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

American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.9-2018, Slings, Chapter 9-4 Synthetic Rope Slings

Manufacturer's specifications for the type and style of Synthetic Rope Sling.

Manufacturer's referenced standards

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

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

If a user is not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Synthetic Rope 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 Synthetic Rope 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 Synthetic Rope Slings?

An employer must identify responsibilities for the user of a Synthetic Rope Sling

The use of Synthetic Rope 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 Synthetic Rope Sling you are using?

A Synthetic Rope Sling must be marked with the manufacturer's name or trade mark

A Synthetic Rope Sling must be marked with the manufacturer's code or stock number

A Synthetic Rope Sling must be marked with its rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based

A Synthetic Rope Sling must be marked with the type of fiber material

A Synthetic Rope Sling must be marked with its number of legs if more than one

What are the training requirements for Synthetic Rope Sling users ?

How does your company monitor the training requirements for Synthetic Rope Slings ?

How have users been trained in the requirements for Synthetic Rope Slings ?

Training records should be kept to show users were trained in the requirements of Synthetic Rope Slings

Manufacturer's specifications for the Synthetic Rope Slings must be available to users

Where are your manufacturer's specifications for the Synthetic Rope Slings kept ?

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

Have employers identified hazards associated with the use of Synthetic Rope Slings?

Have users identified the hazards associated with the use of Synthetic Rope Slings?

All new Synthetic Rope Sling shall have an initial inspection completed by a designated person

Prior to and during use all Synthetic Rope 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 Synthetic Rope Slings must have a documented periodic inspection at a mimimum annually completed by a designated person

How often are periodic inspections completed ?

What must be checked on a periodic inspection ?

Documentation of periodic inspections must be maintained

How does your company identify a Synthetic Rope Sling has had a periodic inspection ?

Sling identification missing

Sling identification legible

Cuts, gouges or extensive fiber breakage

How much fiber breakage is allowed?

Reduction in effective diameter

How much reduction is allowed

Uniform fiber breakage along the length of the rope

How much fiber breakage is allowed?

Internal fiber breakage, fused of melted fibers

How much internal damage is allowed?

Discoloration, brittle, hard of stiff fibers from chemical, ultraviolet or heat damage 

How much chemical, ultraviolet or heat damage is allowed?

Excessive internal grit, dirt or foreign matter.

Kinks or distortions in the rope structure (Hockles)

How many hockles are allowed?

Correded, cracked, distorted, worn thimbles or component 

Hooks that are damaged

Hardware that is damaged

Other conditions including physical damage.

Unauthorised repair

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 eye be filled by an attachment?

How much of the sling eye can be filled?

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 sling rotate in use ?

Are slings subjected to corrosive action

Are slings subjected to ultraviolet light

Are slings subjected to salt water?

Are slings stored correctly when not in use

Misconception 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.

Synthetic Rope Slings are greatly effected in these situation, wrapping a Synthetic Rope sling around a 90 degree corner applies point loading to the fibres and can cause damage or failure of the rope, also using the rope sling around a small radius will reduce the capacity the sling can lift.

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

Misconception 3. Any size object can be used in the eye of a Synthetic Rope Sling.

An object in the eye of a Synthetiic Rope Sling should not be wider than 1/3 the length of the eye.

Misconception 4. Synthetic Rope Slings can be cleaned by washing.

Slings that are exposed to salt water should be thoroughly rinsed with fresh water to prevent mechanical damage from salt crystals when the rope dries.