Flat Webbing Sling

The flat webbing sling is a top-quality lifting sling that is available in different lengths and load capacities. It has a high safety factor of 7:1.

The flat design evenly distributes the load, making it suitable for a range of lifting applications. It can be used with a choker, basket or vertical hitch and is easy to use.

Strength

Flat webbing slings are extremely versatile and adaptable for use in vertical, choker and basket hitches in crane hoisting, general purpose rigging, overhead lifting and material handling. They are woven from polyester and have flat loop eyes oriented in the same plane as the flat webbing sling sling body. A tough synthetic polymer blue yarn is sewn around the outer edge as a built-in edge protector that resists abrasion and cuts. They are capable of moulding to the shape of delicate and irregularly shaped loads, which can help protect the load from scratches and crushing.

Webbing slings can be made from either nylon or polyester materials and this does not make a difference for most applications, but some environments may require consideration of the sling’s performance in certain conditions such as acid conditions and high/low temperatures. Polyester webbings are resistant to most regularly encountered chemicals with the exception of acids, strong alkalis and ethers. Elevated temperatures above 200 degrees F significantly reduce the rated capacity of a polyester web sling and prolonged exposure to sunlight results in UV degradation.

Like all slings, it is important to inspect flat webbing slings on a regular basis. If you notice local deterioration or damage, such as worn edges, transverse or longitudinal cuts or holes in the webbing, then you should remove the sling from service. You should also carry out a visual inspection of all fittings and hooks to ensure they are in good condition.

Durability

A flat webbing sling is the ultimate multi-purpose sling for lifting and rigging applications. They are durable, strong and inherently spark resistant. They are also non-conductive and easy to rig. These slings help reduce denting and scratching of loads during movement and can be fabricated with wide load-bearing surfaces up to 48″.

Nylon and polyester both resist most chemicals. However, the chemical type and concentration will affect the sling’s ability to support the load. If a chemically active environment is anticipated (liquids, solids, vapors or fumes), select wire rope or chain instead.

For the most durability, choose a webbing sling with a Gorilla Edge polyester design. This provides energy-absorbing fibers in the webbing’s edge to improve cut resistance and abrasion resistance. In addition, the webbing is rated to withstand high temperatures.

Ensure that all users of the sling know its type, hitch and rated load capacity. Follow all safety practices when using a synthetic webbing sling including keeping people at safe distances during movement, inspecting the sling for damage or deterioration and removing it from service when damaged or degraded. Follow inspection procedures recommended by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person. Ensure that any sling incorporating previously used or welded fittings is proof tested before use. Also, inspect any sling that has been repaired to determine the cause of the repairs before reusing the sling.

Weight

A flat webbing sling weighs significantly less than wire rope, yet it is equally as strong. It is also a great tool to use for lifting delicate loads that would be otherwise be damaged by an abrasive material like wire rope. This versatility makes webbing slings one of the most popular tools for lifting and material handling.

They are available in duplex webbing, which has two synthetic fabric layers stitched together for extra reinforcement. This means that they can withstand more stress than single layer webbing, which only offers the same strength as a regular nylon sling.

When choosing a flat webbing sling, it is important to consider the environment in which they will be used. For instance, it is essential that they are protected from jagged edges that could tear the sling. They should also be positioned away from any heat sources because they are more susceptible to damage caused by friction. The sling should also be stored in a well-ventilated area because exposure to sunlight will degrade the materials.

When using a flat webbing sling in a choker hitch, it is essential that the qualified person inspects the sling before use to ensure that it is free from any defects or damage. The certified person should also determine the maximum rated load and if this is exceeded, the sling should be removed immediately.

Safety

Nylon and polyester flat webbing slings are made from continuous filament yarns that are warped in parallel on a loom to create a flat webbing structure. Weft yarns are woven across the warp yarns at right angles to flat webbing sling produce the sling, which is then cut to length and sewn together to form a sling configuration with sleeves or fittings for attachment points. The finished slings undergo quality and load testing before being packed and supplied.

Unlike metal lifting chains, flat webbing slings are lighter, easier to use, more flexible, less dangerous and considerably cheaper. The soft materials they are made from make them ideal for sensitive loads, protecting expensive or delicate equipment from scratching and crushing during transport. They also conform to the shape of irregularly-shaped loads, eliminating stress on individual contact points.

Like all lifting slings, they should only be used for their rated capacity and in accordance with other safety guidelines. These include establishing the weight of the load, using appropriate sling/hitching methods, preparing a landing area ensuring that it will take the weight and inspecting all slings and equipment before and after each lift.

Avoid shock loading; protect the sling from sharp corners or edges that could tear it; and use sleeve protection for slings in chemically-active environments. Failure to follow these guidelines may lead to damage to the sling that reduces its rated capacity, functionality or integrity.