What info has to be on a rigging sling to sell?

theXman

theXman

Branched out member
Location
MD, USA
Does anyone know what, if anything, LEGALLY has to be on a rigging sling if selling them to the public?

For instance, a sling used for something like a rigging block.

SWL?

Any certification?

We have something we would like to make available for sale, but can't find info on what might need to be on the sling.

Another question, would be crane slings; they likely need more info on them. What do they need?
 
Hi David,

I remember asking a similar question a few years ago, when I was splicing my own crane slings and rigging slings and Norm Hall was kind enough to give me the following info that he uses. Below is an example of what would be on a sling:

Manufacturer-Samson Rope Technologies
Product-Amsteel Blue
Fiber-Dyneema SK75
Size-1/2” diameter
Published Breaking Strength-34,000 lbs.
Safe Working Load ‘Knotted’-5,100 lbs.

David, I would also recommend an ‘in-service’ date be added too. All slings have a ‘shelf life’, so it’s good to know how old they are.

Also think about adding some heat shrink tubing on the end of the rope. Apply your label (written or printed) over the heat shrink tubing, and then apply another layer of heat shrink tubing over everything.

Hope that this helps.
 
Sorry, forgot to mention that the above info would be for a ‘dead-eye’ sling. If you were splicing an eye-to-eye crane sling, then you would also want to put on the WLL for Choker Hitch, Basket Hitch, and Vertical Hitch I believe.
 
Tis is what OSHA has on it

1910.184(h)
Natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings --
1910.184(h)(1)
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.

FIGURE N-184-4 Basic Sling Configurations with Vertical Legs (For Figure N-184-4, Click Here)

FIGURE N-184-5 Basic Sling Configurations with Angled Legs (For Figure N-184-5, Click Here)
1910.184(h)(2)
Safe operating temperatures. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings, except for wet frozen slings, may be used in a temperature range from minus 20 deg. F to plus 180 deg. 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.
1910.184(h)(3)
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:
1910.184(h)(3)(i)
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.
1910.184(h)(3)(ii)
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.
1910.184(h)(3)(iii)
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).
1910.184(h)(3)(iv)
Fiber rope slings shall have a minimum clear length of rope between eye splices equal to 10 times the rope diameter.
1910.184(h)(3)(v)
Knots shall not be used in lieu of splices.
1910.184(h)(3)(vi)
Clamps not designed specifically for fiber ropes shall not be used for splicing.
1910.184(h)(3)(vii)
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.
1910.184(h)(4)
End attachments. Fiber rope slings shall not be used if end attachments in contact with the rope have sharp edges or projections.
1910.184(h)(5)
Removal from service. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:
1910.184(h)(5)(i)
Abnormal wear.
1910.184(h)(5)(ii)
Powdered fiber between strands.
1910.184(h)(5)(iii)
Broken or cut fibers.
1910.184(h)(5)(iv)
Variations in the size or roundness of strands.
1910.184(h)(5)(v)
Discoloration or rotting.
1910.184(h)(5)(vi)
Distortion of hardware in the sling.
1910.184(h)(6)
Repairs. Only fiber rope slings made from new rope shall be used. Use of repaired or reconditioned fiber rope slings is prohibited.
1910.184(i)
Synthetic web slings --
1910.184(i)(1)
Sling identification. Each sling shall be marked or coded to show the rated capacities for each type of hitch and type of synthetic web material.
1910.184(i)(2)
 
[ QUOTE ]
Talk to the vendor who is going to manufacture the sling. Look at what is already on slings that you buy.

[/ QUOTE ]

To everyone,

Some good information here. Thank you all that responded so far.

The vendor who is going to manufacture the "sling" is basically "us".

A new Arborist Supply company.

Not interested in selling large quantities of arborist gear, just specialized stuff and our own products.

Lets just focus on one product then, let's just say it is a specialized sling for rope rigging.

The fiber material is amsteel blue.

Slicing and other special hardware is added to make a unique new product.

We know the breaking strength of all components.

BTW, that's another question. What is the Safe Working Load for tree rigging tools? Divide the minimum breaking strength by four?

Some other industries are divided by two, but is ours four, right?

Another point. I see Allmark OSHA's text said labels had to be permanantly fixed. Is that referring to crane slings? Because I know Amsteel blue slings from, say.... Sherrill, the rating label always falls off the tip of the sling the very first day you use them.
 
It might be better to put the breaking strength on the tool and let the end user set their own safety factor. It shifts responsibility in a good way it seems to me.
 
Most hardware that I've seen and used, has a 5 to 1 WLL. Some higher, very few lower.

Amsteel Blue is phenomenal stuff. I've been using it at a 5 to 1 SWL for crane work. As long as the loads stay 'static', I don't have a problem with 5 to 1. Shock loading is another ballgame. Avoid it.
 
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