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Be it shipping yards or construction sites,Ìýrigging and liftingÌýheavy loads wouldn’t be possible without slings. They are a simple and cost-effective tool to ensure safe and efficient lifting, even for the heaviest and most oddly shaped loads. As a result, theÌýindustrial lifting slingsÌýundergo regular wear and tear, making it necessary to protect and care for them as much as possible.

The lack ofÌýsling protectionÌýmeans you will be throwing out damaged slings constantly. Synthetic slingsÌýare probably the cheapest of allÌýindustrial lifting devices. But, wire rope andÌýchain slingsÌýare very expensive. In other words, a high sling turnover can cost you a pretty penny. Besides, your productivity will take a nosedive because replacing the chain andÌýwireÌýrope slingsÌýcould take days, if not weeks.

If you want to provide the bestÌýlifting solutions, you have to pay attention toÌýsling protectionÌýand maintenance.

Let’s understand how that works in detail.

What is Sling Protection?

In theÌýrigging and liftingÌýindustry,Ìýsling protectionÌýis a collective term for all the measures taken to protect the slings from sharp edges, corners, and other potential damage. You can use different types of protective equipment such as corner guards, sleeves, reinforced eyes, and wear pads to protect the slings from sharp edges.

Usually made from wood, Kevlar, rubber, leather, and nylon, these devices come in all shapes and sizes. You can choose a protective gear depending on the types of slings, load, and lifting height or distance.

All types of slings require protection, even chain, andÌýwire rope slings. But it is more prevalent when usingÌýsynthetic slingsÌýlikeÌýweb and round slings. As they are made from Nylon or Polyester, these slings are more prone to cuts from sharp edges or corners.

However, sling protectionÌýgoes well beyond just using protective equipment. It lays down guidelines for usingÌýlifting slingsÌýin the safest way possible to avoid accidents. It also covers the basics of maintenance and storage procedures to ensure prolonged use.

Slings usually require protection when:

• Used to lift oddly shaped loads with sharp edges and corners.
• Used to lift heavy loads with sharp edges.
• Used to lift loads in harsh weather or environment.
• Connecting the load to crane hook, shackle, hoist rings, eye bolts, and master link.

Downsides Of Not Protecting Your Lifting Slings

Sling protectionÌýis a must. Without it, you would be facing several problems, including:

• Workplace Accidents, Injuries, And Deaths:ÌýImagine what will happen if a heavy load gets dropped because of a damaged sling. It can seriously injure or even kill people standing underneath or near it.
• Damage To The Load Itself:ÌýIf slings break down when lifting a heavy and expensive load, you could end up with damages worth thousands of dollars. Also, wire rope or chain slingsÌýoften put unbearable pressure on the loads. Without proper protection, delicate loads may get damaged.
• Higher Sling Costs:ÌýYou will have to buy new lifting slings more frequently than ever. It can run your budget dry pretty fast.

How Do I Protect My Slings?

In order to provide optimalÌýlifting solutions, you must protect your slings when in use and kept in storage. Here are a few things you should keep in mind.

A. When Using Your Lifting Slings: Ìý

Avoid Exposure To High Temperature:ÌýAllÌýlifting slingsÌýneed protection from extreme temperatures. EvenÌýalloy chain slingsÌýare susceptible to damage caused by extreme temperature. Although these won’t melt or burn likeÌýsynthetic slings, they will become soft and brittle over time.

Keep An Eye Out for Chemical Exposure:ÌýMany industries have to lift and rig loads in harsh chemical environments. For example, in theÌýmanufacturing industry, metal parts require a protective coating. In this process, these parts often get dipped in a mixture of chemicals. What will happen to your lifting slings when they get exposed to the chemicals? You need to consider the potential risks and use suitable protective equipment.ÌýÌýÌý

Protect Lifting Slings from UV Light:ÌýSlings, particularlyÌýsynthetic slings, are more susceptible to UV light damage. So, you have to store them in a cool and dry place that doesn’t receive direct sunlight. If you see any discoloration, discard theÌýsynthetic slingsÌýimmediately. It is a sign of UV light exposure and weakened fiber strands.

Use Sling Protection When Necessary:ÌýWhenever you areÌýrigging and liftingÌýloads with sharp edges and corners, make sure to use protective equipment such asÌýsling wear pads. Even if the slings come with an edge guard coating, it’s still better to use suitable cut protection.

Never Cross The Working Load Limits:ÌýAllÌýlifting slings, made from synthetic fibers or metal alloys, come with a working load limit or WLL. Crossing the WLL will not only damage the slings but also result in accidents. Always make sure to check the WLL stated on the slings. Don’t use them if this information is not visible.

B. When Keeping Your Lifting Slings In Storage:

Keep The Slings Clean And Dry:ÌýMake sure to clean theÌýlifting slingsÌýafter each use. Continuous exposure to moisture, dirt, and dust can damage the slings. However, don’t use solvents or de-greasing solutions to clean them up. These chemicals will reduce the strength of theÌýsynthetic slings.

You also need to conduct a thorough visual inspection before each use. If you see any damage such as cuts, discoloration, kinks, doglegs, and scratches, discard theÌýindustrial lifting slingsÌýimmediately. Stick to the guidelines given in theÌýÌýto keep your slings in excellent working condition.

Store Slings Properly:ÌýAlways store theÌýlifting slingsÌýoff the ground, preferably hanging on the wall. Also, keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place. It will protect slings from moisture, dirt, UV light, and dust. But most importantly, it will protect your staff from tripping over. Never storeÌýlifting slingsÌýin a chemically active environment.

In Conclusion

If you useÌýindustrial lifting slingsÌýregularly, you must keep them in top shape. It will ensure longevity and safety. Replacing a damaged sling is an expensive and demanding task. Instead, you can save time, money, and effort by ensuring properÌýsling protectionÌýand care. Hopefully, these tips will help.

If you are looking forÌýindustrial lifting devices, check out our online store or give us a call. HHI sells and rents different types ofÌýrigging and liftingÌýhardware at attractive rates.ÌýCall usÌýtoday to know more.