CONNEX B34420 Round Slings Instruction Manual

: June 3, 2024
: Connex

Table of Contents

Proper selection and use of round slings
Inspection of round slings during use
Inspections and repair
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CONNEX B34420 Round Slings Instruction Manual

Proper selection and use of round slings

When selecting and determining the properties of round slings, it is important to assess the required carrying capacity in consideration of the slinging method and the lifted load. The size, shape, surface characteristics and mass of the load affect the proper selection of the round sling just as much as the intended slinging method and the working environment. Depending on the slinging method, the selected round sling must provide sufficient strength and have the correct length. When using multiple round slings for a load, it is important to use only one kind of round sling. The material from which the round sling is made may not be damaged by external environmental factors or the load itself. Moreover, any additional fitting parts and lifting devices used must be compatible with the round sling.
Only proven slinging techniques may be used. The slinging, lifting and setting down procedures must be planned before starting the lifting process **(Fig. 2).

Using instruction **

Flat-woven round slings must be properly arranged and securely attached. The round slings must be attached to the load so that the slings are stretched flat and the load is evenly distributed over the entire width of the round sling. Never put a knot in round slings or twist them. Damaging the label must be avoided by keeping the label away from the load, the hook and the lacing.
For multi-strand round slings, the carrying capacity was determined based on placing an even load on the slinging gear. This means that the strands of the round sling are arranged symmetrically and at the same angle to the vertical plane when lifting a load. For three-stranded round slings 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 round slings (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).
Round 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 round slings, this protective equipment must be used as prescribed. Additional protection may be required.
The load should be secured with the round sling(s) in such a way that it cannot tip over during lifting or fall out of the round sling(s). The round sling(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 round sling 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 round sling can slip. When round slings 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 round sling position, and never attempt to retighten the choke. The correct procedure for securing a load using the choker hitch method is shown in Figure C.1. The double checker hitch method offers more safety and prevents the load from slipping through the round sling.
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 round sling before and during lifting 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.
You must perform a test stroke. Slackened round slings should be tightened until taut. 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.
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 round sling. Loads with attached round slings or the round sling itself may not be dragged over the ground or any rough surfaces.
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 round sling, as this could result in damage. Do not attempt to pull the round sling out from underneath the load when the load is still resting on the round sling.
After completing the lifting process, store the round sling as prescribed. Round slings 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.
Before storage, check the round slings for damage that may have occurred during use. Do not store damaged round slings.
Round slings 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 round sling 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.
Round slings that have become wet during use or during cleaning must be hung to dry in the air.

Use of the round slings under unfavorable conditions or for dangerous applications

The material from which the round slings are made is selectively resistant to chemicals. The resistance of the synthetic fibers 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 round slings should be decommissioned, rinsed in cold water, air-dried and examined by a specialist. Round slings 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.
Round slings 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 round sling 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.
The synthetic fibres from which the round slings are made tend to deteriorate when exposed to ultraviolet light. Round slings may not be exposed to direct sunlight or sources of ultraviolet radiation, or stored under their influence.

Inspection of round slings during use

Before using the round sling for the first time, it should be ensured that
- It corresponds exactly to the round sling ordered
- The manufacturer’s certificate is available
- The marking and load-bearing capacity (WLL) attached to the round sling correspond to the information on the certificate
Before each use, the round sling 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.
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 round sling. These inspections should also be carried out for all fittings and accessories that are used together with the round sling. If there is any doubt about suitability for use or if one of the required markings has been lost or becomes illegible, the round sling must be taken out of operation and examined by a specialist. Any visible damage on the outer layer indicates possible damage to the load-bearing core. Examples of errors or damage that can affect the long-term safe use of the round sling are: a) Chafe marks on the surface. During normal use, the surface fibers of the outer layer have a chaffing effect. This is normal and has little effect. All strong abrasion effects, especially local ones, should be paid close attention to. When the round sling is tensioned, localized abrasion can occur due to sharp
edges, which differs from the generally unavoidable wear and can lead to the outer layer tearing. b) Cuts: Cross or longitudinal cuts in the outer layer or damage on the seam make it very likely that the core is also defective. c) Visible core. d) Chemical influence. This leads to local weakening and softening of the material. The chemical influence can be recognized by the flaking fibers of the outer layer, which can be pulled out or rubbed off. Evidence of chemical influence on the outer layer makes it very likely that the core is also defective. e) Damage from heat or friction. This damage can be recognized by the tact that the fibers of the outer layer material become shiny and that, in extreme cases, the fibers can fuse, which indicates weakening of the core. n Damaged or bent fittings.

Inspections and repair

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 round slings must be visually inspected by an expert at least once a year to prove their continued suitability for use. Damaged round slings must be decommissioned. Users are prohibited from undertaking repair work on the round slings.

Regular thorough inspections and maintenance