Sling safety steer

New guidance issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US is designed to help employers select and use the appropriate slings when handling and moving materials.

“OSHA's current general industry standard is more than 30 years old. This guidance document will aid users in the safe selection and use of slings, including synthetic round slings, which are not covered in OSHA's standard, as well as the newer grades of materials being used in alloy steel chain and wire rope slings,” explains Edwin Foulke, OSHA assistant secretary of labour.

Improper selection or use of slings can result in sling failure or load slippage, added OSHA, which, in turn can lead to injuries or death. Indeed, OSHA accident data for 1994 to 1996 shows that there were four fatalities in general industry involving the misuse or failure of slings.

• The document Guidance on Safe Sling Use, is available at: www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/slings/sources.html