Tips for using round slings: How to improve lifting safety and efficiency

In the construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries, round slings have become a key tool for ensuring safe and efficient lifting operations. As an industry leader, Force focuses on helping customers maximize the value of their round slings. Our round slings are not only lightweight and high-strength, but also highly adaptable, simplifying the lifting process and ensuring safety in every job. To help purchasing professionals and operators improve operational efficiency, we have invited Joe, Chief Rigging Engineer with over 10 years of experience, to share practical operating techniques, case studies, and technical insights. Force's round slings are certified by ISO 9001, CE, GS, and WSTDA, designed to provide a higher level of support for your lifting operations. Visit the Force website to learn more about our product solutions.

What are Round Slings?

Round slings are an innovative lifting device made of high-strength polyester fibers woven together and covered with a durable tubular sheath, making them lightweight yet robust. This design allows them to conform to the shape of the load, preventing damage to the object's surface, and is particularly suitable for lifting needs different from wire ropes or chains, which often result in scratches or dents. Force's round slings feature a color-coding system compliant with WSTDA and EN 1492-2 standards, allowing users to quickly identify the sling's load-bearing capacity by color. Force's round slings meet international standards such as ASME B30.9, CE, and GS, making them ideal for extreme environments such as construction sites, shipyards, and warehouses.

Case Study: In 2024, a renewable energy company in Shenzhen used Force's yellow-coded 3T round slings, which played a crucial role in lifting fragile solar panels. Thanks to the round slings' flexibility, the panels were not damaged, saving the client up to $12,000 in potential repair costs and effectively shortening the project schedule, reducing delays by 20%. Another success story comes from a Shanghai-based construction company that successfully hoisted precast concrete beams for a high-rise building using green-certified slings. The slings are easy to operate, increasing hoisting speed by 15% and significantly improving construction efficiency. For more success stories, please visit our case study page.

How do we test round slings?

We have complete confidence in the quality of our round slings thanks to the rigorous testing process at our ISO 9001 certified factory in Ningbo. Each sling undergoes a tensile strength test using a hydraulic press, applying loads up to 200% of its working load limit (WLL) to ensure it can withstand stresses under harsh conditions. In addition, we conduct abrasion tests, dragging the slings across rough surfaces to simulate harsh construction environments, and perform 1000 hours of UV exposure to verify their durability. All tests comply with EN 12195-2 standards. Each sling undergoes a verification load test at 7 times its working load limit. A team of experts led by Joe Zhang manually inspects the stitching and outer material of each sling to ensure compliance with ASME B30.9 and CE standards. This rigorous testing gives us confidence in every lifting operation, ensuring consistent safety and reliability of our products.

How to Choose the Right Round Sling?

1. Load Weight

When selecting a sling, the first consideration should be the weight of the load and the lifting connection method. Ensure that the sling's working load limit (WLL) is greater than the load weight. For example, for a 5,000-pound load using a basket lift, a sling with a rated load of 2,500 pounds (1.13 tons) is sufficient, as basket lifts have twice the load capacity of standard slings. Our round slings have a working load range from 1,000 pounds (0.45 tons) to 100,000 pounds (45 tons).

2. Sling Length and Environmental Adaptability

Force offers round slings ranging from 3 feet to 30 feet in length, providing the optimal choice for different working environments. Our slings are specially treated to withstand temperatures between -40°F and 194°F (-40°C to 90°C) and are resistant to weak acids or alkalis, meeting CE standards. For example, our slings are widely used in coastal shipyards, effectively resisting seawater corrosion.

3. Color Coding

Using WSTDA standard color coding helps quickly identify the sling's load capacity, allowing on-site operators to make quick and accurate judgments.

Guidelines for Safe and Efficient Use of Round Slings

1. Planning the Lift

Before starting the lift, first assess the weight, shape, and center of gravity of the load using scales or load files. Select the appropriate lifting method based on the load characteristics, such as vertical lifting, lock-lock lifting, or basket lifting, and check for any hazards on site (such as sharp edges or chemical spills).

2. Select and Confirm Slings

Ensure that the selected sling's Working Load Limit (WLL) is higher than the load weight, and consider the impact of the lifting method on the sling's load-bearing capacity (e.g., with lock-lock lifting, the WLL may drop to 80% of that with vertical lifting). The sling length should be appropriate to avoid overstretching, and ensure that color coding and labeling comply with ASME B30.9.

3. Inspect the Slings

Carefully inspect the condition of the slings before each use. Check for cuts, tears, abrasions, exposed fibers, or UV/chemical damage. Ensure that the label on the sling is clearly visible and indicates the Working Load Limit (WLL), length, and manufacturer information. If any damage is found, remove the sling immediately.

If the load surface is sharp or abrasive, it is recommended

4. Prepare the Load and Slings

 to use the protective sleeves provided by Force. Adjust the placement of the slings to ensure even load distribution and avoid twisting or knotting, which can reduce load-bearing capacity by up to 50%. For interlocking slings, ensure the interlocking angle does not exceed 120°.

Round slings are a highly advantageous lifting tool, particularly excelling in safety and efficiency. Their flexibility and robustness make them indispensable equipment in the construction, manufacturing, and logistics industries. By carefully selecting the appropriate slings and combining them with correct operating procedures, the efficiency and safety of lifting operations can be maximized. Force's round slings are rigorously tested and meet various international standards, helping customers improve their operational level and ensuring safer and more reliable lifting operations every time. If you are looking for reliable lifting solutions, please contact our team of experts for customized advice and support.