How often should synthetic web slings be inspected and what triggers removal from service?

• A. Inspect before each lift; remove if damaged, stretched, frayed, or after any impact or heat exposure; follow manufacturer guidelines for service life.
• B. Inspect only after a failure occurs.
• C. Inspect at regular intervals defined by the manufacturer, and remove if damaged, stretched, frayed, or after any impact or heat exposure.
• D. Inspect only if the sling is visibly worn.

Answer: (A)

The safest approach centers on checking the sling before every lift and removing it as soon as there are any signs of damage or abuse. Synthetic web slings can hide wear and internal fiber damage that isn’t obvious at a glance, so a pre-use inspection ensures you catch problems before a load is applied. Removal is required if the sling is damaged, stretched, frayed, or after any impact or heat exposure, because those conditions indicate reduced strength or compromised integrity that could lead to sudden failure under load. Following the manufacturer’s service-life guidelines is crucial as well, since age and exposure can degrade synthetic fibers even without obvious damage, and the producer defines a safe retirement point. Other practices risk missing hidden defects or aging effects, which can lead to a sudden, dangerous lift. This combination—inspect before each lift, remove for damage or exposure, and honor service-life limits—provides the most reliable safety.