Before you buy lifting slings, you must have enough knowledge about the different types of lifting slings, such as nylon lifting slings, chain lifting slings, crane slings and web slings.

You can learn about lifting slings and their safe usage in various ways. Lifting sling manufacturers and their associations provide technical details about the types of slings in the market and the appropriate safety precautions to be used with them. You can also opt for training courses and seminars by institutions that provide education in the field of material handling.

For safe and optimal usage of lifting slings, educate your employees by:

1. Interacting regularly with your lifting slings suppliers
2. Searching for training modules by professional training institutions
3. Keeping up-to-date information about regulations for the safe usage of lifting slings
4. Reading magazines that provide updates on the material handling industry

Action Steps
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Search different training programs produced by reputable lifting sling suppliers

Lifting slings are available in various types and you can seek advice from your supplier to select the most appropriate lifting sling for your application requirement. Some lifting gear manufacturers also offer short duration lifting sling training modules and seminars for safe working practices related to lifting operations.

I recommend: Liko, a lift sling manufacturer, provides training on lifting sling selection and lifting sling applications. You can search for training programs about the selection of lifting slings, their inspection and their safety aspects at Certified Slings & Supply, another manufacturer of lifting nylon slings, chain slings and glass slings. The Crosby Group is another lifting gear manufacturer that provides customized training seminars as per customers’ requirements.

Select a suitable lifting slings education and training course

Different training specialists and institutions offer standard or customized training courses on lifting slings. You can enroll for a training course that matches your requirements.

I recommend: TPC Training Systems, a division of Telemedia, offers a course called ‘Industrial Rigging Principles and Practices’ that covers techniques and safeguards for the use of lifting equipment such as lifting slings, fiber rope, web slings, lifting gears and chain lifting slings. Additionally, Crane Tech, a provider of material handling training and industrial safety programs, offers courses related to lifting slings inspection.

Read lifting slings information and mandatory operating processes literature

Various resources mention mandatory operating and inspection processes for lifting slings applications. You have to follow the safety rules to avoid accidents while using the lifting slings.

I recommend: You can read the article on ‘sling safety’ by The U.S. Department of Labor at the website of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). You can also refer to the guidelines about operation and inspection of lifting slings by Lift-All, another lifting gear manufacturer.

Use lifting slings to achieve safe and efficient handling of heavy goods and materials. There are various types of slings available in the market such as wire rope slings, lifting nylon slings, metal chain slings and wire mesh slings. While wire rope slings are the most frequently used, as they are economical and versatile, nylon lifting slings find applications in lifting delicate, expensive or polished cargo. Other types of slings such as chain slings are useful in extreme operating conditions and wire mesh slings are useful to keep structured loads stable.

The following are key factors you must know before selecting a lift sling:

1. The weight of the load
2. The workplace environment
3. Fragility, size and shape of the transport material
4. The type of lifting device that uses the lifting sling

Action Steps
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Buy a lifting sling from a sling manufacturer that has a broad range of products

Once you know the required information to purchase a lifting sling, you can go to a sling manufacturer that offers a broad range of products. You can choose the sling which best fits your needs.

I recommend: Safety Sling offers a wide range of slings. The company also provides lifting slings information such as capacity calculation tables for various slings and loading techniques. You can buy lifting slings suitable for all transport material at L.K. Goodwin. At Hanes Supply, you can get a quote for nylon, wire mesh or chain lifting slings.

Find wire rope lifting slings

Wire rope slings provide an economical lifting solution. Their dependability and numerous configuration possibilities make wire rope slings the most frequently used sling.

I recommend: You can find a variety of wire rope slings and pertaining accessories at American Riggers Supply. At SlingMax Rigging Solutions, you can find different wire rope systems. Braided slings and multi-leg take-apart systems enable you to work in a flexible manner.

Find polyester and nylon lifting slings

Lifting nylon slings are versatile and a good choice when your transport material needs careful treatment. Synthetic products adapt well to the cargo's shape.

I recommend: Acme Rigging & Supply Co. offers a wide range of slings. Safeway Sling USA provides a selection of web slings and lifting gear as well as important lifting slings information such as performance characteristics of web slings.

Shop for chain lifting slings or order a custom made chain sling

For extreme operating conditions and low sensitive transport material, a chain-lifting sling provides the best results and durability.

I recommend: At Caldwell Slings & Tie Downs, a range of chain slings is available. The company can also help you with special application slings. Order a custom chain sling at Fastenal which will design a sling based on your requirements.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep an eye on safety. Check if products meet or exceed the ASME B30.9 and OSHA 1910.184 norms.
• •  Lifting a load at an angle other than 90 degrees requires increased capacity. The smaller the angle, the more tension will be on the sling legs. So, choose the lifting sling accordingly.

Lifting slings applications and uses are widely varied, depending upon the industry and the workload for which they're used. You can buy lifting slings to handle large or small items, heavy or light, or fragile or bulky products. Lifting slings are frequently used by businesses in the aerospace, construction, mining and power generation sectors.

While lifting slings can be used to lift anything, choosing the right type of lift sling is a key factor in successfully carrying out the job. For example, braided lifting slings are lightweight, flexible and easy to move and hitch. Synthetic lift slings are ideal for handling expensive machinery, parts or other special care items. On the other hand, when carrying pipe, wood or steel products, it’s best to use wire mesh, rope or chain lifting slings. To help you determine what will work best for you and to better understand lifting slings applications and uses, you should:

1. Consider nylon lifting slings for special care products.

2. Rely on wire mesh lift slings to transport sharp metal objects.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of chain lift slings for severe lifting conditions.

Action Steps
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Transport fragile items with nylon lifting gear

Nylon lifting slings are manufactured from heavy material that protects your load from abrasion and moisture. Nylon lifting slings include wear pads and sleeves for stronger load protection which also means better handling of fragile items. These slings are available in a variety of types including eye and triangle lifting slings.

I recommend: Find out more about lifting nylon slings by checking out US Cargo Control. Read sample uses for lifting slings by visiting Ardak.

Use wire lifting slings to handle metal products

The unique design of wire mesh lifting gear is ideal for lifting abrasive metals with hot or sharp edges like plate steel or bar stock. The wire grips the load and holds it in place without stretching or giving as would other less firm types of lift slings. This type of lift gear is typically used in metal shops that need the reliability of slings to effectively balance loads during transport.

I recommend: Check out L.K. Goodwin for more details about wire lifting slings. You can also visit lifting sling distributor Hanes Supply to learn more.

Buy lifting slings made from chains to meet frequent and heavy lifting needs

Chain lifting slings are durable and offer superior strength. Chain lifting slings are ideal for companies involved in a lot of heavy lifting like foundries, steel mills and other heavy machinery facilities. A benefit of chain lifting slings is that they're built to withstand frequent use and provide the longest life of any lift slings under these conditions.

I recommend: Access chain lifting slings information by checking out 1st Chain Supply. Visit SCC to find out more about various types of chain lifting slings.