Polyester Webbing Sling

Manufacturers use many different types of materials to make lifting supplies, rigs, and hoists. But they're not all created equal. Regarding rigging, there are various advantages to using polyester webbing slings and nylon straps.

● Increased flexibility
The fibers in synthetic materials have increased flexibility, reducing overall safety risks. They can easily grasp uneven and rigid loads, increasing job efficiency. Additionally, this increased flexibility makes them more suitable for jobs dealing with fragile objects. You can transport these fragile objects without the risk of scratching, crushing, or damaging them.

● Chemical resistant
Synthetic materials have varying resistance to corrosion and chemical exposures. For example, nylon lifting straps have a stronger resistance to high-alkaline environments. In contrast, polyester slings possess a stronger resistance to chemicals with high acidities.

● Abrasion resistant
These strong, flexible fibers enable the material to lessen the chances of abrasions or cuts. Additionally, abrasion-resistance layers are woven into the fibers to ensure safety and security while in use. These properties make them excellent for job sites where heavy objects are lifted or objects with sharp edges and corners. 

When using a polyester webbing sling or round sling, you want to make sure that you are following all of the proper safety protocol. Not only will these help your lifting sling last considerably longer, but they can also help keep you safe as well. As such, here are the most important safety procedures that need to be abided by when you are operating a polyester webbing sling:

● Make sure to avoid shock loads.

● Never utilize a polyester flat lifting sling or a round sling with a missing or illegible label.

● For loads that have rough surfaces or sharp edges, protective gear needs to be used to protect the slings.

● Never use a round sling or lifting sling that is damaged or worn.

● Never use polyester round slings or flat lifting slings outside the temperature range of -40°C to +100°.

● Use polyester Flat lifting slings and round slings in a manner where the load cannot be dislodged

● Never exceed the indicated safe working load limit of the sling.

● Polyester lifting slings need to be used in a way where they are loaded across the entirety of their width.

● Never pull the polyester flat lifting sling or round sling out from underneath a load if it is currently lying on top of the sling.

● Always visually inspect the flat lifting sling or round sling before use. It is the Operators' responsibility to ensure lifting equipment is safe for purpose prior to use. If unsure do not use!

● Flat Lifting slings and round slings should never be knotted. 

There are several different ways that you can incorporate added wear, cut, and abrasion protection to a synthetic Polyester webbing sling. When you know how to properly maintain and care for your slings, you can help extend the service life of the product and get a better return on your investment.

● Sling wear pads can be sewn into the webbing material at specific wear points along the sling body or in the eyes.

● Edge guards can be sewn along the edges of the sling to offer added protection at critical spots that are prone to abrasion, wear, or cutting.

● A sleeve or tube slides over the body of the sling and protects both sides of the sling body while in use.

● A wrap, similar to a sleeve, is sewn onto the body of the sling to protect the edges and lifting of the surface from wear or cutting.

● A special coating can be added to the webbing material during the manufacturing process. This protects against moisture and dirt penetration and also helps reduce abrasion.

● Special types of shackles are designed specifically for use with Polyester webbing slings. A wider sling bearing surface results in an increased area for load distribution and allows for 100% W.L.L. efficiency.

Regular inspection of your slings—especially before each use—is crucial to help identify any damage or irregularities that may compromise the strength and integrity of the sling. Polyester webbing slings are especially susceptible to damage from edges, rough surfaces, heat, chemical exposure, and UV light degradation! 

Before choosing a polyester webbing sling for your desired application, you should check their chemical and physical properties as well as adhere to the following.

● Do not exceed the working load limits. Every polyester webbing sling has a specified rated capacity or working load limit that you should not exceed when lifting or moving objects.

● Adhere to low heat resistance. Most of these polyester webbing slings have low heat resistance, which makes them fail in high-heat environments. If you are operating in a high-heat environment, use high-heat resistant polyester webbing slings, as they are specifically made for such environments.

● Avoid prolonged uv exposure. Polyester webbing slings are damaged by prolonged exposure to uv light. Store your polyester webbing slings in cool, dark, and dry environments.

● Always perform a visual inspection. Make it a habit to check each polyester webbing sling for visual damage, such as abrasions and cuts before every use. This habit ensures safety during use.

● Use edge guards. Even though polyester webbing slings have good cut and abrasion resistance, you should take extra caution by using edge guards and corner protectors where necessary.