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Product Resource Information

Scope

THE ALBERTA OH&S ACT, REGULATION AND CODE 2018, THE ASME B30.9-2018 STANDARD AND MANUFACTURERS OF METAL MESH SLINGS ALL STATE THAT USERS OF SLINGS MUST BE TRAINED IN THE SELECTION, INSPECTION, CAUTIONS TO PERSONNEL, EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTS AND RIGGING PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE SLINGS. FAILURES DUE TO MISUSE HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES AND DEATH. THIS SECTION WILL PROVIDE YOU INFORMATION ON THE SAFE USE OF METAL MESH SLINGS.

Legislation, Standards and Specifications

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. Act, Regulation and Code 2021.

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American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.9-2018, Slings. Chapter 9-3 Metal Mesh Slings.

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Manufacturer's specifications for the type and style of Metal Mesh Sling.

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Manufacturer's referenced standards.

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Employer, Worker, User, Supervisor and Supplier Responsibilities

Users must be trained in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Metal Mesh Slings.

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Can you prove users are competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Metal Mesh Slings ?

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If a user is not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Metal Mesh Slings they must have direct supervision from a competent worker.

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If not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Metal Mesh Slings do users have direct supervision ?

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Do you have documented policies and procedures in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Metal Mesh Slings ?

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An employer must identifiy responsibilities for the user of Metal Mesh Slings.

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The use of Metal Mesh Slings can create hazardous situations.

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Have Supervisors taken all precautions to protect the health and safety of every worker under the Supervisors supervision.

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Have Suppliers ensured the equipment supplied is in a safe operating condition, and that it complies with this Act, regulation and the OHS Code  

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Design Factors

What are the manufacturer's design factors for the Metal Mesh Sling you are using ?

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Markings

A Metal Mesh Sling must be marked with the manufacturer's name or trade mark.

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A Metal Mesh Sling must be marked with its rated loads for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based.

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A Metal Mesh Sling must be marked with an individual identification (serial number).

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Training

It is important that all Metal Mesh Sling users be knowledgeable about the safe and proper use, application of Metal Mesh Slings, be thoroughly familiar with the manufacturer's recommendations, and safety material provided with each product. In addition all Metal Mesh Sling users need to be aware of their responsibilities outlined in all applicable standards, regulations and policies

What are the training requirements for Metal Mesh Sling users?

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How does your company monitor the training requirements for Metal Mesh Slings?

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How have users been trained in the requirements for Metal Mesh Slings?

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Training records should be kept to show users were trained in the requirements of Metal Mesh Slings

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Manufacturer's specifications for the Metal Mesh Slings must be available to users

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Where are your manufacturer's specifications for the Metal Mesh Slings kept?

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How do you ensure users are familiar with the manufacturer's specifications?

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Have employers identified the hazards associated with the use of Metal Mesh Slings?

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Have users identified the hazards associated with the use of Metal Mesh Slings?

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Inspection Requirements

There are 3 types of inspection that are required to be carried out on Metal Mesh Slings. These are Initial, Frequent and Periodic

All new Metal Mesh Slings shall have an initial inspection completed by a designated person.

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Prior to and during use all Metal Mesh Slings shall have a frequent inspection completed by a designated person.

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How often are frequent inspections completed ?

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What must be checked on a frequent inspection ?

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All Metal Mesh Slings must have a documented periodic inspection at a minimum annually completed by a designated person.

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How often are periodic inspections completed ?

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What must be checked on a periodic inspection ?

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Records of periodic inspections must be available to users.

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How does your company identify a Metal Mesh Sling has had a periodic inspection  ?

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Removal Criteria

An Metal Mesh Sling must be removed from service if any of the following criteria deems that the sling is not fit for use.

Sling identification missing.

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Sling identification illegible.

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Broken weld or a broken brazed joint along the sling edge

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Broken wire in any part of the mesh

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Reduction in wire diameter of 25% due to abrasion

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Reduction in wire diameter of 15% due to corrosion

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Lack of flexibility due to distortion of the mesh

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Distortion of the choker fitting so the depth of the slot is increased by more than 10%

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Distortion of either end fitting so the width of the eye opening is decreased by more than 10%

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A 15% reduction of the original cross-sectional area of any point around the hook opening of the end fitting

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Visible distortion of either end fitting out of its plane

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Cracked end fitting

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Slings in which the spirals are locked or without free articulation shall not be used

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Fittings that are pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or broken

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Selection, Limitations and Use

All Metal Mesh Sling users must be aware that their capacity may change depending on the type of hitch, the sling angle, the diameter it is used around and the working environmental conditions it is used in.

Damaged slings shall not be used

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Rated loads cannot be exceeded

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Do not stand or pass under a suspended load

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Do not ride on a sling

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Slings shall only be shortened or adjusted by manufacturer's allowable means

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Slings shall not be shortened or lengthened by knotting or twisting

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Twisting and kinking shall be avoided

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Shock loading must be avoided

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What hitches can the sling be used in ?

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Will the hitch used provide control of the load ?

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How will the hitch used effect the load ratings of the sling ?

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What are the rated load limitation when used at angles ?

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How do edges, corners or small diameters effect the load rating of a sling ?

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Slings must be protected against sharp edges, corners or protrusions

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Will the protection be adequate for the application used ?

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Will the sling be subjected to mechanical damage ?

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Will loads be rested on the sling ?

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Will the sling be pulled from under a rested load ?

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Will the sling be dragged on the floor or an abrasive surfaces ?

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What is the minimum and maximum temperature the sling can be exposed to ?

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Will the sling be effected by exposure to chemicals ?

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Will the slings used in pairs

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Maintenance

Are slings subjected to corrosive action ?

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Are slings subjected to mechanical damage?

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Are slings subjected to moisture?

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Are slings subjected to extreme temperatures?

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Are slings subjected to kinking?

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Misconceptions

Misconseption 1. If you have attended a training course you are a competent rigger.

Training is only one part of being competent to carry out your job, you must also be adequately qualified and have sufficient experience.

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Misconception 2. A slings capacity stays the same when used around an edge or corner.

Metal Mesh slings are greatly effected in these situation, wrapping the mesh around a 90 degree corner applies point loading on the spirals and can cause damage or failure of the mesh, also using the sling around a small radius will reduce the capacity the sling can lift.

The minimum radius or D/d ratio recommended by the manufacturer must be known before using the sling in these situations.  

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Competency Evaluation

This evaluation form can be used as a demonstration or knowledge based competency of a workers understanding of an Metal Mesh Sling. It can be used by either Workers or Employers to assess their knowledge. Click on the link below to either download or print the evaluation.

 

Metal Mesh Sling Competency Evaluation

Manufacturer and Supplier Questions

The objective of this document is to acquire information from manufacturers and suppliers to assess if the Metal Mesh Slings supplied are compliant to the ASME B30.9 standard, as this is the most recognized standard used in North America. Click on the link below to either download or print the questionaire.

 

Metal Mesh Sling Manufacturer and Supplier Questions

Tool Box Talks

These Tool Box Talks can be used as part of a safety meeting that focuses on topics related to a specific job, such as workplace hazards and safe working practices. Click on the link below to either download or print the tool box talk.

 

Metal Mesh Sling Tool Box Talk

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