LFT/General/TBT-LFT-032
Webbing and Round Sling Selection
Lifting Operations › General › Webbing and Round Sling Selection
Toolbox Talk
Webbing and Round Sling Selection
Webbing slings and round slings are among the most commonly used lifting accessories on construction sites. They are lightweight, flexible, and gentle on load surfaces, but they are also easily damaged by sharp edges, chemicals, and UV exposure. Selecting the wrong sling type, capacity, or configuration for a lift can lead to sling failure and a dropped load. This talk covers correct selection and inspection of webbing and round slings.
Key Hazards
Sling failure from selecting a sling with insufficient safe working load
Cut damage from sharp load edges severing webbing fibres during a lift
UV degradation weakening polyester slings stored in direct sunlight
Chemical attack dissolving nylon slings exposed to acids on site
Control Measures
- Check the colour-coded safe working load label on every sling before use.
- Select the sling material based on the load and environment: polyester for general use, nylon for resilience.
- Use edge protectors or corner pads wherever slings pass over sharp edges on the load.
- Inspect slings before every use for cuts, abrasion, chemical damage, and label legibility.
- Remove from service any sling with visible damage, illegible labels, or exposed core yarns.
- Apply the correct capacity reduction factor for the sling configuration: basket, choke, or straight.
- Store slings off the ground in a dry, shaded location away from UV light and chemicals.
- Ensure slings have a valid colour-coded inspection tag within the current examination period.
- Do not knot slings or use them with incompatible fittings to avoid reducing their capacity.
Remember
- Check the colour-coded safe working load label on every sling before each lift
- Use edge protectors wherever slings pass over sharp edges to prevent cutting damage
- Remove any sling with visible cuts, abrasion, exposed core, or an illegible label from service
- Apply the correct capacity factor for the sling configuration being used for the lift
- Store slings off the ground in a dry, shaded area away from UV light and chemicals
Applicable Legislation: LOLER 1998 · BS EN 1492-1 (Textile Slings) · BS EN 1492-2 (Round Slings) · PUWER 1998
Delivered By
RAMS Builder
Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.