The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a body in the United States that plays a critical role in enhancing workplace safety around the country. If you operate a manufacturing company, you must be OSHA compliant so that you can avoid being on the wrong side of the law and so that your employees will be protected from harm. One of the main safety issues that you need to prevent in your manufacturing entity is injuries associated with falls.
Several fall protection measures, which have been in place since 1971, govern workplace safety practices. To prevent falls and associated injuries, you must use the right types of lifting slings in your lifting operations. Given that there are several types of lifting slings, some people find it hard to select the best chain sling. This article highlights some of the factors that you need to consider when it comes time to buy chain slings for your company.
1. Weight and Strength of the Load
Every time you evaluate different types of lifting slings for your operations, consider the weight and strength of the load. It’s common to see a load falling and breaking, especially it isn’t well-supported from the sides. Use strong rigging when dealing with a heavy load and provide support from all directions. Providing support from the sides will prevent falling, thereby preventing injuries to the workers on site.
2. Sling Flexibility
It’s common knowledge that alloy lifting chain slings are flexible enough and can easily be stretched by a heavy load. There are other types of lifting round slings that can be stretched as well. Although this is not a very attractive property of lifting slings, it’s useful in adjusting the load’s center of gravity. This flexibility prevents the load from leaning on one side, which is extremely dangerous in the workplace.
3. Temperature Limits
When choosing lifting slings, make sure that you pay attention to their temperature limits. Lifting slings have been made to accommodate temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything beyond these temperatures could be catastrophic. If you’re buying chain slings to lift heavy machinery and equipment in harsh conditions, make sure that you check the temperature standards. The chain sling and lifting clamps you choose should be able to withstand excessive temperatures without stretching or melting.
4. Sling Ratings
Most of the slings available have industrial ratings, which indicate specific conditions of use. Some of the specific details that will be indicated include temperature, load, operational conditions, and how they are attached to the load. Make sure that the chain sling with hoist that you will be getting meets the sling ratings consistent with your needs. If sling ratings and your needs don’t align, this could spell disaster for your workers.
5. Wear and Tear Resistance
Chain slings are exposed to heavy stretching and lifting of very heavy loads. Therefore, signs of fatigue, wear, and tear is a very common problem encountered when using lifting string. When buying a lifting sling, try and find a sling that can withstand fatigue. You should get a chain polyester sling that does not crack when bent by a small radius. Get a lifting sling that can withstand wear and tear to serve you for several years.
6. Lifting Points
Before making a purchase, make sure that your lifting sling has proper lifting points on the load. There should be a mechanism which allows your slings to be attached to the load. Otherwise, you will have to come up with methods of attaching the chain webbing slings to your loads. Check that the holes are big enough to accommodate the entire weight of the load and prevent falls.
There are many different types of lifting slings available to you. Therefore, you have to conduct an exhaustive analysis before deciding on which lifting sling you need to use. After a careful analysis of your needs, you will easily come up with a lifting sling that meets your needs.
