Wire Rope Sling Inspection

Inspection intervals

Initial Inspection -  whenever the sling is initially received.

Frequent Inspection - before each shift or day in normal service.

Periodic Inspection - an inspection done by a qualified and designated person and other than the person who performs the frequent inspections. Periodic inspection intervals should not exceed one year.  Documentation that the most recent periodic inspection was performed shall be maintained.

Removal Criteria

Following are some things to look for when inspection a wire rope sling for damage:

• Broken Wire* and valley breaks, breakage in the valleys between the strands, are sometimes difficult to see but serious enough to take the sling out of service. These breaks are signs of abnormal fatigue.
• Birdcaging is the separation of the strands of the wire rope is called birdcaging, a result of damage resulting from shock loading.  
• Bent Wire is a common indication of side loading or other abuse. Now the moving parts of the machine (sling) cannot move. The rope will wear out prematurely.
• Frayed Wire is common when a sling is overloaded or misused. 

*According to OSHA 1926.1413, in running wire ropes there may be up to 3 broken wires in one strand or up to 6 broken wire in all strands in 1 wire rope lay.