Tagging offers wealth of information

How important is a lifting sling’s identification tag? ASME B30.9 lists “missing or illegible sling identification” as the very first item under removal criteria for users who are inspecting any type of lifting sling.

A sling tag can provide the end-user with a wealth of valuable information, including manufacturer of the sling assembly or the most recent entity to repair the sling; material the sling is manufactured from; rated load for at least one hitch type (and the sling angle upon which it is based); individual sling identification (serial number); manufacturer code/stock number or number of legs (for bridle assemblies).

When putting a lift plan together, you can use the information on the sling tag to determine the best type of sling to use based on the rated load and the sling’s capabilities in different hitch configurations and at different sling angles.

When you perform an initial inspection of your slings, always review the information provided on the sling tag. Double-check to make sure the information on the tag matches the specifications of what you ordered and what is required for your lifting application. Also, if you encounter an issue with a lifting sling, you can contact the manufacturer directly to initiate a repair, or reference the serial number, manufacturer code or stock number to order a replacement piece.

In this article, we’ll explain what information is required on each type of sling identification tag, to make sure your lifting slings are marked in accordance with ASME B30.9 requirements.

Alloy chain

Each alloy chain sling shall be marked to show name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs; grade; nominal chain size; number of legs, if more than one; rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based; length (reach) and individual sling identification.

Wire rope

Each wire rope sling shall be marked to show name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs; rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based; diameter or size and number of legs, if more than one.

Metal mesh

Every metal mesh sling shall be marked to show name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs; rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based and individual sling identification.

Synthetic rope

Each synthetic rope sling shall be marked to show name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs; manufacturer’s code or stock number; rated loads for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based; type of fiber material and number of legs, if more than one.

Synthetic web

Synthetic web sling identification shall be done by the sling manufacturer but should be maintained by the user so as to be legible during the life of the sling.

If during the course of a synthetic web sling inspection, the user notes that the tag or identification is damaged, missing or illegible, the synthetic web sling shall be removed from service. A replacement tag is considered a repair, however additional proof testing is not required if the tag is replaced.

Each synthetic web sling shall be marked to show name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs; manufacturer’s code or stock number; rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based; type of synthetic web material and number of legs, if more than one.

Polyester roundsling

Each polyester roundsling shall be marked to show name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs; manufacturers’ code or stock number; rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based; core material; cover material, if different from core material and number of legs, if more than one.

HP roundsling

Any high-performance roundsling shall be marked to show name or trademark of manufacturer, or if repaired, the entity performing repairs; manufacturer’s code or stock number; rated load for at least one hitch type and the angle upon which it is based; core yarn – fiber type(s) or blend; cover material, if different from core material and number of legs, if more than one.

Wrapping it up

You could argue that a sling identification tag is the most important component of a sling assembly. Without it, you don’t have any frame of reference on the rated load and the sling’s capabilities in different hitch configurations and at different sling angles.

If you notice that the identification tag on your sling has become damaged, illegible or is missing entirely, immediately remove the sling from service and quarantine or mark it to discourage further use.

Notify a qualified person to inspect the sling and make a determination on if it shall be retired, or if it can be repaired and returned to service.