Lifting sling vs round sling
Both lifting devices are typically made from polyester, but they are easy to distinguish visually. A lifting sling has reinforced eyes at both ends, while a round sling is a continuous loop. Polyester (PE) is used because it is strong, flexible and lightweight, and it does not shrink or deform under normal use.
Lifting slings and round slings with safety factor 7
All polyester lifting slings and round slings supplied by SKP come with a declaration of conformity in line with European legislation. They are also delivered with a commissioning report, allowing the end user to put them into service with confidence. Round stops and lifting slings intended for daily, repeated use must have a safety factor of 7.
There are also one-way slings with a safety factor of 5. As the name suggests, these are designed for single use only and should not be confused with synthetic slings intended for repeated use. This means one-way slings must be removed after use and never reused. To avoid any confusion, it is even recommended to destroy them after use.
Points of attention for round slings and lifting slings
As with any lifting job, a visual inspection of the equipment must always be carried out first. Slings or round slings showing cuts must not be used. Damage to the eyes of a sling is also a reason for rejection. Unfortunately, these synthetic slings are difficult or impossible to repair. Because of their relatively low cost, they are usually replaced rather than repaired once damaged. They can also be affected by acids or other chemicals, which often becomes visible as small holes in the material.
During lifting operations, it is important to check that the load has no sharp edges. Sharp edges can cause cutting damage. An edge is considered sharp when the radius is less than or equal to the thickness of the sling. If sharp edges cannot be avoided, edge protection or an additional protective sleeve should be used. Round slings can also be fitted with a double sleeve for extra protection. If this is still not sufficient, a TLX or Techlon sleeve can be used. This is a premium protective sleeve with a ribbed structure, offering high wear resistance and excellent abrasion resistance.