lifting slings
/ By Scott Baker / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

A Beginner’s Guide to Using Chain Slings

Lifting slings often play an important role in industries like construction and manufacturing, allowing employees to easily move heavy items. And when it comes to choosing lifting slings, chain slings are often a top choice. If you’re new to working with chain slings, here are a few basic things you should know.

 

What Are the Benefits to Using Chain Slings?

 

Compared to other types of slings, chain slings offer a variety of benefits. These types of slings are more durable because they can easily resist abrasions and other damage due to the fact that they’re made of metal. Additionally, they can be used in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions, making them ideal for outdoor workspaces. These slings can be easily adjusted by simply removing or adding chain links and can be put together in the work environment with the right cable and rigging supplies.

 

Chain Sling Safety Tips

 

There are a lot of regulations in place for safety purposes, like the OSHA regulation that prevents guardrail openings from being larger than 19 inches. And with that in mind, there are also several safety regulations and tips that should be followed when using chain slings. First and foremost, chain slings should always be inspected before they’re used. The links and any attachments should be in good working condition or replaced if necessary. Additionally, the load weight should not be exceeded at any point. And chain slings should be stored hanging up and in a dry area to prevent any damage.

 

What NOT to Do When Using a Chain Sling

 

Just like any lifting equipment, there are certain things that should not be done when using chain slings. When using lifting slings in general, suspended loads should not be left unattended or jerked around when being lifted or lowered. Furthermore, any chain sling that is worn out or damaged in any way should not be used — and chain links should not be forced into place. Lastly, any attachments that need to be used should be attachments meant to be used with chain lifting slings.

 

Hopefully, this article provided valuable information regarding chain slings. If you’re looking for any cable or rigging supplies, including chain slings, contact American Cable and Rigging Supply today.

chain sling
/ By Scott Baker / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

Important Inspection Tips for Ensuring the Safety of Slings

There are a lot of protection measures and safety regulations put in place for industries like construction. Unfortunately, having inadequate fall protection is still the number one most frequent violation of OSHA regulations. With that in mind, it’s important for employees to always properly inspect their gear before using it. This is especially important for lifting slings. So let’s take a closer look at a few important inspection tips for different kinds of slings.

 

Chain Slings

 

These types of slings make a great option because they offer immense durability when it comes to withstanding environmental conditions and heavy weight loads. But that doesn’t mean they can’t get damaged. So before a chain sling is used for the first time, each chain link should be cleaned and inspected individually. The user should also double check the information that came with the sling, ensuring it has the right load limit. A few important problems to look for when inspecting these slings include excessive wear, cracks, links that are too stretched, bent or twisted links, and any sign of corrosion. If any link is damaged, it should be removed and replaced promptly. A local rigging supply company can provide replacement sling pieces as needed.

 

Nylon and Polyester Slings

 

Along with chain slings, nylon and polyester slings can also fulfill rigging and cable needs. These slings are more susceptible to damage than other slings, so it’s especially important to properly inspect them for any signs of wear and tear. Some common types of damage on nylon and polyester slings include abrasion, cuts, heat damage, and even snags or punctures. Before these slings are used, they should always be inspected — the user should look for signs of damage and all attachments and fastenings should be looked at as well. And about once a year, all slings in use should be inspected by someone outside the organization to ensure the condition of the slings is acceptable. If not, it’s important to look for cable and rigging supplies that are up to the industry standard.

 

As you can see, regularly inspecting slings is important for safety and effective use. So keep these inspection tips in mind to ensure all slings are being used properly.

chain slings
/ By Scott Baker / Cargo/ 0 Comments

Choosing a Lifting Sling: 3 Tips to Consider

Lifting slings are important equipment in industries like construction. They’re essential for lifting and moving both people and heavy objects. Because of their importance, it’s crucial to ensure you have the right sling for the job. But how do you choose the right lifting sling? Let’s take a look at a few tips to keep in mind during your search.

Be mindful of the temperature: One of the first things you should consider is actually not the sling itself, but the environment it’s going to be used in. Many slings are used in outdoor environments, which can obviously vary depending on the weather. Another concern with outdoor work conditions is things like rain, snow, and sunshine. If you’re working outside, make sure the sling you choose can handle all of these environmental conditions. And even for inside work conditions, temperature can be a concern. Some sling materials may not work well in colder temperatures while others may not be right for hot temperatures. So be mindful of the temperatures you’re working in when choosing slings.

Consider the load limit: When you’re lifting something, it’s important that the sling being used can handle the weight and size of the load. To ensure you find the right sling for your rigging and cable needs. Load limit may not be the same for every piece of equipment you use, so make sure you check the limit for every piece of equipment. Certain slings, like chain slings, are ideal for heavier loads compared to options like nylon slings. If you choose the wrong type of sling, you could risk dropping the items being moved, which can be extremely dangerous.

Compare materials: Since fall protection measures were put in place by OSHA in 1971, many slings and cable and rigging supplies have been designed and manufactured. This means there are a lot of different sling materials to choose from. Polyester, nylon, and chain slings are all common choices for different uses. When comparing materials, ensure you’re focusing on the sling’s ability to withstand certain weight limits to ensure it can meet your expectations.

So when you start looking at sling options through a local rigging supply company, it’s important to keep these factors in mind. Considering environmental conditions, weight limits, and how different materials hold up can help you find the right sling for your needs.