ROUND SLINGS

Is it mandatory to have a label on my round slings?

Safety always comes first. That is why all round slings are required to have a readable blue label sewn on (blue always indicates a product made of polyester). Never use round slings without a label and make sure it contains the following indelible information:

• Name of the manufacturer

• Country of origin

• Type approval number

• Safe working load (WLL)

• Use factor (7)

• Production date

• Serial number

• Length

The user is responsible for the proper use of round slings. Never work unprepared.

If you have any doubts, please contact us.

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How do I know the working load limit of my round slings?

1. According to the European color coding, each WLL (Working Load Limit) for round slings is assigned a fixed color, regardless of the manufacturer.

• WLL 1 ton = purple/violet

• WLL 2 ton = green

• WLL 3 ton = yellow

• WLL 4 ton = gray

• WLL 5 ton = red

• WLL 6 ton = brown

• WLL 8 ton = blue

• WLL ≥ 10 ton = orange

2. Each round sling also has a number of black lines sewn into it. Each line represents 1 ton (1 line = 1 ton, 2 lines = 2 tons, etc.).

3. The label is a third way to determine the WLL. It shows the WLL of the round sling in a straight pull.

4. Finally, the WLL is also printed on the protective sleeve.

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What material are round slings made of?

Round slings are made of polyester yarns encased in a double-woven polyester protective sleeve. Polyester (PES) has the following properties:

• Good resistance to high temperatures, UV radiation, and most acids

• Retains strength even when wet

• High tensile strength in proportion to its specific weight

Lifting equipment made of polyester always comes with a blue label.

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How can I use round slings?

Before using round slings for lifting and hoisting, always ensure that the safe working load (WLL) mentioned on the label and expressed in tons is adequate for the object you intend to lift.

CAUTION: take into account the lifting method, working conditions, and the shape of the object to be lifted. The impact of the lifting angle on the round sling's lifting force can be found on the WLL diagram available on each product page.

There are four types of hitches for round slings.

1. Vertical hitch

The round sling is used in its natural loop form, and the WLL corresponds to the indication on the label. Using a single vertical hitch is not recommended for lifting unbalanced loads, loose materials, or long loads.

2. Choker hitch

To apply a choker hitch, loop one end of the sling around the load and pass it through the other end, then attach it to the crane or hoist hook. This method is also known as the "ring shape." The WLL in ring form is 0.8 times the WLL stated on the label. While using the round sling with a choker hitch, maintain a natural angle of no more than 120 degrees to prevent friction.

Due to the fact that the sling will never make full 360° contact with the load, choker hitches should not be used on unbalanced loads or loose bundles.

3. Basket hitch

The round sling serves as a "basket" and is brought under the load in a U-shape. The WLL in a straight basket hitch is double the WLL stated on the label. However, if the legs of the "U" form an angle, the workload varies, and you should refer to the diagram. When using the round sling in basket form, ensure that the load is secure because, unlike the choker hitch, the load is not clamped and could slip off. Basket hitches should not be used on unbalanced loads or loads that are difficult to balance. More than one sling may be necessary to help ensure load control. Don’t use basket hitches with loads that are difficult to balance

3. Bridle (Multiple Leg) Sling Assemblies

The round sling is used in combination with lifting accessories such as lifting eyes and hooks. In this case, the sling consists of several parts (2 hooks/legs; 3 hooks/legs; 4 hooks/legs). Always refer to the WLL diagram for workload implications. Ensure that the load remains stable throughout the lifting operation.

Working safely with round slings: what to watch out for?

Never proceed unprepared and always first calculate which round sling(combination) you need using the WLL diagram.
Never work or stand under a lifted load
Round slings weighing more than 18 kilograms should be handled with a device or with more than 1 person.
Ensure that the object you are lifting always remains balanced. The actual lifting point must be perpendicular to the center of gravity.
Never force the round sling into an unnatural position.
If you use round slings in pairs, it is recommended to use a lifting beam to keep the load stable.

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Lifting, lowering, and moving: what to watch out for?

When lifting or lowering, only increase speed gradually and avoid jolting.
Avoid trapping the round sling when lowering the load.
If the load is resting on the round sling, do not try to pull it out from under the round sling.
Do not drag the load with a round sling and do not drag the sling across the ground or a rough surface.

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When can’t I use a round sling?

When should I NOT use a round sling?

Always check the condition of the round sling before use.

Always check

- all sides of the round sling

- label

- any fittings, end fittings, and connecting elements. If there is any doubt about the safety/quality, DO NOT use the round sling.

DO NOT use:

Round sling without a label.
- Never use a round sling that is not labeled. Safety is not guaranteed.

Damaged round sling. Damage (e.g. due to friction) causes loss in breaking strength.
- To prevent friction, use a worn or protective cover.
- Always avoid direct contact with sharp edges and corners.

Round slings exposed to chemicals.
- Round slings are made of polyester yarns. These are resistant to mineral acids, but not alkalis. Harmless chemical solutions can still have a negative effect on the round sling due to evaporation after a certain period of time contaminated round sling.
- Always wash dirty round slings thoroughly in cold water. Use neutral detergents if necessary
- Dip round slings which have been in contact with acids or alkalis in water or neutralize them with e.g. trichloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene.
- Then allow drying naturally
Knotted round slings
- Never use round slings with a knot in them. Knots can heat up and cause additional friction. This affects the WLL workload and no longer guarantees safety

Round sling exposed to extreme temperatures
- Lifting slings are suitable for use at temperatures between - 40° C and +100° C

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How long lasts a round sling?

The used thread guarantees a stable lifespan of 5 years
- Under normal circumstances (concerning temperature and UV-rays).
- On the condition that the guidelines concerning usage, maintenance, and storage are respected.

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Is it necessary to have round slings inspected?

Damaged lifting straps no longer guarantee safety.

If in doubt: DO NOT use.

Check the round sling for damage before every use, and during its entire service life.
Always check the accessories, fittings, connections, labels, etc. for damage.
Steel triangles and fittings should be tested at least every 4 years.
Triangles and end fittings made from materials other than steel should be tested annually.

Metaltis recommends that round slings be inspected once a year by a recognized expert. This check can be recorded via the date indicated on the blue label.

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