Tool Box Talk: Lifting Gear

Fact: Each year there are approximately 17 fatal accidents

involving lifting gear.

Cover: Slings.

Slings
1. Check SWL on sling against load to be lifted.
2. Check sling is certified / tagged / and within 5 years of
manufacture.
3. Don’t use slings close to welding or flame cutting.
4. Do not use broken slings, them in half and skip them.
5. Carry out pre user checks prior to each lift.
6. A sling doubled round a shackle has SWL equivalent
only to that of a single part of the sling.
7. Protect the slings from sharp edges.
8. If the sling is older than 5 years from the date of
manufacture or has any worn areas DO NOT USE cut
them in half and skip them. It may not be you that
picks the sling up and use it but it will be you that
would have to live with it if someone else did use it.
9. LOLER checks, yearly or 6 monthly if used to
lift/recover personal.