Polyester Round Sling Inspection: What to Check Before Every Lift

Polyester round slings are among the most commonly used rigging tools on the jobsite. Their strength, flexibility, and versatility make them a reliable option for a wide range of lifting applications. However, safe use depends on more than selecting the right sling for the load. To help prevent damage, extend sling life, and reduce the risk of failure, each sling should be inspected before use or at the start of every workday. In this blog post, we’ll explain why polyester round sling inspection is important and what to look for during the inspection process.

Why Polyester Round Sling Inspections Matter

Regularly inspecting your polyester round sling is crucial to preventing hazardous situations, such as:

1. Catastrophic failure during a lift
2. Using the wrong equipment for the load
3. Endangering workers due to worn or damaged slings
4. Avoidable replacement costs resulting from a failed lift

Shackles and polyester round slings are vital pieces of below-the-hook rigging for this generator lift at a data center.

Issues to Look For

Fortunately, ASME provides clear guidelines to help you identify when a sling should be removed from service. According to ASME B30.9, a polyester round sling must be taken out of service immediately if you notice any of the following conditions:

1. Signs of damage requiring immediate removal
2. Missing or illegible sling identification
3. Acid or caustic burns
4. Evidence of heat damage
5. Holes, tears, cuts, abrasive wear, or snags exposing the core yarns
6. Broken or damaged core yarns
7. Weld splatter exposing core yarns
8. Discoloration, brittleness, or stiffness, which may indicate chemical or environmental damage

The Importance of a Visual Inspection

A polyester round sling from LGH

Inspecting your polyester round sling is simple yet essential. A quick visual check can identify most potential issues before they become serious hazards.

1. Missing Sling Identification Tag: If a sling’s tag is missing, do not use it. Each manufacturer uses different color codes for weight capacities, so without a tag, you cannot reliably determine the sling’s safe working load.
2. Surface Wear and Tear: Check for snags, discoloration from UV exposure, or chemical damage. If the outer cover is compromised, there’s no way to know whether the damage extends to the core yarns.
3. Exposed Core Yarns: If core yarns are visible, assume their strength has been compromised and remove the sling from service immediately.
   

   Polyester Round Slings in action, safely lifting a bridge section on-site.

Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks

While these precautions may seem like common sense, it’s all too easy to overlook them in a fast-paced work environment. However, with slings being relatively inexpensive to replace, it’s never worth the risk of using a questionable one. Prioritizing safety through regular inspections ensures a secure and efficient job site while protecting both workers and equipment.

When in doubt, remove the sling from service. A simple inspection could save not only a lift but also a life.

Watch Our Polyester Round Sling Video for More Insights

For a deeper dive into polyester round slings, check out our YouTube video:

ABOUT LGH

LGH is North America’s largest single organization devoted exclusively to the provision of lifting and moving equipment for rent. LGH holds the most comprehensive inventory for hoisting, rigging, jacking, pulling, material handling, and safety equipment. With over 90,000 pieces, discover your next project solution at RentLGH.com.