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

American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.9-2018, Slings, Chapter 9-2 Wire Rope Slings

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

Manufacturer's referenced standards

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

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

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 Wire Rope Sling you are using ?

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

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

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

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

All new Wire Rope Slings shall have an initial inspection completed by a designated person

Prior to and during use all Wire Rope Slings shall have a frequent inspection completed by a designated person

All Wire Rope Slings must have a documented periodic inspection at a mimimum annually completed by a designated person

Cracked, deformed or worn fittings.

How much pitting or corrosion is allowed ?

Damaged slings shall not be used

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

Slings shall not be shortened or lengthened by knotting or twisting

Will the sling rotate in use ?

Are slings stored correctly when not in use ?

Are slings subjected to degreasers or solvents. 

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.

Wire Rope slings are greatly effected in these situation, wrapping a wire rope around a 90 degree corner applies point loading to the wires and can cause damage or failure of the rope, also using the wire rope 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.  

Misconception 3. Any size object can be used in the eye of a Wire Rope Sling where no thimble is present.

An object in the eye of the Wire Rope sling should not be wider than 1/2 the length ot the eye nor less than the nominal slng diameter.