If you use lifting slings to lift heavy loads, it is important to check them regularly. Inspections ensure that lifting slings are safe and reliable. In this blog post, we'll discuss the main reasons why you should regularly inspect slings.

Safety

Safety is the most important reason to check a lifting belt. Hoisting slings are used to lift and move heavy loads, a potentially dangerous task. Improper operation of lifting slings can lead to accidents and serious injury. By checking your lifting straps regularly, you can be sure that they meet safety standards and continue to be used safely. In fact, through incorrect applications and ignorance, you potentially take even more unnecessary risks. Our guide goes into this in more detail. ​ ​

Legal requirements

It is important to know that the testing of lifting sling is not only a matter of safety, but also of legal requirements. There are certain rules and regulations that govern the use of slings, and failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and other legal problems. By regularly checking your lifting sling , you ensure that it meets the legal requirements and avoid the risk of fines.

Checking your lifting slings regularly can save you unexpected costs. If you do not check your lifting sling regularly, this may result in repair or replacement costs. Regular inspections help identify and resolve issues in a timely manner, minimizing repair or replacement costs.

Extended service life

Regular inspections can also extend the life of your lifting slings. By identifying and solving problems in a timely manner, you can prevent small problems from becoming major problems that affect the shelf life of your lifting sling. In addition, regular inspections help improve sling performance and reduce the risk of wear and tear.

Duty

The owner or operator of the lifting sling has the duty to ensure that the lifting sling can be used safely. This means that you are responsible for the maintenance and inspection of your lifting slings. Regular inspections show that you take employee safety seriously and are willing to invest in workplace safety.

As mentioned above, it is important to check your slings regularly to ensure the safety of your employees and goods. You can avoid unnecessary accidents, extend the life of your lifting sling and ultimately save money.

It is important to remember that inspection of slings must be carried out by a qualified and certified inspector. These inspectors have in-depth knowledge of the sling and inspection process. Check flat slings for wear, damage, deformations and other defects. Also make sure that the lifting slings meet the correct specifications and standards. In addition to checking the lifting sling, it is also important to ensure that it has been properly maintained. This significantly extends the life of the lifting slings and increases the safety of your employees and goods. Here are some things you can do to properly maintain your lifting sling:

• Make sure the sling is properly stored. For example; store it in a dry and clean place away from sunlight and chemicals.  
• Do not overload the lifting sling and use it only for what it is intended.
• Clean the slings regularly to remove dirt and dust.
• Check your lifting slings regularly and replace them immediately if you notice any damage or defects.
• Train your employees in the safe use of lifting slings and make sure they understand the inspection and maintenance procedures.​

Inspect your slings!

Unfortunately, there are several known cases in which the negligence of the inspection of lifting slings has led to accidents:

1. In May 2020, a load fell off a lifting sling and damaged the roof of a school in Friesland, the Netherlands. Investigation revealed that the lifting sling had not been properly inspected and were worn out, preventing them from carrying the weight of the load. Fortunately, no one was injured.​
2. In June 2020, three workers fell from a height of 25 meters when a lifting sling broke while lifting a crane in a construction project in Florida, USA. Two workers died and the third was seriously injured. The investigation into the accident revealed that the lifting sling had not been properly maintained and inspected.
3. In August 2020, a crane crashed on a construction site in Sydney, Australia, injuring four workers. The investigation found that the lifting slings were not properly maintained and worn out, preventing them from carrying the weight of the load.

Conclusion

It is important to regularly inspect and maintain lifting slings to ensure the safety of people and cargo. Regular inspections prevent accidents, extend the life of your lifting slings and ultimately save you money. Have your lifting sling checked by a qualified and certified inspector and remember that proper maintenance of your lifting sling is important. By following these steps, you can ensure that your lifting sling is working safely and efficiently and that personnel and property are protected.  

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