Overhead Lifting Equipment

Protect loads with our
synthetic webbing slings

A synthetic webbing sling made of polyester or nylon yarns gives you firm control over objects with non-abrasive yet strong material. Olsen Chain & Cable nylon and polyester webbing slings are easy to position and protect loads during moves. We offer many fitting, eye, hardware and other options. We also offer endless slings, which are longer wearing since load contact varies along the sling.

We offer several types of synthetic web slings. Determine the maximum weight you will lift and consider these factors:

Chemicals
Chemicals such as acids or alkalis and ultra violet light can affect the strength of synthetic web slings in varying degrees. Nylon is unaffected by oil or grease and resists many chemicals, but not bleaching agents or acids (choose polyester lifting slings instead with acids). Chemically active environments (liquids, solids, vapors or fumes) can degrade the strength of synthetic webbing slings.

Temperature
If your work area or objects that you will move with the nylon or polyester sling reach temperatures of 180° F (82° C) or above or dip to minus 40° F (minus 40° C), select wire rope or chain for overhead lifting equipment.

Stretch
Nylon tends to stretch more, so if that's a concern, opt for polyester lifting slings.

Fit
Ensure that the fitting is the correct shape and size so it properly seats in the hook or lifting device. For multiple-leg slings used with nonsymmetrical loads, have a qualified person do an analysis so you don't overload any leg. Select multiple-leg slings according to OSHA guidelines for synthetic webbing slings.

Load capacity
OSHA rates loads based on material strength, design factor, type of hitch, angle of loading, diameter of curvature over which the sling is used and fabrication efficiency. Never exceed the working load limit and avoid shock loads. Refer to OSHA guidelines for synthetic webbing sling rated loads.

  • Do not use synthetic web slings with loads above the rated load capacities on the tag.
  • Store slings away from potential mechanical or chemical damage, sunlight, ultraviolet light and extreme temperatures.
  • Properly hitch slings, pad sharp edges, balance loads, don't drag slings, keep them free of knots or twists and don't pull a sling from under a load when the load is on the sling.
  • Do not drop a sling equipped with metal fittings.
  • Inspect slings daily and according to OSHA-approved ASME guidelines.

Ensure that each person who will use your synthetic webbing sling knows and follows its type of load, hitch and rated load capacity. Remember to consider the angle of lift. Make sure slings with fittings used in a choker hitch are long enough to ensure the choking action is on the webbing, not the other fitting. Contact us for clarification. Follow other safe operation procedures, including selecting the right sling, keeping people safe distances away from the sling and its load during movement, properly rigging loads and inspecting all slings daily and according to OSHA-approved ASME guidelines.

Follow these OSHA guidelines, which hinge on designating a qualified person to inspect slings each day before use, looking for:

  • Missing or unreadable ID tag
  • Melted, charred or weld-splattered areas
  • Acid or alkali burns
  • Holes, tears, cuts, snags or embedded particles
  • Broken or worn stitching
  • Excessive abrasive wear or elongation
  • Knots or brittle areas
  • Broken, corroded, pitted distorted fittings

Do not use worn or damaged slings or attachments. Discard or repair them. Use damaged slings only after they are repaired, reconditioned, and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person. Keep certificates of proof test. You may also use Olsen Chain & Cable's lifting equipment inspection services.