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Slings--Natural Rope, Synthetic
Rope, and Synthetic Web
Self Inspection Checklist


Guidelines: This checklist covers regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under the general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.184 and the construction standard 1926.251. It applies to slings used with other equipment to move material by lifting or hoisting. The regulations cited apply only to private employers and their employees, unless adopted by a State agency and applied to other groups such as public employees. A yes answer to a question indicates that this portion of the inspection complies with the OSHA or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard, or with a nonregulatory recommendation. Definitions of terms in bold type are provided at the end of the checklist.

check mark symbol Questions marked with this symbol may require the help of an outside expert.

Numerous tables in 29 CFR 1910.184 and 1926.251 give sling configuration, sling construction, sling diameter, and maximum load capacity. These tables have not be included as part of this checklist. For additional information, consult the OSHA regulations.

        Please Circle  
   Natural and Synthetic Fiber Rope Slings

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  1. Are fiber rope slings that are made from conventional
    three-strand construction fiber rope used only within
    their rated capacities and minimum diameter of
    curvature?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(1)(i) and 1926.251(d)(1)]

    Note: Consult the tables in the OSHA regulations
    or the manufacturer's requirements for permitted
    load ratings and diameter of curvature restrictions for
    the different rigging situations. Diameter of curvature
    is important since wrapping a sling around something
    at a diameter less than that recommended reduces the
    strength of the sling at the bend and could cause
    failure of the line.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Are natural and synthetic fiber rope slings used only
    within a temperature range of !20ºF to 180ºF?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(2) and 1926.251(d)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. If natural and synthetic fiber rope slings are used
    outside the temperature range of !20ºF to 180ºF
    or have been wetted or frozen, are the
    manufacturer's recommendations followed for
    continued use?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(2) and 1926.251(d)(3)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

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  1. Is the use of spliced fiber rope

    Note: Consult the OSHA regulations under
    29 CFR 1910.184(h)(3) and 1926.251(d)(2)
    and (4) for additional requirements on splices.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Do fiber rope slings have a minimum clear length
    of rope between eye splices equal to 10 times
    the rope diameter?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(3)(iv) and 1926.251(d)(4)(iv)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is the use of knots in place of splicing prohibited for
    fiber rope slings?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(3)(v) and 1926.251(d)(2)(v)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is the use of are fiber rope slings prohibited if the
    end attachments in contact with the rope have sharp
    edges or projections?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(4) and 1926.251(d)(5)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Are natural and synthetic fiber rope slings immediately
    removed from service if any of the following
    conditions are present?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(5) and 1926.251(d)(6)]

    1. Abnormal wear

    2. Powdered fiber between strands

    3. Broken or cut fibers

    4. Variations in size or roundness of strands

    5. Discoloration or rotting

    6. Distortion of hardware in the slings
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Are fiber rope slings only made from new rope;
    i.e., is the use of repaired or reconditioned fiber
    rope slings prohibited?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(h)(6)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  

Synthetic Web Slings
  
  1. Is each synthetic web slings marked or coated to
    show the rated capacity for each type of hitch and
    synthetic web material?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(1) and 1926.251(e)(1)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is the synthetic webbing of uniform thickness
    and width?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(2) and 1926.251(e)(3)]

    Note: Selvage edges must not be split from the
    webbing's width.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Do fittings have a minimum breaking strength equal
    to that of the sling?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(3) and 1926.251(e)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Are fittings free of all sharp edges that could damage
    the webbing?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(3) and 1926.251(e)(4)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is stitching the only method used to attach end fittings
    to webbing and to form eyes?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(4) and 1926.251(e)(5)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

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  1. Are synthetic web slings only used within their
    rated load capacity?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(5) and 1926.251(e)(2)]

    Note: Consult the tables in the OSHA regulations or
    the manufacturer's requirements for permitted load
    ratings for the different rigging situations.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. When synthetic web slings are used, are the
    following precautions taken?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(6) and 1926.251(e)(6)]

    1. Nylon web slings are not used where fumes,
      vapors, sprays, mists, or liquids of acids or
      phenolics are present.

    2. Polyester and polypropylene web slings are
      not used where fumes, vapors sprays, mists, or
      liquids of caustics are present.

    3. Web slings with aluminum fittings are not
      used where fumes, vapors, sprays, mists, or
      liquids of caustics are present.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is the use of synthetic web slings of polyester and
    nylon above 180ºF prohibited?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(7) and 1926.251(e)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is the use of polypropylene web slings above
    200ºF prohibited?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(7) and 1926.251(e)(7)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Are synthetic web slings only repaired by the
    sling manufacturer or another competent person
    or organization?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(8)(i)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is each repaired sling proof tested by the
    manufacturer (or another competent person or
    organization) to twice the rated capacity before its
    return to service? Is a certificate of proof test
    available?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(8)(ii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Is the use of temporarily repaired slings
    (including webbing and fittings) prohibited?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(8)(iii)]
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 
  
  1. Are synthetic web slings immediately removed
    from service if any of the following conditions
    are present?
    [29 CFR 1910.184(i)(9) and 1926.251(e)(8)]

    1. Acid or caustic burns

    2. Melting or charring of any part of the sling surface

    3. Snags, punctures, tears, or cuts

    4. Broken or worn stitches

    5. Distortion of fittings
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 

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  1. Are shackles and hooks only used within their safe
    working loads?
    [1926.251(f)]

    Note: Consult the OSHA regulations for the safe
    working loads of various sizes of shackles. Use the
    manufacturer's recommendations to determine
    the safe working loads for the various sizes and
    types of hooks. Test all hooks with no applicable
    manufacturer's recommendations at twice the
    intended safe working load before they are initially
    put into use. Maintain documentation of the dates
    and results of the test.
 Y   N   N/A   ?? 




Definitions:

Proof test: a nondestructive tension test performed by the sling manufacturer (or another competent person or organization) to verify construction and workmanship of a sling.

Sling: an assembly that connects the load to the material handling equipment.



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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health