Removal From Service if any of the Following:

• If sling rated capacity tag is missing or not readable
• Acid or alkalis burns
• Melting, charring, or weld spatter of any part of the sling
• Holes, tears, cuts, snags or embedded particles
• Broken or worn stitching in load bearing splices
• Excessive abrasive wear
• Knots in any part of the sling
• Distortion, excessive abrasive wear
• Any conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of the sling

Operating Practices

• Determine weight of the load. The weight of the load shall be within the rated capacity of the sling.
• Select sling having suitable characteristics for the type of load, hitch and environment.
• Slings shall not be loaded in excess of the rated capacity. Consideration shall be given to the sling to load angle which affects rated capacity. (See load chart.)
• Slings with fittings which are used as a choker hitch shall be of sufficient length to assure that the choking action is on the webbing, and never on a fitting.
• Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the load balanced to prevent slippage.
• The opening in fittings shall be the proper shape and size to ensure that the fitting will seat properly in the hook or other attachments.
• Slings shall always be protected from being cut by sharp corners, sharp edges, protrusions or abrasive surfaces.
• Slings shall not be dragged on the floor or over an abrasive surface.
• Slings shall not be twisted or tied into knots, or joined by knotting.
• Slings shall not be pulled from under loads if the load is resting on the sling.
• Do not drop slings equipped with metal fittings.
• Slings that appear to be damaged shall not be used unless inspected and accepted.
• The sling shall be hitched in a manner providing control of the load.
• Personnel, including portions of the human body, shall be kept from between the sling and the load, and from between the sling and the crane hook or hoist hook.
• Personnel shall stand clear of the suspended load.
• Personnel shall not ride the sling.
• Shock loading shall be avoided.
• Twisting and kinking the legs (branches) shall be avoided.
• Load applied to the hook shall be centered in the base (bowl) of hook to prevent point loading on the hook.
• During lifting, with or without the load, personnel shall be alert for possible snagging.
• The slings' legs (branches) shall contain or support the load from the sides above the center of gravity when using basket hitch.
• Slings shall be long enough so that the rated capacity of the sling is adequate when the angle of the legs (branches) is taken into consideration. (see load chart).