It is crucial that synthetic web slings are regularly and properly inspected.

Think about it. Is using a potentially damaged $40 sling worth someone’s life?

Even seemingly minor damage to a sling can significantly reduce its capacity to hold or lift objects and increases the chance that it may fail during use. To detect possible damage, perform a visual inspection of the entire web sling and feel along the sling’s entire length prior to every use. Some damage may be felt more than seen.

Remove synthetic web-slings from service any of the following defects are identified:

Missing or illegible identification tag.Webbing Slings vs. Round Slings

Holes, tears, cuts, snags or embedded materials.

Broken or worn stitches.

Knots in any part of the webbing.

Excessive abrasive wear or crushed webbing.

Melting, charring or weld splatter on any part of the web sling.

Acid or alkali burns.

Distortion, excessive pitting, corrosion or other damage to fittings, if present.

Significant fading of the synthetic material indicating damage caused by UV exposure.

Excessive dirt, grime or oil stains.

The colored core warning threads are showing if part of the slings design. Remember: RED is DEAD.

Wear or elongation exceeding the amount recommended by the manufacturer.

Any other conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of the web sling.

If you are unsure about a sling’s condition, DO NOT USE IT !

When using web slings, DO NOT:

• Drop or drag slings on the ground, floor, or over abrasive surfaces

• Knot, twist or kink the sling

• Drive over slings with a vehicle or other powered mobile equipment

• Shorten or adjust the sling using methods not approved by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person

• Pull slings from under loads when the load is resting on the sling—place blocks under load if possible (protect the sling)

• Expose the sling to sources of heat damage or weld splatter

• Expose slings to damaging acids or alkalis

• Use synthetic web slings below or above temperatures recommended by the manufacturer

• Use hooks, shackles or other hardware that have edges or other hardware that could damage the sling

• Accelerate or decelerate a load too quickly (“shock loading”)

• Use the sling to pull on stuck or snagged objects

• Use the sling for vehicle towing purposes

• Exceed the sling’s rated capacity

ALWAYS protect web slings from being cut or damaged by corners, edges, protrusions or abrasive surfaces. In order to prevent damage to slings when not in use, store them in a cool, dry and dark location. Keep them clean and free of dirt, grime, and foreign materials. It is important that web slings which are regularly used outdoors be removed from service within a period of two to four years or sooner if conditions warrant.