How to Inspect a Twin-Path Synthetic

Roundsling to ASME Standards

We often get questions from our customers
about what to look for when inspecting a
Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling. Customers
also want to know if there are any differences in
the inspection process for a single-path
roundsling and a Twin-Path® roundsling. The
inspection processes are the same, but this
article will also address additional inspection
best practices outlined by Slingmax®, the
manufacturer of Twin-Path® synthetic
roundslings.
One of the most basic but crucial aspects of using a Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling
is properly inspecting it prior to each use. Taking the time to perform a brief visual
inspection will confirm that the Twin-Path® roundsling meets the specific job and lifting
requirements and will also help to ensure the safety of the user, help extend the life of
the equipment, and help to reduce unnecessary equipment repair costs and costly
down time. Before each use, the Twin-Path® sling needs to be inspected in
accordance with ASME B30.9 Standards, which will be reviewed in detail below.

TWIN-PATH® SYNTHETIC ROUNDSLING

INSPECTION
Throughout the life of a Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling, it will be put through three
major inspections:

Initial Inspection (Prior to Initial Use) – Upon receiving the initial shipment from the
manufacturer, the Twin-Path® roundsling will be double-checked to make sure that it
is the correct product and that it meets the project specifications and lifting
requirements.

Frequent Inspection (Each Day or Prior to Use) – Prior to each shift, or prior to a
change in lifting application (i.e. switching from one material to another), the user or
other designated personnel will check for the following two things:

 Locate the sling tag and confirm it is intact and legible. Ensure that all of the
sling tag specifications meet the current job’s lifting requirements. Don’t use the
wrong sling for the wrong weight.
 Inspect the Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling itself for any damage, irregularities,
or signs of wear-and-tear.

Periodic Inspection – These inspections are performed by either a professional

service provider, or by a trained or qualified person. Frequency of use, severity of
service conditions, and experience gained on service life of Twin-Path® synthetic
roundslings used in similar applications are determining factors in scheduling the
frequency of periodic inspection, with at least one inspection performed at a minimum
of every 12 months and monthly to quarterly in more severe service conditions. Best
practice is to inspect and document each sling during your periodic inspection.

ASME B30.9 SYNTHETIC ROUNDSLING INSPECTION

STANDARDS – REMOVAL FROM SERVICE
A key factor when inspecting Twin-Path® synthetic roundslings is being able to
identify a potential issue and taking action on it before the sling is connected to any
rigging hardware. A small cut, burn, tear or hole in a synthetic roundsling can
compromise the strength and lifting capabilities of the sling when under load, and
therefore the sling must be removed from service immediately. If there is any doubt as
to the condition of the synthetic roundsling prior to use, it needs to be removed from
service and replaced.

The following ASME B30.9 synthetic roundsling inspection standards require

immediate removal from service for any synthetic roundsling with any of the following
visible occurrences:

 Missing or illegible sling identification.

 Acid or caustic burns.
 Evidence of heat damage.
 Holes, tears, cuts, abrasive wear or snags that expose the core yarns.
 Broken or damaged core yarns.
 Weld splatter that exposes core yarns.
 Discoloration and brittle or stiff areas on any part of the slings, which may
mean chemical or other damage.

**If there are any signs of damage to the synthetic roundsling including any
evidence of the following, immediately remove the sling from service:

 Missing or illegible sling identification

 Heat damage
 Knots
 Fittings that are pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or
broken
 Other conditions, including visible damage, that cause doubt as to the
continued use of the sling
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the use, repair, or replacement
of your synthetic roundsling, contact the manufacturer for their
recommendations.**
SLINGMAX® BEST PRACTICES FOR INSPECTIONS
OF TWIN-PATH® PRODUCTS
As seen above, the inspection process for
a Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling includes
the same criteria outlined by the ASME
B30.9 synthetic roundsling inspection
standards. Slingmax®, the manufacturer of
Twin-Path® synthetic roundslings, has
provided best practices for inspection in
regards to their Check-Fast® External
Warning Indicator (EWI) and Tell-Tail
Indicators, as well as additional usage and
inspection criteria, which can also be found
at http://slingmax.com/inspections-of-twin-
path-products:

