Rigging Fundamentals & Sling Safety
Sling selection, inspection, removal criteria, chain sling hazards, tag lines, and rigging responsibilities for overhead crane operators.
- Identify sling types and their proper selection
- Explain sling inspection and removal criteria
- Describe hazards of twisted and kinked chain slings
- Apply proper tag line techniques
- Define rigging responsibilities for crane operators
Lección 1
Sling Types, Selection & Capacity
Types of Slings
Overhead crane operators must understand the different sling types and when each is appropriate. The primary sling types are wire rope slings, chain (alloy steel) slings, synthetic web slings, and synthetic round slings. Each has different strengths, limitations, and inspection criteria.
The danger of using wrong slings is that the sling may fail under load, dropping the load and potentially killing or injuring personnel. Slings must be matched to the load weight, load type, temperature environment, and hitch configuration. Using a sling rated below the load weight, or one degraded by damage or chemical exposure, can result in catastrophic failure.
Wire Rope Slings
Best for: Heavy loads, hot environments
Temp range: Up to 400 F (200 C)
Inspect for: Broken wires, kinks, crushing
Limitation: Can damage smooth surfaces
Chain Slings (Alloy Steel)
Best for: Hot materials, rough surfaces
Temp range: Up to 1,000 F (540 C)
Inspect for: Stretch, cracks, wear, twists
Limitation: Heavy, can damage loads
Synthetic Web Slings
Best for: Finished surfaces, light loads
Temp range: Up to 180 F (82 C)
Inspect for: Cuts, burns, acid damage, UV degradation
Limitation: Cannot use near heat or chemicals
Synthetic Round Slings
Best for: Delicate loads, irregular shapes
Temp range: Up to 180 F (82 C)
Inspect for: Exposed core yarn, cuts, snags
Limitation: Same heat/chemical limits as web
Sling Capacity Tags
Every sling must have a legible identification tag showing rated capacity for each hitch type (vertical, choker, basket). If the tag is missing or illegible, the sling must be removed from service until it can be re-rated by a qualified person.
Always match the sling type to the load and environment. Using the wrong sling risks catastrophic failure. Every sling must have a legible capacity tag - if the tag is missing, remove the sling from service.