CONNEX B34421 Lifting Belts Instruction Manual

CONNEX B34421 Lifting Belts Instruction Manual

Proper selection and use of flat-woven lifting belts made from synthetic

fibers

1. When selecting and determining the properties of lifting belts made from synthetic fibres, it is important to assess the required carrying capacity, taking into account the slinging method and the nature of the lifted load. The size, shape and mass of the load as well as the intended type of attachment, the working environment and the characteristics of the load influence the selection. Depending on the slinging method, the selected lifting belt must provide sufficient strength and have the correct length. If more than one lifting belt is used to lift a load, the same kind of lifting belt should be used. The material from which the lifting belt is made should not be negatively impacted by the environment or the load itself. Also pay attention to any additional fitting parts and lifting devices that are incompatible with the lifting belt(s). The end connections of the lifting belt should also be taken into consideration, i.e. whether fittings or loops are required.

2. When using lifting belts with hooks, the minimum loop length of the lifting belt may not be less than 3.5-times the maximum hook thickness. The angle formed in the loop must never be larger than 20′. If a lifting belt is attached with a lifting device, the connecting element of the device must generally be aligned straight. If the carrying width of the lifting belt is 75 mm or less, the innerradius of the hook of a lifting device must be at least 0.75-times the carrying width of the lifting belt. The following illustration (Fig. 1) shows the consequences for flat-woven lifting belts when using a hook with a radius of less than 0.75-times the carrying width of the lifting belt. Wide lifting belts can be damaged by end connections that are too small in radius, i.e. too strong a curvature on the inside of the hook can damage the lifting belt because it is not loaded evenly across its width.
   Flat-woven lifting belts should not be overloaded: The proper mode factor should be used. The label may indicate the carrying capacities of various types of slinging.

3. Only proven slinging techniques may be used. The slinging, lifting and setting down procedures must be planned before starting the lifting process (Fig. 3).
   

4. Flat-woven lifting belts must be properly arranged and securely attached. The lifting belts must be attached to the load so that the load is evenly distributed over the entire width of the lifting belt. Never put a knot in lifting belts or twist them. The seams should never be placed over the hook area or other lifting equipment: The seam should always be in the straight part of the lifting belt. Damaging the label must be avoided by keeping the label away from the load, the hook and the lacing.

5. For multi-strand lifting belts, the carrying capacity was determined based on placing an even load on the slinging gear. This means that the strands of the lifting belt are anranged symmetrically and at the same angle to the vertical plane when lifting a load. For three-stranded lifting belts with asymmetrically arranged strands (in one plane), the strand for which the sum of the angle settings to the adjacent strands is the widest, is subject to the highest load. Depending on a load’s stiffness, this effect also exists with four-stranded lifting belts (with fixed loads there is a possibility that most of the weight is absorbed by only three or even only two strands. The remaining strands only serve for balance).

6. Slings must be protected against sharp edges, friction and abrasion both on the load and on the lifting device. If protection against edge damage and/or abrasion is included within the scope of the delivered slings, this protective equipment must be used as prescribed. Additional protection may be required.

7. The lifting belt must fix the load in such a way that the load cannot tilt or fall out when lifted. The lifting belt(s) must be attached so that the base of the hook is directly above the centre of gravity of the load, and the load is stable and balanced. If the centre of gravity of the load is not below the base of the hook, the lifting belt may slip over the base of the hook. Secure the load when lifting by way of the basket hitch method, as there is no grip compared to the choker hitch method, and because the gripping effect and the lifting belt can slip. When lifting belts are used in pairs, we recommend using a spreader bar in order to ensure that the individual lifting belt strands are as vertical as possible, and to ensure that the load is evenly distributed between the strands. When using lifting belts with the choker hitch method, the belt must be attached so that it forms a natural choking angle (120′). Avoid generating heat through friction. Never force a lifting belt position, and never attempt to retighten the choke. The correct procedure for securing a load using the choker hitch method is shown in the following illustration (Figure 2). The double chocker hitch method offers more safety and prevents the load from slipping through the lifting belt.

8. The safety of the personnel must be ensured when lifting. Persons in the danger zone must be informed that a lifting process is about to be carried out. They may be required to leave the danger zone. Keep your hands and other body parts away from the lifting belt before and during lilting in order to prevent injury. Please also refer to ISO 12480 -1 in terms of planning and carrying out lifting procedures and for safe working practices.

9. You must perform a test stroke. If the lilting belt is slack, first tighten it firmly. Only lift the load a little bit in order to check whether it is safely lifted and in the intended position. This is particularly important when using the basket hitch method or any other loose attachment in which the load is held by friction. If the load is at risk of tipping over, set it back down and reposition the sling. The test stroke must be repeated until you are certain that the load is secure.

10. When lifting, it must be ensured that the load is under control, meaning that unintended rotation or collision with other objects is prevented. Sudden and/or jerky movements must be avoided, so as not to increase the forces acting on the lifting belt.
    Loads with attached lifting belts or the lifting belt itself may not be dragged over the ground or any rough surfaces.

