IN THE FIELD By Tracy Bennett
Every Sling, Every Lift A competent person shall perform a daily visual inspection of slings and all fastenings and attachments for damage, defects, or deformities.
Sling inspection reminders for ironworkers
Credit: Ashley Sling
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igging suppliers, steel erection operations directors, safety and training personnel agree. When it comes to sling inspections, ironworkers must stay vigilant for every lift, all day long. Steel erection activities are highly repetitive, which means slings are used over and over again each day. “Users can’t rely on once-aday inspection. Because shock loads, severe angles, sharp edges, and excessive heat can quickly cause damage to a lifting sling, the user should inspect the sling prior to each lift,” says Nate Fisher, Account Manager for Mazzella Companies. The goal of a sling inspection is to evaluate remaining strength in a previously used sling to determine its suitability for continued use. “That means absolutely every time, prior to use, throughout the day,” said Mike Hurst, Erection Operations Manager for High Plains Steel Services, LLC, Windsor, Colo. Wire rope is the most common type of sling used for lifting steel, followed by synthetic slings or chain slings. “The No. 1 most common slings in steel erection applications are wire rope used in a choker hitch configuration by riggers, because they can tighten and cinch down on themselves. Chain slings can also be used but aren’t preferred Tracy Bennett is Managing Editor of Connector and President of Mighty Mo Media Partners, LLC. Reach her at tbennett@mightymomedia.com.
by ironworkers because they’re very heavy compared to equal size and equally rated wire rope slings,” said Fisher. In contrast, synthetic slings are lightweight but require the use of edge protection or to be rigged with other hardware. “There are times that chain slings may be utilized, but chains and wire mesh slings, do not hold their integrity in the application as well as wire rope or synthetic,” said Guy Callahan, Safety Director, GMF Steel Group, Lakeland, Fla. The hitch configuration depends on the operation. In steel erection, the choker hitch is the most preferred style because it provides greater load control,” agreed Callahan. For long beams requiring more stability, often two slings are rigged in two-leg bridles. “But depending on the material being lifted, a basket hitch may become preferable given the size and dimensions of the material,” he said. Basket hitches are often used for low level lifts, such as unloading or shaking out material, but because they are less secure than a choker hitch, it’s important to have a plan to prevent the load from slipping from the rigging. “We choke the iron when lifting. If we are unloading, we choke and basket, and sometimes we will straight pull columns if they are manufactured with a lifting eye on the top,” added Jonathan Mosebach, Safety Director, L.R. Willlson & Sons, Inc., Gambrills, Md.
26 | THE STEEL ERECTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
What to Watch For Warning signs vary depending on the type of sling being used and riggers must be trained to identify damage for each specific type. “Normal wear and tear will affect all slings, no matter the type,” said Callahan. Damage can occur from improper usage, storage, or even improper selections for the application.
Small radii on structural steel shapes can cause wire rope slings to kink, an indication to remove from service. Credit: Mazzella Companies