Many types of slings are used with heavy equipment to lift and move loads at construction and industrial sites. Alloy chain slings and wire rope slings are the most common, though, known for their strength and durability. But there are a number of other options, like metal mesh slings, synthetic web slings, polyester round slings, and high-performance round slings.
Which type of sling is best in any given circumstance depends on your industry and the application. And, they can be configured different ways with hitches. Obviously, using the right sling and the right configuration isn’t just a matter of effectiveness or efficiency—it’s a matter of safety for the people and property at the site when it comes to elevating and relocating loads.
This is why, by law, all slings must have sling tags that provide certain information about proper use. Sling tags are affixed in a permanent manner by the sling manufacturer. However, it’s your responsibility to ensure that every sling in use still has its sling tag attached, and that it’s clearly legible. This too is required by law, and you must pull from use any slings that don’t have a readable tag attached.
Information Every Sling Tag Needs
Regardless of the type of sling, all sling tags must identify:
- The manufacturer name or trademark
- The size or diameter
- The maximum load(s) the sling is rated for, including which hitch(es) and the angle this information is for
- The number of legs (if more than one)
Usually, there’s also some contact information for the manufacturer on sling tags, such as a phone number or website address, so you can contact them with any questions. Also, a serial number or other code for identifying the individual unit is generally included.
Repair Information Requirements on Sling Tags
If a sling has undergone repairs, it must have a sling tag that indicates the name of the company that made the repairs, details about the nature of the repairs, and the date when the repairs were completed.
Required Sling Tag Information by Sling Type
In addition to the above required information, some types of slings must have additional information on their sling tags.
- Alloy chain sling tags must also state the grade, length, and nominal chain size, and must have an individual identification number for the sling, such as a serial number
- Synthetic rope sling tags must also identify the fiber material the sling is made from, and they need to have a manufacturer code or stock number
- Metal mesh sling tags must also have an individual identification number for the sling (e.g., a serial number)
- Synthetic web sling tags must also identify the fiber material the sling is made from, and they need to have a manufacturer code or stock number
- Polyester round sling tags must also identify the core material the sling is made from, the cover material (if it’s different from the core material), and they need to have a manufacturer code or stock number
- High-performance round sling tags must also identify the core material the sling is made from, the cover material (if it’s different from the core material), and they need to have a manufacturer code or stock number
