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Lifting slings are crucial for most types of heavy lifting. They are integral for balancing heavy loads and keeping objects safe during the lifting process. No factory, warehouse, or construction site is complete without a set of trusty, dependable lifting slings.

Cromwell stocks an extensive range of high-quality lifting slings fro our own brand Matlock® used and trusted by professionals around the globe.

What are lifting slings?

Lifting slings are a length of material that can be used to aid manual lifting but are more commonly used to balance loads that are lifted via a crane, lift, or hoist.

They are available in a range of strengths, sizes, colours, and thicknesses to suit any lifting requirement.

Why lifting slings?

Lifting slings are incredibly durable, and excel and balancing and moving large, heavy, bulky loads that would be virtually impossible to move manually.

A key part of preventing damage to objects during lifting, lifting slings can ensure the weight of an object is spread in a safe manner. Not only does this prevent item damage, but it also helps keep workers safe.

When are lifting slings used?

Lifting slings are used wherever heavy lifting is performed. This includes factories, warehouses, construction sites, masonry, and much more. Their versatility and general handiness when it comes to object manoeuvring makes them ideal to have in any lifting situation.

If you're looking for the right type of lifting sling for your usage, feel free to ask our experts for professional, personalised advice.

Lifting sling types

• Flat sling duplex   -   This type of sling boasts a double layer of webbing for a generally stronger product.

• Endless round sling   -   These slings are a circular loop that form a circle, with a strong, uninterrupted flexible core.

• Flat sling simplex   -   These slings are constructed from a single layer of webbing.

Considerations when choosing a lifting sling

• Resistances - Some items may stain your lifting sling with oil, acid, or other perishables that could degrade the integrity of the lifting sling over time. This can jeopardise safety, and ultimately lead to item damage or staff injury. Ensure the lifting slings you buy are resistant to the kinds of things they're likely to be exposed to.

• SWL - The 'safe working load' of your lifting sling is one of the most important factors to check. Using a lifting sling that cannot handle the amount of weight you'll put on it will inevitably lead to disaster. Always check the weight of the items you're lifting and ensure the sling can exceed that limit.

• Weight - Some lifting slings are lightweight, meaning they can be easily transported and manipulated into the ideal position around your lifted item. Heavier lifting slings may sacrifice manoeuvrability for increased durability and overall working load.

Lifting sling jargon buster

When it comes to lifting in the workplace, there are a few key expressions and terms that you may come across.

• BF = Breaking force. This is the maximum force achieved by the lifting equipment before breaking.
• WLL = Working load limit. This determines the total mass the equipment can sustain whilst lifting.
• SF = Safety factor. This is the relationship between the breaking force and the working load limit.
• MPF = Manufacturers proof force. This is the maximum working force, as tested by the manufacturer prior to the product leaving the factory.
• EWL = Effective working length. This is the total length between two load bearing points on the lifting equipment.

FAQs

How long do lifting slings last?

With proper care, maintenance, and regular inspection, most lifting slings can last up to 5 years - even with daily usage. However, most lifting slings are designed to be replaced every 12 months. Due to their relatively low cost, this isn't too much of an issue for most workplaces - and could potentially prevent far greater costs in item damage.

Legally, workplaces are required to inspect lifting slings at least every 6 months. This includes checking for frays, stretches, snags, or breakages.

Regulation Information

LOLER applies to ALL lifting equipment used for work purposes, even if it was manufactured and put into use before LOLER came into force in 1998. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 applies to all work equipment, including lifting equipment, and requires workplaces to provide suitable and safe equipment for the task, along with proper training. Work equipment must be maintained and inspected and related risks prevented or controlled.

Pre-use checks must be carried out on lifting equipment. The purpose of these pre-use checks is to identify faulty equipment; this is not the same as routine thorough examination and inspections but in addition to them at each use. All lifting equipment requires to be thoroughly examined by a qualified competent person at various points, as required by PUWER, to maintain efficient working order.

Regulation Jargon Buster

LOLER - Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
PUWER - Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
HASWA - Health and Safety at Work Act
WAH - Work / Working at Height

Please note that the products in this category are not suitable for lifting people; please consult the manufacturer's data sheet for more information.

For the further information and full details of your legal responsibilities:
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment (LOLER) Regulations 1998 - AcoP - L113