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

American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.9-2018, Slings, Chapter 9-5 Synthetic Webbing Slings

Manufacturer's specifications for the type and style of Synthetic Webbing 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 Webbing Slings.

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

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

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

The use of Synthetic Webbing 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 Webbing Sling you are using?

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

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

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

A Synthetic Webbing Sling must be marked with the type of web material

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

What are the training requirements for Synthetic Webbing Sling users ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

All new Synthetic Webbing Slings shall have an initial inspection completed by a designated person

Prior to and during use all Synthetic Webbing 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 Webbing 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 ?

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

Sling identification missing

Sling identification legible

Acid or caustic burns

How much burning is allowed ?

Holes, tears, cuts or snags

How many holes, tears, cuts or snags are allowed ?

How much pitting or corrosion is allowed ?

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 ?

Are slings subjected to corrosive action ?

Are slings subjected to moisture ?

Are slings exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light ?

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

Misconception 3. Synthetic Webbing Slings are not affected by water.

Water absorption can decrease the strength of Nylon Synthetic Webbing Slings by as much as 10-15% (its strength returns when the sling dries completely)

Misconception 4. Any size object can be used in the eye of a Synthetic Webbing Sling.

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

Misconception 5. Synthetic Webbing Slings can be cleaned by washing.

Do not wash slings, as loss of strength is possible due to mechanical or chemical damage.