1. Check-Fast® External Warning Indicator (EWI) and Tell-Tail indicators shall

extend past the tag area of each sling. If your sling is equipped with
Check-Fast® and the EWI is not visible or both Tell-Tails are not visible, remove
the sling from service—this could be an indication that the sling was overloaded
or possibly shock-loaded. Send the sling in to the manufacturer for repair
evaluation.
2. If Fiber-Optic inspection is installed in the sling, inspect by allowing light to enter
the fiber optics. If the fiber optics do not transmit light from end to end, remove the
sling from service and contact the manufacturer for repair evaluation.
3. Slings shall be inspected for evidence of cutting or tearing of the outer cover.
Slings with cuts shall be removed from service and sent back to the manufacturer
for repair evaluation. Damage to the cover may indicate core damage.
4. Inspect slings for evidence of heat damage. Sparkeater® slings shall not be
exposed to temperatures over 300°F and polyester slings shall not be exposed to
temperatures above 194° F / 90° C. Cold temperature exposure down to -40°C /
-40°F does not affect the strength of the product.
5. If any part of the sling shows evidence of chemical degradation or damage,
remove the sling from service. Return the sling to the manufacturer for repair
evaluation.
6. Slings using aluminum fittings shall not be used where fumes, vapors, sprays or
mists of alkali or acids are present.
7. Twin-Path® lifting slings and any fittings attached shall be the subject of frequent
and regular inspections. In addition to the initial inspection by a competent person
 and frequent written inspections, the slings shall be visually inspected before
each use.
8. Written inspections shall be performed as required and documents of such
inspection by a competent person shall be kept on file in the safety department of
the plant or site where used. Inspections may be done more often based on
frequency of use, severity of conditions, and experience of past service life.
9. Slings shall be examined throughout their length for abrasion, cuts, heat damage,
fitting distortion or damage, tag legibility, and any doubts that are held by the
inspector. The sling shall be removed from service if deterioration is found.
10. Slings removed from service that are not repairable shall be destroyed and
rendered completely unfit for future use.
11. Abrasion, heat damage or cuts to the cover may indicate a loss of strength to the
core yarns. These slings shall not be used until evaluated by the manufacturer.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
Properly maintaining a Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling during and in-between each
use, is the best way to help extend its life and keep it in service. Take care of your
gear and your gear will take care of you—it’s that simple.

Here are some best practices for keeping a Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling in great
condition:

 Store them in a cool, dry, and dark environment and hang them up to keep them
off of the ground. Avoid storing them in extreme hot or cold conditions.
 Avoid prolonged sunlight and UV exposure to prevent loss of strength.
 Keep your synthetic roundslings clean. Continued exposure to oil, dust, dirt, and
moisture can wear down the materials over time and also make it difficult to see
and read the sling tag.
 Do not store your synthetic roundslings in a chemically active environment.
Chemically active environments can affect the strength of synthetic roundslings in
varying degrees, ranging from little to total degradation. Consult your synthetic
roundsling manufacturer before using in a chemically active environment.
 Synthetic roundslings should not be used at temperatures in excess of 194° F /
90° C, or at temperatures below -40°F / -40° C.
 When lifting material with edges, use edge protection or barriers to prevent
cutting of the polyester jacket and yarn core.
 If there are any questions about the proper way to store, maintain, and protect
your Twin-Path® synthetic roundsling equipment, please contact the
manufacturer.

Prior to each use, regular inspection of Twin-Path® synthetic roundslings for damage
or irregularities is the best way to help avoid costly downtime and help to keep
everybody on the job site safe. Routine inspection should be looked at as an
investment that, over time, will help keep valuable equipment running and keep
workers safe.