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

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

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

Manufacturer's referenced standards.

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

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

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.

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 ?

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 ?

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

The use of Metal Mesh Slings can create hazardous situations.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

What are the training requirements for Metal Mesh Sling users?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How often are frequent inspections completed ?

What must be checked on a frequent inspection ?

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

How often are periodic inspections completed ?

What must be checked on a periodic inspection ?

Records of periodic inspections must be available to users.

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

Sling identification missing.

Sling identification illegible.

Broken weld or a broken brazed joint along the sling edge

Broken wire in any part of the mesh

Reduction in wire diameter of 25% due to abrasion

Reduction in wire diameter of 15% due to corrosion

Lack of flexibility due to distortion of the mesh

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

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

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

Visible distortion of either end fitting out of its plane

Cracked end fitting

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

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

Damaged slings shall not be used

Rated loads cannot be exceeded

Do not stand or pass under a suspended load

Do not ride on a sling

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

Slings shall not be shortened or lengthened by knotting or twisting

Twisting and kinking shall be avoided

Shock loading must be avoided

What hitches can the sling be used in ?

Will the hitch used provide control of the load ?

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

What are the rated load limitation when used at angles ?

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

Slings must be protected against sharp edges, corners or protrusions

Will the protection be adequate for the application used ?

Will the sling be subjected to mechanical damage ?

Will loads be rested on the sling ?

Will the sling be pulled from under a rested load ?

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

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

Will the sling be effected by exposure to chemicals ?

Will the slings used in pairs

Are slings subjected to corrosive action ?

Are slings subjected to mechanical damage?

Are slings subjected to moisture?

Are slings subjected to extreme temperatures?

Are slings subjected to kinking?

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.

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.