
/ By Jason
The National Safety Council reported 4,543 preventable work deaths and 4,070,000 medically consulted injuries in 2023. Rigging failure caused by incorrect equipment usage is a major contributor to such cases.
Luckily, investing in proper web slings and assemblies for each application can ensure your industrial rigging equipment is safe. It also guarantees durability and efficient performance, which saves money.
Here, we discuss web slings and assemblies to help you utilize them safely and improve your operations.
Web slings are flat, flexible lifting straps made from synthetic materials, often polyester or nylon. They are lightweight, adaptable to different load shapes, and gentle on surfaces. Their construction makes them ideal for surface protection, load balance, and manoeuvrability.
Assemblies, on the other hand, are custom configurations that incorporate web slings. They include added hardware such as:
The additional hardware allows you to tailor each assembly for a specific job, like lifting irregularly shaped materials and complex loads.
Selecting the right sling can prevent damage, improve lift control, and keep your workers safe. Southeast Rigging Inc. offers various US-made synthetic web slings and assemblies for multiple applications. Let's explore the common web sling types and where you can use them.
Eye and eye flat slings have flat loops on both ends, and you can use them in vertical, basket, or choker hitches. They are great for moving boxes, beams, and large containers. Here are some key things to know about eye and eye flat slings :
These slings are almost identical to eye & eye flat slings, but the eyes are twisted 90 degrees. The feature helps the sling line up better with lifting hooks, especially in choker hitches.
Eye and eye twist slings are often good for tight or angled lifts since they stabilize loads and reduce twisting. They can be helpful if you need extra control when lifting pipes or rolled material.
Endless slings or infinite loop slings are continuous webbing with no ends. Every time you use them, you can change where they touch the load to spread out the wear and tear. Some key benefits of endless loop slings include:
Endless slings are ideal if your industry requires flexibility and speed when moving loads.
Are you looking for a web sling with an extra-wide design that gives you more surface area to support the load? Do you need a durable lifting solution to handle jobs involving scrapes and pressure?
Reverse eye web slings are an ideal choice since they are tough for heavy lifting operations. They look like endless slings but are wider and come with reinforced eyes and extra padding. These features make them perfect for handling the following items:
If you're lifting items with rough edges or moving loads in an abrasive area like a construction zone or industrial plant, a reverse eye sling will also be a reliable choice.
Wide lift web slings have a larger surface area to support loads. Their extra width makes them useful when lifting large, bulky, or fragile items. You can use them to transport things such as:
Since these slings spread the weight evenly, they can help you avoid load damage. Further, they improve stability during lifting, preventing uneven pressure points and slipping.
Triangle-triangle web slings have aluminum or steel metal triangles at both ends. They're ideal for vertical and basket hitches, so you can use them for any straight lift.
Choose a triangle-triangle web sling if you need a webbing that you can easily attach to lifting hardware. The option is also durable and strong, so it will help you handle heavier loads, including construction materials or machinery.
These slings are similar to triangle-triangle ones but have one slotted triangle, allowing you to use them in a choker hitch. Some of their benefits are:
Sliding choker slings have a special hook you can move along the webbing. The feature makes it easier to tighten the slings around your loads without repositioning everything. You can adjust them to make lifting smoother and secure items during transportation.
Such slings give you better control when lifting uneven and round loads. They're ideal when you need flexibility and a reliable hold when moving items.
A Web-sling bridle assembly is a strong and flexible lifting tool made by connecting multiple sling legs to one main link at the top. Since the weight spreads across multiple legs, there's less pressure on each point, which protects the load and the sling.
Most web sling bridle assemblies have different end fittings to connect to hooks, shackles, or lifting rings. You can use them to move items in construction zones and fabrication shops. The slings will give your workers more control and reduce accidents when handling oversized items.
When using web slings and assemblies in your lifting operations, you'll also need other essential rigging products. Southeast Rigging Inc. offers a wide selection of equipment to complete your lifting system. Our catalogue includes:
We also have overhead lifting equipment, including all the components you need to support your web slings from above.
