What Is The ASME Standard For Slings?

The primary ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) standard that specifically covers slings is:

ASME B30.9 – Slings

This standard is part of the larger ASME B30 series, which focuses on the safety of cableways, cranes, derricks, hoists, hooks, jacks, and slings.

Here’s what ASME B30.9 generally covers:

1. Scope: It applies to the construction, installation, operation, inspection, testing, maintenance, and marking of slings used for lifting purposes.
2. Types of Slings Covered:
   • Alloy steel chain slings
   • Wire rope slings
   • Metal mesh slings
   • Synthetic fiber rope slings
   • Synthetic webbing slings
   • Synthetic roundsling
3. Key Areas Addressed by the Standard:
   • Materials and Construction: Specifications for materials and the fabrication of slings.
   • Design Factor: Minimum safety factors required for different types of slings. For example, a common design factor is 5:1, meaning the sling’s breaking strength must be at least five times its rated load.
   • Rated Loads (Working Load Limits – WLL): How to determine and mark the maximum load a sling can safely lift under specific conditions (e.g., different hitch types like vertical, choker, basket).
   • Identification: Requirements for sling identification tags, which must include information like the manufacturer, rated load for various hitches, material type, etc.
   • Inspection:
     • Initial Inspection: Before first use.
     • Frequent Inspection: Visual inspections are conducted by a designated person before each shift or use.
     • Periodic Inspection: More thorough inspections conducted at regular intervals (e.g., monthly, annually) by a qualified person, with records maintained.
     • Removal Criteria: Specific conditions that warrant removing a sling from service (e.g., broken wires, excessive wear, heat damage, chemical damage, illegible tags).
   • Operating Practices: Guidelines for safe sling use, including proper hitch selection, protecting slings from damage, avoiding shock loading, and ensuring load balance.
   • Repair and Alterations: Conditions under which slings can (or cannot) be repaired and by whom.
   • Proof Testing: Requirements for proof testing of certain sling types (e.g., new, repaired, or altered alloy steel chain slings).

Why is ASME B30.9 Important?

• Safety: It provides a standardized approach to sling safety, aiming to prevent accidents, injuries, and property damage.
• Industry Best Practice: It’s widely recognized and adopted as a benchmark for best practices in the lifting and rigging industry.
• Regulatory Compliance: Although ASME standards are voluntary unless adopted by a regulatory body, organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) in the U.S. often refer to or incorporate aspects of ASME standards into their regulations (e.g., OSHA 29 CFR 1910.184, which largely aligns with B30.9 for slings). Compliance with B30.9 can help meet regulatory obligations.
• Liability: Adhering to these standards can help mitigate liability in the event of an incident.

Other Related ASME B30 Standards:

While B30.9 is specific to slings, other standards in the B30 series might be relevant to the overall lifting operation:

• ASME B30.10 – Hooks: Covers the hooks that slings are often attached to.
• ASME B30.20 – Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices: Covers other devices used between the crane hook and the load, which can include custom lifting beams or spreader bars used in conjunction with slings.
• ASME B30.26 – Rigging Hardware: Covers shackles, turnbuckles, eyebolts, etc., which are often used with slings.

In summary, ASME B30.9 is the core ASME standard for slings, providing comprehensive guidance on their safe design, construction, inspection, use, and maintenance. It’s essential for anyone involved in lifting operations to be familiar with its requirements.