Calculating Working Load Limits - Maximizing Your Sling’s Safety

Slings are often used in a variety of industries that require lifting and transporting of heavy materials. High quality slings, such as the ones offered by Bishop Lifting Products, Inc., are designed with maximum durability and safety in mind. However, just because a product is designed to be safe, does not mean sling safety is always practiced. If the operator of the sling does not follow the correct protocol, an accident could occur. By following a few steps, such as calculating sling working load limits, you can help ensure that your workplace is as safe an environment as possible.

Choose the Right Sling- There are many styles of slings available that serve many different functions. One sling does not fit all. It is important that you find one that best matches your needs. Make a list of what you will be using the sling for regularly. What weight loads will it need to handle? What are the dimensions of the typical load? How far does it have to be transferred? To maximize sling safety, you should have the answers to all of these questions before you purchase a sling.
Know Your Limits- Calculating working load limits is an essential part of ensuring your sling is being operated safely. You should never, under any circumstances, exceed your slings rated capacity. This is dangerous to workers and detrimental to the sling’s structural integrity. Sling size and type (chain, wire rope, etc.) are two of the variables needed when calculating working load limits. Knowing your sling’s limits before beginning a project is a necessary step to achieving maximum sling safety.
Inspect Them Often- Slings should be inspected every day before they are used. While many slings are designed to last for long periods of time, they are not immune to wear and tear. They can be caught by sharp edges of loads, thus weakening the sling. Also, if no one has been correctly calculating working load limits, the sling could be much weaker than it should be. Overloading a sling is an unsafe procedure that dramatically reduces the sling’s life.
Proof Testing- Alloy chain slings should be proof tested prior to use. This determines the limitations of the chain under specific conditions. Alloy chains show little or no stretch at rated capacity, but they do have the ability to elongate up to 20 percent prior to failure, which serves as a visual warning to remove the chain from service before injury or damage is sustained from breakage. Alloy chains also diminish in performance under high temperatures and proof testing determines the rate at which the chain loses strength at varying temperatures. Alloy chains that have been heated do not return to their original strength after they have returned to room temperature, so proof testing also deciphers the capacity of the chain each time they have been heated up and cooled down.

Bishop Lifting Products, Inc.
Bishop Lifting Products, Inc. offers its customers a wide selection of slings. They manufacture their own slings, as well as distribute other companies’ slings. They have slings comprised of a variety of materials. Bishop Lifting Products, Inc. has a well trained staff on hand that can help you with calculating sling working load limits. Contact Us or call today at 1-800-559-4164.

BLP Related Product Links

Bishop Lifting Products, Inc. (BLP)

125 McCarty Drive, Building 1, Houston, Texas 77029 USA
Email: sales@lifting.com Store: www.slings.com
Phone: (713) 674-2266 Toll Free: (800) 972-1041 Fax: (713) 672-9229