slings
from under loads.
• Allow personnel to ride on loads.
(3) With multi-leg slings, when using less than the full number of legs,
reduce the maximum load in proportion to the number of legs in use.
Simply multiply the marked SWL by the number of legs in use expressed
as a fraction of the total thus: one leg of a two leg sling = ½ marked
SWL, three legs of a four leg sling = ¾ marked SWL and so on.
Operative Training
Slings should only be used by trained operatives who understand the
methods of rating and application of mode factors.
Safe use of Slings
• Good slinging practice must ensure that the load is as safe and secure
in the air as it was on the ground and that no harm is done to the load,
lifting equipment, other property or persons.
• Establish the weight of the load, ensure the lifting method is suitable
and inspect the sling and attachments for obvious defects. Prepare the
landing area making sure the oor is strong enough to take the load.
Follow any specic instructions from the supplier.
• Ensure the lifting point is over the centre of gravity. Any loose parts of
the load should be removed or secured. Secure the sling rmly to the
load by hooks onto lifting points or shackles etc. The sling must not be
twisted, knotted or kinked in any way.
• Use packing to prevent damage to the sling from corners or edges and
to protect the load.
• Do not exceed the WWL or rated angle. Any choke angle must not
exceed 120°and any basket 90°.
• Do not hammer, force or wedge slings or accessories into position; they
must t freely.
• When attaching more than one sling to the hook of the appliance use a
shackle to join the slings and avoid overcrowding the hook.
• Use an established code of signals to instruct the crane driver.
• Ensure the load is free to be lifted and not, for example, bolted down.
• Check that there are no overhead obstacles such as power lines.
• Keep ngers, toes etc clear ensuring they do not become trapped when
lifting, lowering or controlling loads.
• Make a trial lift by raising the load a little to ensure it is balanced, stable
and secure and if not lower it and adjust the slinging arrangement.
• Where appropriate use tag lines to control the load.
• Except where special provision is made, do not allow anyone to pass
under or ride upon the load. The area should be kept clear.
• Make a trial set down, ensure the sling will not become trapped and the
load will not tip when the slings are released. Use supports which are
strong enough to sustain the load without crushing.
• Never drag slings over oors etc or attempt to drag a trapped sling from
under a load.
• Never use a sling to drag a load.
• Place the hooks of free legs back onto the master link and take care to
ensure that empty hooks do not become accidentally engaged.
• Never use slings in contact with chemicals or heat without the
manufacturers approval.
• Never use damaged or contaminated slings.
• On completion of the lift return all equipment to proper storage.
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