11. The load must be set down in a similarly controlled manner as when lifting it. When lowering the load, the slings may not be arrested. The load may not rest on the lifting belt, as this could result in damage. Do not attempt to pull the lifting belt out from underneath the load when the load is still resting on the lifting belt.

12. After completing the lifting process, store the lifting belt as prescribed. Lifting belts that are not currently used must be stored on a shelf in a clean, dry and well-ventilated environment at ambient temperature, away from heat sources, chemicals, flue gases, corrosive surfaces, direct sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation.

13. Before storage, check the lifting belts for damage that may have occurred during use. Do not store damaged lifting belts.

14. Lilting belts that have come into contact with acids and/or alkalis should be cleaned with water or neutralized with suitable agents before storage. Depending on the material of the lilting belt and its use near the chemicals listed above, it may be necessary on a case-by-case basis to enquire with the supplier or our specialist dealers about recommended cleaning procedures.

15. Lifting belts that have become wet during use or during cleaning must be hung to dry in the air.

Use of the flat-woven lifting belts made of synthetic fibres under unfavourable conditions or in dangerous applications

1. The material from which flat-woven lifting belts made from synthetic fibres are made is selectively resistant to chemicals. The resistance of the synthetic fibres to chemicals is summarized as follows: Polyester (PES) is resistant to most mineral acids, but is destroyed by alkalis. Harmless alkalis or acid solutions can be concentrated by evaporation and thus become damaging. Contaminated lifting belts should be decommissioned, rinsed in cold water, air-dried and examined by a specialist. Lifting belts with fittings of quality class 8 and multi-strand slings with suspension links of quality class 8 are prohibited from use under acidic conditions. For grade 8 materials, contact with acids or their vapours leads to hydrogen embrittlement. If exposure to chemicals is likely, the manufacturer or supplier must be consulted.

2. Flat-woven lilting belts made from synthetic fibres are suitable for use and storage in the following temperature ranges: Polyester: -40 ‘C to 100 ‘C. If moisture is present, ice formation occurs at low temperatures. This may cause a cutting effect and abrasion, which leads to internal damage to the slings. Ice also reduces flexibility and, in extreme cases, may render the lilting belt unusable. These temperature ranges vary depending on the chemical
   environment that may be present, so the manufacturer or supplier must be consulted in these cases. Limited indirect heating of the environment within these ranges for the purpose of drying is permissible.

3. The synthetic fibers from which the lifting belt is made tend to deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet light. Flat-woven lifting belts made from synthetic fibres may not be exposed to direct sunlight or sources of ultraviolet radiation, or stored under their influence.

Inspection of flat-woven lifting belts made from synthetic fibres before

use

1. Before using the lifting belt for the first time, make sure that a) it corresponds exactly to the lifting belt ordered; b) the manufacturer’s certificate is available; c) the marking and load-bearing capacity (WLL) attached to the lifting belt correspond to the information on the certificate.
2. Before each use, the lifting belt must be checked for defects to ensure that the labelling and requirements are correct. Never use unmarked or defective slings. Have them examined by a specialist.
3. During the entire period of use, regular checks should be carried out to uncover faults or damage, including damage hidden by dirt, which could affect the long-term safe use of the lifting belt. These inspections must also be carried out for all fittings and accessories that are used together with the lifting belt. If there is any doubt about suitability for use or if one of the required markings has been lost or becomes illegible, the lifting belt must be taken out of operation and examined by a specialist.
   Examples of faults or damage that can affect the safe and permanent use of a sling are: a) Chafe marks on the surface. During normal use, the surface fibers have a chaffing effect. This is normal and has little effect. The effects will vary, however, and some loss of strength should be expected with continued abrasion. All strong abrasion effects, especially local ones, should be paid close attention to. When the lifting belt is tensioned, localized abrasion can occur due to sharp edges, which differs from generally unavoidable wear and can lead to a serious loss of strength. b) Cuts: Cross or longitudinal cuts, cuts or chafing on the selvedges, cuts through sewing stitches or loops. c) Chemical influence. This leads to local weakening and softening of the material. The chemical influence can be recognized by the flaking of surface fibers that can be pulled out or rubbed off. d) Damage from heat or friction. This damage can be recognized by the fact that the fibers have a shiny appearance and that in extreme cases the fibers can fuse. e) Damaged or deformed fittings.

Inspection and repair of flat-woven lifting belts made from synthetic fibres
The intervals between inspections must be determined by a specialist in consideration of the application, the environment, the frequency of use and similar factors. In any case, however, the lilting belts must be visually inspected by an expert at least once a year to prove their continued suitability for use. The inspection reports must be kept. Damaged lifting belts must be decommissioned. Users are prohibited from undertaking repair work on the lifting belts.

Regular thorough inspections and maintenance

• Criteria for decommissioning, including missing/damaged label or illegible marking
• Examination protocols

Support

Conmetall Meister GmbH
HafenstraBe 26
29223 Celle
GERMANY
www.conmetallmeister.de

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