The key to safe sling selection

I have always been told that every job is easy if you have the right tools. The same philosophy is true for lifting slings and rigging. Choosing the proper sling before making a lift will ensure the task is performed correctly and most importantly, safely. Understanding the basics of selecting a sling for your lifting operations is vital for your efficiency and productivity. The rated capacity of a sling varies depending upon the sling material, the size of the sling, and the type of hitch. Wire rope, alloy steel chain, synthetic web, synthetic round and natural and synthetic fiber slings all have unique properties that need to be evaluated before the material selection can be made. Each type of sling has its advantages and disadvantages.