Safe Slinging Practice

Always plan the lift, establish the weight of the load and prepare the landing area ensuring that it will take the load.
Always check the slings and equipment are free of damage, use slinging methods that are suitable for the load and protect
slings from sharp edges and corners.
Always attach the sling securely to the load and appliance and position hooks to face outwards.
Always ensure that the load is balanced and will not tilt.
Always keep fingers and toes clear when tensioning slings and when landing loads.
Always ensure that the load is free to be lifted.
Always make a trial lift and lower.

Never use damaged slings or accessories.

Never twist, knot or ties slings.
Never hammer slings into position.
Never overload slings due to the weight of the load OR to the mode of use.
Never trap slings when landing the load.
Never drag slings over floors etc. or attempt to pull trapped slings from under loads.
Never allow personnel to ride on loads.

Sling Configurations and 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
fibre rope slings are available in any of these configurations, and flat web slings and round slings can also be produced. Flat
web slings are also available in endless form. The maximum load that s ling may lift in use will be governed by the slinging
arrangement (mode of use) and may vary from the marked WLL. In the case of textile slings the WLL for the various modes
of use is often given on the information label. In other cases it is necessary to multiply the marked WLL 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-utilized. Where maximum utilisation is required, refer to a Competent Person who understands the factors
involved and who can perform the necessary calculations.

 For a straight lift never exceed the marked WLL and in the case of multi-leg slings the specified angle or range of
angles.
 When using slings in a choke (reeved) hitch multiply the marked WLL by 0.8 to obtain the reduced maximum load
using the sling lift - I.E. Reduce the WLL by 20%.
 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. (There are variations to this rule - please refer to a Competent Person.)

Operator Training
Slings should only be used by trained operators who understand the methods of rating, and the application of mode
factors.

Safe Use of Slings

Always 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, or other property or persons.

6 Sheffield Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton. Phone 0800 33 01 01 – email info@allquipnz.co.nz

Always 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 floor is strong enough to take the load. Follow any specific
instructions from the supplier.
Always ensure that the lifting point is over the centre of gravity. Any loose parts of the load should be removed or secured.
Secure the sling firmly to the load by hooks onto lifting points or shackles etc. The sling must not be twisted, knotted or
kinked in any way.
Always use packing to prevent damage to the sling from corners or edges and to protect the load.

Never exceed the WLL or the rated angle. Any choke angle must not exceed 120°.
Never hammer, force or wedge slings or accessories into position; they must fit freely.
Always use a shackle to join slings when attaching more than one sling to appliances to avoid overcrowding hooks.
Always ensure the load is free to be lifted and not, for example, bolted down.
Always check that there are no overhead obstacles such as power lines.
Always keep fingers and toes clear ensuring that they cannot be trapped when lifting or lowering or controlling loads.
Always make a trial lift by raising the load a little to ensure that it is balanced, stable and secure and if not, lower it and
adjust the slinging arrangement.
If possible, use tag lines to control the load rather than hands.
Never allow anyone to pass under the load or ride on the load. The area should be kept clear.
Always make a trial set down, ensure that 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 floors etc. or attempt to drag a trapped sling from under a load.
Never use a sling to drag a load.
Always 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 supplier’s advice.
Never use damaged or contaminated slings.
Always return all equipment to the proper storage on completion of use.

 Slings damaged or defective will be removed from service.

 Slings will not be shortened with knots or bolts or other makeshift devices.
 Sling legs will not be kinked.
 Slings will not be loaded beyond their rated capacity.
 Slings used in a basket hitch will have the loads balanced to prevent slippage.
 Slings will be securely attached to their loads.
 Slings will be padded or protected from the sharp edges of loads.
 Suspended loads will be kept clear of obstructions.
 People will be kept clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads.
 Hands or fingers will be kept clear of loads and not placed between the load and the sling.
 Shock loading will not be allowed.
 Slings will not be removed while loads are resting on the sling.

6 Sheffield Street, Te Rapa, Hamilton. Phone 0800 33 01 01 – email info@allquipnz.co.nz