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909 Offshore Oil and Gas Safety II
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Slings

When using slings:

  • Wire ropes, cable clamps, shackles, sheaves, and thimbles should be inspected prior to each use.
  • Always be sure to use the correct number of cable clamps.
Inspecting the Rigging
  • When any damage has occurred to wire rope, discard it and replace it.
  • Prior to each job, check the condition of slings and make sure all slings have a permanent inspection tag affixed and certifications available.
  • Always store slings and wire rope in protected areas.

When issuing and using Fiber/Soft Slings:

  • Canvas or manufactured fiber slings are better than wire rope slings when grip is required on small-diameter surfaces or when minimal damage to machined or soft surfaces is required.
  • Fiber or soft slings should be typically used for specific, not general lifting applications.

All workers engaged in material handling should comply with the following:

Safe Work Load Formula
  • Always determine the size, weight, and shape of load to be lifted.
  • Consider an alternate means of lifting to determine the use of each sling.
  • Conduct a JSA to determine the correct slings and lifting procedures.

A register for each fiber or soft sling should be maintained on the platform. The register should identify:

  • date the sling entered service
  • identification mark/serial number
  • Safe Working Load (SWL)

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

6-3. When checking slings make sure they always _____.