TM-5-5420-279-10
8.6.2.2
In addition to the examination by a competent person, the responsible person should
make regular in-service inspections. The interval between inspections will depend on
the conditions of service but as slings can be damaged in use, the operative should
visually check them on each occasion prior to slinging the load.
8.6.2.3
If any of the following defects are found the sling should be withdrawn from service
and referred to a competent person:
a)
Surface chafe. In normal use some chafing will occur and is unavoidable.
If this is confined to the surface fibers as opposed to the yarns it has no
effect on the safe use however in extreme cases the faces of the webbing
can become so worn that the outer yarns are severed.
b)
Local abrasion. If the webbing shows signs of local abrasion, as opposed
to general wear, serious loss of strength may occur.
c)
Cuts. Both longitudinal and cross cuts into the surface of the webbing
result in loss of strength.
d)
Chemical attack.
While polyester fibers have a
good resistance to
selected chemicals, chemical attack to the webbing results in local
weakening and softening of the material. This is indicated by flaking of the
surface fibers which can be plucked or rubbed off.
e)
Heat damage. The surface fibers take on a glazed appearance and in
extreme cases fusion of the fibers occurs.
f)
Damaged stitching. Any damage to the stitching or noticeable loosening
of the threads must be treated seriously.
g)
Loose webbing. The webbing becomes loose and soft to the touch so
that the weft can be moved or split with the fingers.
h)
Missing or illegible marking. The sling should NOT be used if the
identifying markings are missing or illegible.
i)
Soiling. Heavy soiling can obscure damage making detection during
inspection difficult. It can also make identification difficult by obscuring
any marking or color-coding. Grit and dirt will collect on the face of soiled
webbing and can cause rapid wear and abrasion. Clean the sling in an
approved manner but if the soiling is such that cleaning has little or no
effect withdraw from service and refer to a Competent Person.
NOTE
Only use clean water and mild detergent to clean lifting slings.
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