Factors Affecting Synthetic Sling Performance

CUTTING

Cutting is the most common cause for a sling being taken out of service. All synthetic slings are subject to cutting when lifting items with edges. Edges that come in contact with the sling should be padded with material of sufficient strength to prevent damage to the sling. Wear pads give extra protection to the sling where the most wear occurs. Please refer to our page on wear pads and sleeves for all of your options. Regardless of location or type of cut — anytime a sling is cut in any way, shape or form — it must be removed from service.
 

HOLES, TEARS, ABRASION, ETC.

Any violation of the integrity of the sling construction can and will reduce the performance of the sling. Always use appropriate padding and wear protectors; avoid dragging slings across floors; avoid pulling slings from under loads.
 

ULTRAVIOLET EXPOSURE

• Environments in which synthetic webbing slings are continuously exposed to ultraviolet light can affect the strength of synthetic webbing slings in varying degrees from little to total degradation.

• Suggested procedures to minimize the effects of ultraviolet light and sun light:

  • Store slings in a cool, dry and dark place when not being    used for prolonged periods of time.

  • Inspect slings weekly or even more frequently depending on sling use.

• Visual indications of ultraviolet degradation are:

  • Bleaching out of sling color

  • Increased stiffness of sling material

  • Surface abrasion in areas not normally in contact with the load

  • Slings used in environments where they are subject to continuous exposure to ultraviolet light should be proof tested to two times rated capacity annually, or more frequently depending on severity of exposure.

IMPROPER LOADING

Overloading, imbalanced loading, shock loading, failure to consider hitch, angle and tension effect on rated capacity reduction — all of these issues can reduce the functionality, safety and integrity of the sling. Always adhere to rated capacities; always take into consideration hitch, angle and tension in calculating working load limit; build and rig loads such that they are properly balanced and always avoid shock-loading.

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SLING LENGTH
The selected sling must be of sufficient length to accommodate the load when factoring in the sling to load angle. Failure to consider sling length in conjunction with sling to load angle can result in an overloaded sling.

FOREIGN MATTER

Dirt, grease, grit, metal chips — any foreign matter can damage the sling. Make all efforts to keep slings clean and free of foreign materials.

TEMPERATURE

Typical synthetic slings (flat/web slings and roundslings) are not specified for use in temperatures exceeding 194°F/90°C or below -40°F (-40°C). For information on lifting solutions in environments beyond these parameters, contact Liftex®.
 

CHEMICALLY ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Chemically active environments can affect the strength of slings in varying degrees, ranging from little to total degradation. Before ordering slings that are to be used in a chemically active environment, give us a call. We would be pleased to recommend the right sling for your application.
 

ALKALIS

Nylon is resistant to many alkalis, but is subject to degradation ranging from little to moderate in some alkalis. Polyester is subject to degradation in alkalis, ranging from little to total degradation.
 

ACIDS

Nylon is subject to degradation in acids ranging from little to total degradation. Polyester is resistant to many acids, but is subject to degradation ranging from little to moderate in some acids.

Each application must be evaluated, taking into consideration the following:

• Type of acid, alkali or other chemical

• Exposure conditions

• Concentration

• Temperature
   

PROPER CARE AND STORAGE

Slings should be stored in a clean, dry environment. Slings should be hung from a rack. For maximum ultraviolet protection — store slings in a dark area.