Lifting slings are used to bear the weight of a load – they have an important function when carrying out lifts on site. They will usually be attached to a crane or similar piece of lifting equipment, helping to make a load stable and lift it as simply as possible. It is really important that your slings are safe and fully functional before you use them.
Firstly, make sure you use the correct sling with the correct load. They will often be colour coded to give an indication of their capacity and intended purpose. If you are ever unsure, always check in manufacturer’s details.
Carry out a brief inspection regularly and monitor the sling carefully whilst in use. Any small irregularities or defects should be reported to a site manager immediately. Often there will be spare lifting slings available that can simply be attached to the crane. Just ensure you use a sling with the correct capacity.