Chain slings get all the glory when it comes to lifting and moving loads in a warehouse, workshop or fabrication yard. However, webbing slings or flat lifting slings, are equally as important for many operations and are actually the better choice for numerous applications. It is critical for a procurement officer, health and safety officer, or anyone involved in day-to-day lifting operations on a commercial site, to understand when and how to use webbing slings correctly.
Webbing slings are made of woven polyester or nylon yarn. They are flexible, lightweight, and easy on surfaces. This quality makes them great for handling delicate components or finished goods such as polished metalwork, painted panels, glass, or machined parts. These are the types of materials that chain and wire rope slings would ruin. Fabricators and manufacturers save a lot in costs due to rework and rejected components.
Choosing the Right Type
Multiple configurations are available, and the best one will depend on the load and lifting method. Flat or endless round webbing slings are used for general-purpose work, and slings finished with soft eyes or reinforced eyes or having steel fittings are used for specific hook and shackle arrangements. Round slings (webbing encased in a protective sleeve) are preferred in choked hitch configurations because the sleeve rotates, minimizing wear at friction points and prolonging the service life of the sling. A business that deals with these irregular or awkward loads (similar to those that require cantilever racking for oddly shaped stock) will often find that using several different types of slings gives the most flexibility onsite.
The Safe Working Load (SWL) is the most critical specification that must be checked prior to any sling being put into service. Each webbing sling should have a permanent label that states its SWL for vertical, choke, and basket hitch configurations, along with other information such as the material, length, and date of manufacture. Lifting accessories used at work fall under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) and must be inspected at least every six months by someone deemed `competent`. This isn’t just a paperwork issue – internal damage, chemical exposure, or UV degradation are all reasons a sling may fail without any visible external indications, and having a comprehensive inspection system is an important safety measure, not just a formality.
Operators should get into the routine of inspecting slings prior to each lift, in addition to formal examinations. Look for cuts, abrasions, edge fraying, discoloration which could indicate chemical or heat damage, and fittings that distort. Any sling that has damage should be removed from service and not left for next scheduled inspection. Storage is important; webbing should be stored away from direct sunlight and sharp edges, and should not be coiled at the bottom of a rack where debris and moisture can work into the fibers. Instead, store it on a rack to avoid contact with contaminating chemicals.
For procurement teams, the price per sling should be secondary to the ability to trace the supply chain, test certifications, and SWL documentation. The liability of using unbranded webbing with no certification in a commercial setting far outweighs the false economy.
Webbing slings are the most versatile and cost-effective option for industrial lifting tasks, but can only be used if they are specified, inspected, and retired at the first sign of wear. If these basics are followed, both the workforce and the goods in the operation will be protected.