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SECTION 22 - EYE BOLTS & HOIST RINGS WDS
WDS
22-3 & 0845 606 66 77 • : • *
GENERAL PURPOSE SLINGING PRACTICE
The following information is based on Section 1 -Appendix 1.5 of
the LEEA Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment.*
It should be read in conjunction with the instructions for the safe
use, given overleaf, of which it forms an integral part and with any
specific instructions issued by the supplier. This information is of
a general nature only covering the main points for the safe use of
various types of slings for general lifting purposes.
ALWAYS
• Plan the lift, establish the weight of the load and prepare the
landing area ensuring that it will take the weight
• Check slings and equipment are free of damage, use slings/
slinging methods suitable for the load and protect slings from
sharp edges and corners.
• Attach the sling securely to the load and appliance and position
hooks to face outwards.
• Ensure the load is balanced and will not tilt or fall.
• Keep fingers, toes etc clear when tensioning slings and when
landing loads.
• Ensure that the load is free to be lifted.
• Make a trial lift and trial lower.
NEVER
• Use damaged slings or accessories.
• Twist, knot or tie slings.
• Hammer slings into position.
• Overload slings due to the weight of the load or the mode of
use.
• Trap slings when landing the load.
• Drag slings over floors etc or attempt to pull trapped slings
from under loads.
• Allow personnel to ride on loads.
Sling Configurations and Rating
Slings are available in single, two, three and four leg or endless
form. In practice it will be found that chain, wire rope and fibre
rope slings are available in any of these configurations but that
flat woven webbing is limited to single leg and endless whilst
round slings are only supplied in endless form. The maximum
load that a sling may lift in use will be governed by the slinging
arrangement (mode of use) and may vary from the marked
SWL.** In the case of textile slings the SWL for the various modes
of use is usually given on the Information label. In other cases it
is necessary to multiply the marked SWL by a mode factor.***
The following three simple rules will ensure that the sling Is not
overloaded. In some cases this will mean that the sling will be
under utilised although this is unlikely to hinder the user unduly.
Where the maximum utilisation is required reference should
be made to a Competent Person who understands the factors
involved and who can perform the necessary calculations.
(1) For straight lift never exceed the marked SWL and in the case
of multi-leg slings the specified angle or range of angles.
(2) When using slings in choke hitch multiply the marked SWL
by 0.8 to obtain the reduced maximum load the sling may lift ie
reduce the safe working load by 20%.
(3) With multi-leg slings, when using less than the full number of
legs, reduce the maximum load in proportion to the number of
legs in use. Simply multiply the marked SWL by the number of
legs in use expressed as a fraction of the total thus: one leg of a
two leg sling = 1/2 marked SWL, three legs of a four leg sling =
3/4 marked SWL and so on.
Operative Training
Slings should only be used by trained operatives who understand
the methods of rating and application of mode factors.****
Safe use of Slings
• Good slinging practice must ensure that the load is as safe and
secure in the air as it was on the ground and that no harm is done
to the load, lifting equipment, other property or persons.
• Establish the weight of the load, ensure the lifting method is
suitable and inspect the sling and attachments for obvious
defects. Prepare the landing area making sure the floor is strong
enough to take the load. Follow any specific instructions from
the supplier.
• Ensure the lifting point is over the centre of gravity. Any loose
parts of the load should be removed or secured. Secure the sling
firmly to the load by hooks onto lifting points or shackles etc. The
sling must not be twisted, knotted or kinked in any way.
• Use packing to prevent damage to the sling from corners or
edges and to protect the load.
• Do not exceed the SWL or rated angle. Any choke angle must
not exceed 120° and any basket 90”.
• Do not hammer, force or wedge slings or accessories into
position; they must fit freely.
• When attaching more than one sling to the hook of the appliance
use a shackle to join the slings and avoid overcrowding the hook.
• Use an established code of signals to instruct the crane driver.
• Ensure the load is free to be lifted and not, for example, bolted
down.
• Check that there are no overhead obstacles such as power
lines.
• Keep fingers, toes etc clear ensuring they do not become
trapped when lifting, towering or controlling loads.
• Make a trial lift by raising the load a little to ensure it is balanced,
stable and secure and if not lower it and adjust the slinging
arrangement
• Where appropriate use tag lines to control the load.
• Except where special provision is made, do not allow anyone to
pass under or ride upon the load. The area should be kept clear.
• Make a trial set down, ensure the sling will not become trapped
and the load will not tip when the slings are released. Use
supports which are strong enough to sustain the load without
crushing.
• Never drag slings over floors etc or attempt to drag a trapped
sling from under a load.
•Never use a sling to drag a load.
• Place the hooks of free legs back onto the master link and take
care to ensure that empty hooks do not become accidentally
engaged.
• Never use slings In contact with chemicals or heat without the
manufacturer’s approval.
• Never use damaged or contaminated slings.
• On completion of the lift return all equipment to proper storage.
Further information is given in:
* LEEA Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment.
** BS 6166 Part 1 -Lifting Slings, Methods of Rating.
*** BS6166 Part 3 -Selection and Safe Use of Lifting Slings for Multi-
purposes.
****HSE Guidance Note GS39 -Training of Crane Drivers and Slingers.
Various British Standards covering individual products.
Instructions for the safe use of: Collared Eyebolts (Page 25-1) Continued