Inspection Frequency
Three important factors need to be reviewed to determine your sling inspection frequency:

• Sling Usage: The more frequency a sling is used, the more often it requires inspection.
• Use Environment: The harsher the working environment the sling is used in, the more often it requires inspection.
• Sling Service Life: Base your conclusions on your previous experience in using slings.

The individual handling your slings should visually inspect all slings before each lift. Additional inspections should be made at least once a year by a qualified individual and permanent records should be kept. OSHA mandates that "Each day before being used, the sling and all fastenings and attachments shall be inspected for damage or defects by a competent person designated by the employer. Additional inspections shall be performed during sling use, where service conditions warrant."

Replacement Guidelines
If you see damage such as the following listed below, remove slings (including round slings) immediately from service. Return them to service only when approved by a qualified individual. Following are the removal criteria established by ANSI B30.9:
 1. Acid or caustic burns.
 2. Melting or charring of any part of the sling
 3. Holes, tears, cuts or snags
 4. Broken or worn stitching in load-bearing splices.
 5. Excessive abrasive wear.
 6. Knots in any part of the sling.
 7. Excessive pitting or corrosion, or cracked, distorted or broken fittings.
 8. Other visible damage that causes doubt as to the strength of the sling.

In addition, Safeway Sling USA recommends four other important reasons to remove slings from service:
 1. If you see our Red Core warning yarns.
 2. Distortion of the sling.
 3. The sling has an identification tag that is in any way unreadable.
 4. Anytime a sling is loaded beyond its rated capacity, for any reason.

While these standards are quite specific regarding reasons for removal, others require your good judgement and common sense. Critical areas to watch are wear to the body of the sling, the selvage edge of the webbing, and the condition of the eyes.

Samples of Hitches