• Always inspect slings before use.  
  Never use worn-out or damaged slings.  
  Follow all regulations for inspection and removal of worn-out or damaged slings.*
• Do not exceed a sling's Working Load Limit.  Never bounce or jerk a load.  
  Lift smoothly.
• Balance loads to avoid slippage or tipping.  Whenever possible, lift from directly over the load's center of gravity.  
  Lift the load a few inches and check it's balance before proceeding.
• Keep all employees safely clear of suspended loads or loads about to be lifted.  
  Use a line to maneuver loads during a lift.  
  Never place hands or fingers between a sling and the load while the sling is being tightened.
• Rig to the smallest angle when legs and lift angles are not equal.  The leg with the smallest angle will carry the greatest load.
• Never shorten slings with knots, bolts or other makeshift devices.  Free slings of all kinks, knots and twists before lifting.
• Do not tip load a hook.  Seat sling squarely in the bowl of the hook.  Never force or hammer hooks or slings into place.

• Rig with adequate headroom for the lift. Clear the load's path of all obstructions.
• Select the correct sling material for the work environment.  
  Avoid exposing a sling to chemicals or temperatures which exceed its limitations.
• Never drop or rest a load on a sling.  Do not pull a sling from under a load that is resting on the sling.  Dragging may damage slings.
• Use pads to protect slings from sharp edges and projections.
• Protect web slings against prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.
• Hang slings in a cool dry location away from work site when not in use to avoid damage.
• Keep slings as clean as possible.  
  Grit such as sand or metal shavings can abrade wire rope or web slings from within and wear chain slings at link contact areas.

Free publications on proper wire rope and synthetic sling inspection are also available through our customer service department.

• Always inspect wire rope slings before each use.
• Never use worn-out or damaged slings.
• Never overload a wire rope sling.
• Do not drop or rest a load on a sling.
• Free slings of all kinks, knots and twists.
• Balance loads.  Avoid tipping loads.
• Do not immerse in corrosive solutions.
• Use pads around sharp corners.
• Do not force or hammer hooks into place.
• Follow applicable codes and regulations for inspection and removal of worn-out or damaged wire rope slings.*

• Always inspect chain slings before use.
• Never use worn-out or damaged slings.
• Never overload or shock load a sling.
• Free slings of all kinks, knots and twists.
• Do not drop or rest a load on a sling.
• Balance loads.  Avoid tipping loads.
• Do not immerse in corrosive solutions.
• Use pads around sharp corners.
• Do not force or hammer hooks into place.
• Follow all regulations for inspection and removal of worn-out or damaged slings.*

• Always inspect web slings before use.
• Never use worn-out or damaged slings.
• Never overload or shock load a sling.
• Balance loads.  Avoid tipping loads.
• Free slings of all kinks, knots and twists.
• Do not drop or rest a load on a sling.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light.
• Avoid exposure to temperatures above 200°F.
• Protect against cuts, punctures and abrasion.
• Follow all regulations for inspection and removal of worn-out or damaged slings.*