Synthetic webbing slings are ideal for lifting loads that must not be damaged by lifting equipment such as chains or wire ropes. Because they are made from flat, wide, and flexible material, they distribute the contact pressure over a larger surface area, reducing the risk of damage to the load.
Flat Webbing Slings and Round Slings
The two most commonly used types of synthetic lifting slings are flat webbing slings and round slings.
A flat webbing sling is made from woven webbing consisting of multiple yarns, while a round sling (also known as an endless round sling) contains a continuous load-bearing core protected by a durable outer sleeve.
There is little difference in how these two types of synthetic slings are used. Under normal operating conditions, a flat webbing sling generally has a longer service life than a round sling. On the other hand, a round sling is more flexible and easier to handle.
Find Your Synthetic Sling Expert
Synthetic lifting slings are subject to additional safety requirements. At Mennens, we're happy to advise you on the right solution for your specific application.
One-Way Slings
The third type of synthetic sling is designed for single-use applications: the one-way sling. Its Working Load Limit (WLL) is 50% lower than that of a flat webbing sling or round sling.
One-way slings are primarily intended for lifting materials that only need to be transported once, for example from the manufacturer to a construction site. A common example is reinforcing steel for concrete foundations. These materials are often delivered with one-way slings attached. Once the load has been placed at the construction site, the one-way slings must be discarded.
Safety Guidelines for One-Way Slings
The reduced Working Load Limit is one of the key safety considerations when using one-way slings. A common mistake is treating them like flat webbing slings or round slings by using them repeatedly or for similar loads. They are not designed for repeated use. Reusing a one-way sling can overload the sling, causing it to fail.
Never Lift Over Sharp Edges
The most important safety consideration when using synthetic lifting slings is sharp edges on the load. Synthetic slings are highly susceptible to damage from sharp corners. The sharper the edge, the greater the risk that the sling will be cut.
An edge is considered sharp when its radius is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the sling. In these situations, appropriate edge protection must always be used.
Have Your Lifting Equipment Inspected
As an EKH-certified inspection company, we can also carry out the annual inspection of your lifting slings and the mandatory four-year proof load testing of the associated hooks.
Prevent Accidents
If a synthetic sling comes into contact with a sharp edge, it can be cut, causing the lifting equipment to fail. According to the Monitor Occupational Accidents 2021, damage caused by sharp edges accounted for 8% of workplace accidents recorded in 2020 and 2021.
If the load has sharp edges, always protect the synthetic sling with a protective sleeve or suitable edge protection. Edge protection increases the effective radius of the edge, preventing the sling from being cut. The most appropriate protection depends on the lifting application. For example, if the sharp edges are difficult to access, using a protective sleeve around the sling may be the better option.
Inspect for Damage
Before using a synthetic sling, always inspect it for damage. Pay particular attention to the following:
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Cuts: If the sling is cut by more than 10% of its width, it must be removed from service.
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Damaged webbing: Check whether the load-bearing fibres or woven webbing have been cut or damaged, as this reduces the sling's strength.
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Eyes: Inspect the lifting eyes for wear, tears, or other damage.
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Chemical damage: Check for signs of damage caused by acids, chemicals, or weld spatter, such as holes or melting in the material.
Check That the Identification Label Is Present
The identification label is essential. If the label is missing, the sling must not be used, regardless of its condition.
The label contains important information, including the applicable standard and the Working Load Limit (WLL). Flat webbing slings comply with EN 1492-1, while round slings comply with EN 1492-2.
Follow the Correct Slinging Method and Load Factors
One of the most important pieces of information on the sling label is the slinging method and the associated load factors. These indicate how the Working Load Limit changes depending on the sling configuration.
For example, using a choke hitch reduces the Working Load Limit by approximately 20%. Always take these reduction factors into account when selecting and using a sling.
Use the Correct Hook
Always ensure the hook is correctly matched to the sling.
A common mistake is placing a large sling into a hook that is too small. This causes the hook tip to bear against the sling eye, creating excessive wear and reducing safety. Always use a hook that is large enough to accommodate the sling correctly.
Never Tie Knots in Synthetic Slings
If a sling is too long for the lifting operation, replace it with a shorter sling. Never tie a knot in a synthetic sling to shorten it.
Likewise, do not connect two short slings together by looping them through each other to achieve the required length.
Knots create high friction and localised heat, causing the forces within the sling to be distributed unevenly. As a result, the sling can fail at loads well below its Minimum Breaking Load.
Pay Attention to the Sling Angle
As with wire rope slings and chain slings, synthetic slings can be used for vertical lifts or angled lifts. The forces generated by the sling angle are the same regardless of the type of lifting equipment used.
As the sling angle increases, so do the forces acting on the sling and the lifting points. To maintain a safe lifting operation, the included angle between the sling legs should never exceed 60°.
Knowledge file Safe Lifting
Use lifting equipment safely and correctly. Learn how to sling loads properly and how to inspect, examine, and test lifting equipment to ensure safe and responsible lifting operations.
