Crane and rigging accidents can generally be tracked back to a collection of events all arriving at the same place in time. Here at ITI Field Services, we have investigated the cause of eight fatalities in the last three years. The leading reason for the fatalities can be tracked back to a lack of sling protection. In most cases, synthetic slings had been properly selected but not well protected. Web slings and roundslings can be quickly damaged from cutting and friction.
In ASME B30.9 Slings it states, “Slings in contact with edges, corners, protrusions, or abrasive surfaces shall be protected with a material of sufficient strength, thickness, and construction to prevent damage”. A key reminder is that the sling protection material needs to be able to hold the sling away from the load edge and significant contact points, even when under severe pressure. We encourage everyone to help save lives and loads, by using robust and dependable cut-proof sling protection.
Check out this poster (available at the ITI Bookstore) that features the application of proper sling protection.
