Check-Fast® External Warning Indicator (EWI) and Tell-Tail indicators shall extend past the tag area of each sling. If your sling is equipped with Check-Fast® and the EWI is not visible or both Tell-Tails are not visible, remove the sling from service. Send to the manufacturer for repair evaluation.
If Fiber Optic Inspection is installed in the sling, inspect by allowing light to enter the fiber optic cable. If the fiber optic cable does not transmit light from end to end, remove the sling from service and contact the manufacturer for repair evaluation.
Slings shall be inspected for evidence of cutting or tearing of the outer cover. Slings with cuts shall be removed from service and sent back to the manufacturer for repair evaluation. Damage to the cover may indicate core damage.
Inspect slings for evidence of heat damage. Sparkeater® slings shall not be exposed to temperatures over 300°F/150°C. Slings made with K-Spec® core yarn or polyester shall not be exposed to temperatures above 180°F/82°C. Cold temperature exposure down to -40°F/-40°C does not affect the strength of the products.
If any part of the sling shows evidence of chemical degradation or damage, remove the sling from service. Return the sling to the manufacturer for repair evaluation.
Slings using aluminum fittings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays, or mists of alkalis or acids are present.
Twin-Path® slings and any fittings attached shall be subjected to frequent and regular inspections. In addition to the initial inspection by a competent person and frequent written inspections, the slings shall be visually inspected before each use.
Written inspections shall be performed as required and documents of such inspection by a competent person shall be kept on file in the safety department of the plant or site where used. Inspections may be done more often based on the frequency of use, the severity of conditions, and the experience of past service life.
Slings shall be examined throughout their length for abrasion, cuts, heat damage, fitting distortion or damage, and tag legibility. If the inspector has any doubts, the sling shall be removed from the service. If deterioration is found, the sling must be removed from the service.
Slings removed from service that are not repairable shall be destroyed and rendered completely unfit for future use.
Abrasion, heat damage, or cuts to the cover may indicate a loss of strength to the core yarns, and these slings shall not be used until evaluated by the manufacturer.