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1111 IS-17880
enVironMentaL ConSiDerationS
inSpeCtion Criteria
Polyester is seriously degraded at temperatures
above 200° F.
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light adversely
affects polyester. Slings become bleached and stiff
when exposed to sunlight or arc welding.
Many chemicals have an adverse effect on polyester.
poLYeSter
Acids
*
Alcohols
OK
Aldehydes
NO
Strong Alkalis
**
Bleaching Agents
OK
Dry Cleaning Solvents
OK
Ethers
OK
Halogenated Hydro-Carbons
OK
Hydro-Carbons
OK
Ketones
OK
Oils Crude
OK
Oils Lubricating
OK
Soap & Detergents
OK
Water & Seawater
OK
Weak Alkalis
OK
* Disintegrated by concentrated sulfuric acid.
** Degraded by strong alkalis at elevated temperatures.
CheMiCaL
ok
no
WarninG! all slings should be inspected for
damage prior to each use to assure that their strength
has not been compromised.
the DaMaGe
What to Look For
to preVent
Surface and edge Cuts - It is important to realize
that all of the fibers in web slings contribute to
the strength of that sling. When there have been
a significant number of fibers broken in a web
sling, that sling should be taken out of service.
Broken fibers of equal length indicate that
the sling has been cut by an edge. red core
warning yarns may or may not be visible with
cuts and are not required to show before
removing slings from service.
Use wear pads between the sling and
all edges that come in contact with the
sling.
holes/Snags/pulls
punctures or areas where fibers stand out from
the rest of the sling surface.
Avoid sling contact with protrusions,
both during lifts and while transporting
or storing.
abrasion
Areas of the sling that look and feel fuzzy
indicate that the fibers have been broken
by being subject to contact and movement
against a rough surface. Affected areas are
usually stained.
Never drag slings along the ground.
Never pull slings from under loads that
are resting on the sling. Use wear pads
between slings and rough surface
loads.
heat/Chemical
Melted or charred fibers anywhere along
the sling. Heat and chemical damage can
look similar and they both have the effect of
damaging sling fibers and compromising the
slings strength. Look for discoloration and/
or fibers that have been fused together and
often feel hard or crunchy.
Never use polyester slings where they
can been exposed to temperatures
in excess of 200° F. Never use nylon
or polyester slings in or around
chemicals without confirming that the
sling material is compatible with the
chemicals being used.
