Selecting the right sling for your lifting needs is essential to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of both the sling and the items being lifted. With numerous options available, identifying the most suitable sling can be challenging.
To assist you in making the best choice for your heavy lifting requirements, here are three tips to guide you.
1. Understand the Load Requirements
Weight, size, & centre of gravity
The first step in choosing a sling for your lifting needs is to identify the weight and size of the load. This will help you narrow down your options to slings with a working load limit (WLL) that exceeds the maximum weight of your load. The WLL of the sling must always be higher than the actual weight of the load to ensure safe lifting.
After determining the weight and size, you should identify the load’s centre of gravity. This is critical for ensuring balanced and stable lifting, preventing the load from tilting, shifting, or swinging unexpectedly. Properly identifying the centre of gravity minimises the risk of accidents and injuries, protects lifting equipment from undue stress and potential damage, and ensures precise control over the load’s movement, enhancing overall safety and efficiency in lifting operations.
Shape & material
Consider the shape and material of the load before selecting a sling. Irregularly shaped loads may need specific slings that can adapt to their unique angles and forms. Additionally, the load’s material and sensitivity will determine if protective measures or specific materials are necessary. For example, abrasive loads might require slings with protective coatings or sleeves to prevent damage.
2. Choose the Appropriate Sling Type
Chain slings
Chain slings are highly valued in the construction industry for their durability, strength, and adaptability. They are preferred for various lifting applications as they can conform to different load shapes. With high resistance to abrasions, chemicals, and UV radiation, chain slings are ideal for heavy, rugged loads and environments where enduring different weather conditions is crucial.
However, chain slings must be used cautiously and inspected thoroughly before any operation. A visual inspection can reveal signs of stretching, nicks, gouges, wear, or other defects that could compromise safety. Additionally, it’s important to handle the slings carefully during use, as sudden shocks can damage them, potentially leading to sling failure, injuries, or load damage.
Wire Rope Slings
Wire rope slings, typically made of steel, consist of individual wires twisted into strands and are valued for their strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. For heavy loads, consider these characteristics before choosing wire ropes:
- Strength: Depending on size, grade, and construction, the rope’s strength must handle the maximum load.
- Fatigue: small radius bends can cause fatigue failure. Use padding or blocking to increase the bend radius and prevent this.
- Abrasive Wear: smaller wires offer more flexibility but less abrasion resistance, while larger wires are less flexible but more abrasion-resistant.
- Abuse: misuse can cause structural damage like kinks or bird caging, leading to failure. Proper use is essential to prevent injuries and extend sling life.
Wire rope slings must be inspected before use. Remove from service any slings with broken wires, severe corrosion, localised wear, or structural damage such as kinks or bird caging.
Round slings
Round slings are made from a continuous loop of polyester or nylon yarn encased in a protective fabric cover. They are valued for their flexibility and are available in various capacities to suit different applications. They provide a secure grip and minimise the risk of damage to both the sling and the load. Their design evenly distributes the load, reducing stress on the sling and enhancing safety. Lightweight, easy to handle, and resistant to abrasion, UV light, and most chemicals, round slings are ideal for use in construction, manufacturing, and shipping.
Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure safe and effective operation. Before each use, carefully inspect round slings for cuts or wear to ensure smooth and secure lifting operations.
Flat webbing slings (Fibre Rope / Synthetic Material Slings)
Commonly made from high-strength polyester or nylon fibres woven into a flat, wide strap, flat webbing slings are lightweight, versatile, and easy to use, making them ideal for lifting delicate loads without causing damage. They are resistant to abrasion, UV light, and most chemicals, and they come in various lengths and capacities to suit different lifting needs. However, they are more susceptible to damage than other slings, so careful inspection before each use is essential.
3. Evaluate the Sling Configuration
Evaluating the sling configuration is essential for choosing the right sling for heavy lifting because it impacts safety, efficiency, and load protection. Different configurations, like vertical, choker, and basket lifts, offer varying stability and stress management. Proper evaluation ensures the sling matches the load’s weight and shape, preventing overloading and inefficiencies. It also helps in minimising damage to the load, complying with safety standards, and extending the sling’s lifespan.
Vertical Lift
A vertical lift is a lifting method used for straight lifting applications, where the load is lifted directly upward. This method ensures that the load is evenly balanced and the force is applied vertically, minimising the risk of tilting or swinging. When performing a vertical lift, it’s essential to:
- Sling Length: Ensure the sling length is appropriate for the height of the lift and the size of the load. The sling should be long enough to allow for a straight, vertical pull without bending or twisting.
- Sling Strength: Verify that the sling’s working load limit (WLL) matches or exceeds the weight of the load being lifted. This ensures that the sling can handle the full weight of the load without risk of failure.
For a vertical lift, it is usually recommended to use chain slings, wire rope slings, and synthetic webbing slings.
Choker Lift
A choker lift is a lifting method ideal for securing loads that need to be tightly gripped. This method involves wrapping the sling around the load and passing one end through a loop on the other end, creating a choking effect that tightens as the load is lifted. Key considerations for a choker lift include:
- Load Security: The choker configuration provides a secure grip, preventing the load from slipping during the lift. This is particularly useful for cylindrical or irregularly shaped loads.
- Additional Stress: The choker lift exerts additional stress on the sling due to the tightening effect. Choose a sling that can handle this increased stress, ensuring the WLL is adequate for the load and the lifting method.
To proceed to a choker lift, webbing slings, round slings, and wire rope slings are favourites.
Basket Lift
A basket lift is a lifting method where the sling is passed under the load and both ends are lifted together, creating a cradle or basket effect. This method distributes the load across two points, reducing stress on the sling and providing a balanced lift. Important factors for a basket lift include:
- Load Distribution: The basket lift spreads the load evenly across the sling, reducing the risk of damage to the sling and the load.
- Sling Capacity: Ensure that the sling’s capacity is adequate for the load distribution. The WLL of the sling must be sufficient to support the load when it is distributed across two points, typically providing a higher lifting capacity compared to other configurations.
Webbing slings, round slings, and wire rope slings are usually recommended when a basket lift method needs to be implemented.
Trusting Rigging Rentals Experts to choose the right sling for your lifting needs.
By keeping these tips in mind when selecting a sling for your lifting operations, you can make a more informed decision. If you still feel unsure, our experts at Rigging Rentals are available to assist you in choosing the best slings for your needs. With decades of experience in the oil and gas, mining, and construction industries, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you operate safely and efficiently.
Disclaimer
The content provided on this blog is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that the information presented here is completely accurate or up-to-date. The information should not be considered professional or expert advice for rigging, lifting, or any related activities. Users should not rely solely on the information provided in this blog and should consult with qualified professionals and/or manufacturers before making any decisions or taking any actions related to rigging and lifting equipment or practices. Rigging Rentals is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage that may occur as a result of applying the information provided on this blog.
