Rigging Services: A Focus on Slings
When you think about rigging services, the first thing that comes to mind is the big machines that you will use for the operation. People barely focus on the small details, but these details are the recipe for the success of the whole project. Rigging slings are a perfect example of the equipment that will barely cross your mind. These slings take on the function of supporting the loads you are lifting, ensuring that you do not damage the loads in the process. The following article focuses on slings, an integral component of the equipment you will use for rigging your loads.
The Working Mechanism of Slings
Rigging slings wrap around or attach to the load you are lifting. The slings are a necessity when you are moving loads using lifts or cranes. The sling attaches to the load via a mechanism called a hitch. Some of the popular types of hitches include:
- Vertical hitches – A vertical hitch set up features the sling attaching to one point of the load and the other end hooking onto the hoisting equipment.
- Basket hitches – Just as the name suggests, a basket hitch features the sling going around the load and looping back to a hook from the hoisting machine. Your setup resembles a basket as the load sits within the loop.
- Choker hitches – A choker hitch is similar to a basket hitch. The only difference is that the sling forms a circular loop around the load and hooks to the hoisting machines via one loop.
Pre-use Inspection of Slings
Slings have to deal with lots of friction and large tensional forces every time you hoist loads. Therefore, there is a high risk of structural damage to the sling and risk to the wellbeing of the loading team by extension. Visual inspection of the slings is essential for mitigating the risks involved with structurally damaged slings. First, start by looking for kinks because they affect the sling's ability to support the load you are rigging. Kinking results from improper handling of the rigging sling, leading to overdrawn loops around the load. The damage here is permanent, and you need to get rid of the damaged sling. Furthermore, your pre-use inspection should look out for broken wires, severe localised scraping and evidence of damage by heat.
Choosing the Sling
You have several options when it comes to the sling you can use for your rigging operations. Nylon is an ideal choice because of its excellent elastic stretch that cushions sudden shock when you are rigging a load.
For more information speak with the rigging service.