Synthetic rope slings

 

OSHA 1910.184(h) Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings
The following excerpt is taken directly from OSHA 1910.184*

Sling use

• Employers must use natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings stating the rated capacity for the type(s) of hitch(es) used and the angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one.

Safe operating temperatures

• Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings, except for wet frozen slings, may be used in a temperature range from minus 20 °F to plus 180 °F without decreasing the working load limit. For operations outside this temperature range and for wet frozen slings, the sling manufacturer's recommendations shall be followed.

Splicing

• Spliced fiber rope slings shall not be used unless they have been spliced in accordance with the following minimum requirements and in accordance with any additional recommendations of the manufacturer: 
  • In manila rope, eye splices shall consist of at least three full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least six full tucks, three on each side of the splice center line. 
  • In synthetic fiber rope, eye splices shall consist of at least four full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least eight full tucks, four on each side of the center line. 
  • Strand end tails shall not be trimmed flush with the surface of the rope immediately adjacent to the full tucks. This applies to all types of fiber rope and both eye and short splices. For fiber rope under one inch in diameter, the tail shall project at least six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck. For fiber rope one inch in diameter and larger, the tail shall project at least six inches beyond the last full tuck. Where a projecting tail interferes with the use of the sling, the tail shall be tapered and spliced into the body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will require a tail length of approximately six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck). 
  • Fiber rope slings shall have a minimum clear length of rope between eye splices equal to 10 times the rope diameter. 
  • Knots shall not be used in lieu of splices. 
  • Clamps not designed specifically for fiber ropes shall not be used for splicing. 
  • For all eye splices, the eye shall be of such size to provide an included angle of not greater than 60 degrees at the splice when the eye is placed over the load or support.

End attachments

• Fiber rope slings shall not be used if end attachments in contact with the rope have sharp edges or projections.

Removal from service

• Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present: 
  • Abnormal wear. 
  • Powdered fiber between strands. 
  • Broken or cut fibers. 
  • Variations in the size or roundness of strands. 
  • Discoloration or rotting. 
  • Distortion of hardware in the sling. 

Konecranes inspectors and technicians can inspect the slings and other rigging equipment in your facility to determine if it meets OSHA standards. The Konecranes Slings and Accessories Inspection checks non-maintainable load lifting attachments and accessories to identify deficiencies and deviations from local statutory safety and health regulations. The inspection service utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags to record load lifting attachment inspection data and a smartphone app to help quickly and reliably identify attachments.

 

 

 

*The foregoing OSHA regulations are not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all applicable regulations pertaining to the designated topic. State laws may mandate different safety and maintenance standards. Accordingly, please consult applicable state laws as well as original equipment manufacturer specifications for further guidance. The statements and descriptions contained herein constitute the opinion/recommendation of the seller and are not intended to create any express warranties.