What should be the action when a synthetic web sling has been exposed to heat?

• A. Continue using if it only shows a warm temperature.
• B. Remove from service and follow manufacturer guidelines for replacement or repair.
• C. Clean and reuse immediately.
• D. Use a different sling only for the next lift.

Answer: (B)

Heat exposure can weaken synthetic web slings even if there’s no obvious damage. The fibers may sustain internal damage that reduces strength, making the sling unreliable for future lifts. Because of this, the safe action is to remove the sling from service and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement or repair. In many cases, repairs aren’t permitted for synthetic slings, so replacement is required. Retire the sling and tag it out of service if it has been heated. Look for signs like melting, glazing, discoloration, or softening, but even without visible damage, assume strength could be compromised.

Other options miss this crucial point: a sling that has been heated should not be used again simply because it’s warm, cleaned and reused, or replaced only for the next lift without addressing the damaged one.