Are your team using the right sling for the right lift?
Flat woven webbing slings — particularly those made from Polyamide (Nylon) — are one of the most widely used pieces of lifting equipment on Irish sites. Lightweight, flexible, and gentle on load surfaces, they’re a go-to for many operations. But used incorrectly, they can fail — with serious consequences.
Here’s what you need to know. (Ref: LEEA Capsule v10)
What They’re Good For
Lifting loads with polished, painted, or delicate surfaces — webbing won’t scratch or damage
Choker, basket, and straight pull configurations
Multi-leg assemblies when slings are matched by material and length
Combined use in series with chain slings (e.g. wrap and choke onto a polished surface, then hook into a chain sling)
Temperature range: -40°C to 100°C (Nylon/Polyester)
Key Limitations
Nylon loses up to 15% strength when wet — always factor this in
Never use near acids — Nylon is attacked by moderate strength acids
Do NOT mix webbing slings in parallel with chain or wire rope — unequal stretch causes load instability
Avoid shock loading — it effectively multiplies the load weight
Do not use outside the manufacturer’s stated temperature range
The eye angle must never exceed 20° when in use
Modes of Use & SWL (Single Leg, 1T WLL example)
SWL – Straight Pull ×1.0 = 1.0T
Choke Hitch ×0.8 = 0.8T
Basket (Parallel)×2.0 = 2.0T
Basket (0–45° to vertical) ×1.4 = 1.4T
Always check the label — never rely on colour coding alone to confirm WLL.
Storage – Do It Right
Inspect before storing — check for damage after every use
Store on a suitable rack in a dry, clean area
Keep away from acids, alkalis, solvents, and extremes of temperature
Never leave slings on the ground or in direct contact with chemicals
The right sling, used correctly, is safe and effective. The wrong sling — or the right sling used the wrong way — puts lives at risk.
If your team are handling lifting operations, they need proper training. At DL Safety, we deliver expert-led lifting and slinging advice grounded in LEEA standards and 25 years of real-world experience.
Get in touch: info@dlsafety.ie or 085 8316885
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