FIBRE ROPE SLINGS

THOROUGH EXAMINATION

This examination must be carried out with the Fibre Rope Slings in a reasonably clean condition and
in adequate lighting. If any of the following faults are present, the Fibre Rope Slings should be
withdrawn from service and referred to the Client’s Responsible Person.

1. Wear and chafing. The filaments and fibres are breaking down. In ordinary use some
disarrangement or breaking of the fibres is to be expected. This is harmless if not excessive.
It is natural for man-made fibre ropes, especially those of multifilament construction, to
raise a pile of fur on their surface as the result of use. This is not cause for concern unless it
becomes excessive.
2. Abrasion. Localised areas of abrasion, as distinct from general wear, are caused by
mishandling such as the passage of the sling over a sharp edge whilst under tension.
3. Mechanical damage. Crushing of the strands, cuts or other forms of mechanical damage.
4. Fraying. Fraying of the yarns or strands is often an indication of cutting.
5. Internal wear. Excessive looseness of the strands or the presence of fibre dust within the
rope. This is caused by repeated loading and flexing of the rope under tension. It is
accelerated by the penetration of grit and particles into the rope.
6. Mildew. In the case of natural fibre rope slings, the growth of mildew will cause serious loss
of strength as the mould will live on the cellulose of the rope. It is caused by dampness,
storage of wet slings or storage in stagnant air. In the case of man-made fibre rope slings,
mildew will only grow on surface contamination; it does not affect the rope and may be
removed by washing in clean water only. Detergents or other cleaning agents must not be
used.
7. Chemical attack. In the case of natural fibre rope slings, any known contact with chemicals or
their fumes. In the case of man-made fibre rope slings, selective resistance permits some
contact with chemicals however attack by strong solutions or by other chemical
contaminants will result in loss of strength. Chemical attack may be recognised by
embrittlement and flaking of the fibres or by a softening of the fibres, which may be rubbed
or plucked from the rope.
8. Heat damage. Charring of natural fibres, fusing of fibres and glazed appearance of man-
made fibres indicate the sling has been subjected to excessive heat, often as the result of
friction. This can occur in use e.g. by careless handling when the sling is used in the choke
hitch. It is difficult to observe unless severe. Other forms of heat damage, such as burning
caused by weld splatter, are more easily identified.
9. Solar degradation. The outer fibres become brittle as the result of exposure to sunlight or
other sources of ultra-violet radiation.
10. Damaged fittings. Any damage or distortion, e.g. nicks, cracks, twisting or stretching of
permanently attached fittings.
11. Damaged thimbles. Collapsed, cracked, deformed or twisted thimbles.

FIBER ROPE SLING

ISFRS REV.00 01 Jun. 17
Note:

Great care must be taken when inspecting slings as the vulnerability of fibre rope slings to the effects
of wear, abrasion and mechanical damage increases inversely with the size of the rope. The smaller
the rope diameter, the more the yarns are exposed on the surface; hence the effects of wear and
damage are more severe.

FIBER ROPE SLING

ISFRS REV.00 01 Jun. 17