Web slings and assemblies can handle significant weight without damaging a load. Their soft, flexible design makes them ideal for lifting various materials, and their strength also holds up in heavy-duty assemblies.
Here's how you can apply them in different industries:
Construction projects require durable lifting gear that's also easy to handle. Web slings are quick to set up and reposition, which saves time and effort. You can use them to move items like:
Precision is vital in power plants, and even a small mistake can delay operations and cause losses. Using heavy-duty web slings and assemblies can help your workers lift and place parts such as:
The equipment will give your crews more control when moving loads in tight spaces, which avoids injuries and property damage.
Paper rolls and machinery in mills are sensitive to surface damage, but using web slings simplifies operations and avoids damage. The soft, wide surface spreads the pressure over a larger area, preventing the following issues:
Web slings also come in different sizes and styles, so you can customize them for each paper milling machine and product line.
Web slings and assemblies are a top lifting choice for many rigging professionals because they are lightweight. Your workers can easily handle them without strain and lift several heavy items without needing bulky equipment.
Investing in web slings and assemblies will allow your teams to complete jobs faster while being more efficient. Other notable benefits of such equipment include:
Another significant benefit of web slings is that they're affordable and easy to replace. They also cost less upfront than heavier rigging options like chain rigging equipment or wire rope rigging. So, you can easily stock more of them without spending a lot of money.
Some web sling assemblies come with reusable hardware like hooks, master links, and end fittings. Instead of throwing an entire worn-out sling, you can just replace the webbing and keep using the same metal parts. In the long run, you'll save money, cut down on waste and speed up repairs.
Unlike metal options made of chain or wire rope, web slings don't conduct electricity. They're, therefore, a safer option when working near power lines, electrical panels, or machines with high voltage.
If a sling accidentally touches a live wire or electrical source, you won't have to worry about electric shock to your crew.
Any web sling and assembly can lead to injuries and equipment damage if you don't use it correctly. So, it's vital to follow basic safety protocol every time you lift a load.
Regular inspections can reduce rigging failures and make your site safer. Before each lift, inspect your slings for problems such as:
If a web sling or assembly has any of these issues, store it away and ensure your team doesn't use it.
The method you use to attach a web sling to a load will impact capacity and control. If you choose the wrong setup, a sling could break or lose control of the load.
Understand how each hitch type affects lifting strength to keep your team and gear safe.
Sharp edges can quickly weaken and ruin a web sling, making it less safe and more likely to break. If you're lifting an item with sharp edges or working in an enclosed space, always use the following items:
Padding sleeves will spread load pressure and stop sharp edges from cutting into the sling. Using corner protection and softeners on sharp edges also allows the equipment to last longer and keeps your crew and equipment safe during every lift.
Every sling has a working load limit (WLL) on a tag to show the maximum weight it can handle. Going over it puts your team at risk and can cause the sling to snap, damaging your items. Always follow the posted limits and check out every product's specs to ensure you use the right one.
Providing your employees with lifting safety training reduces workplace injuries. Trained workers will make smarter choices, spot problems early, and ensure every lift is secure. Some areas your orientation should cover are:
If a new employee joins your team, you should also ensure they get proper training before handling any web slings or assemblies. The hands-on instruction and clear safety guidelines will prevent mistakes and build good habits early.
It's also good to conduct refresher training regularly since your workers can forget some safety measures or develop shortcuts over time.
Using the right web slings and assemblies can boost the safety and speed of your lifting operations. Get the most out of your equipment by investing in quality products and safety practices.
Choose the right web sling for your application and environment, and train your crew on safe lifting techniques. You should also use protective gear and conduct inspections before every use.
Southeast Rigging Inc. is a dependable supplier of slings and other rigging equipment. Our shop meets all the manufacturing and distribution standards, so we guarantee top-quality products at competitive prices. Contact us to explore our lifting solutions.