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  • When to Replace Lifting Slings: A Guide to Safe and Effective Usage
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When to Replace Lifting Slings: A Guide to Safe and Effective Usage

When to Replace Lifting Slings: A Guide to Safe and Effective Usage

Lifting slings are essential tools for many industries providing a reliable and efficient way to handle heavy loads. However, like all construction equipment, they have a finite lifespan and can pose significant risks if not replaced when necessary. This guide will help you understand when to replace lifting slings to maintain safety and effectiveness in your operations.


1. Inspect Regularly to Identify Signs of Wear and Tear

Regular inspections are critical for ensuring the safety of lifting slings. Look for these common signs that your sling may need replacement:

  • Fraying or Cuts: Visible damage to the material, such as frayed edges or cuts, can compromise the sling’s integrity.
  • Abrasion: Areas with excessive wear, thinning, or surface roughness indicate degradation.
  • Discolouration: Fading or discolouration may suggest exposure to harmful chemicals or UV damage, which weakens the sling over time.
  • Broken or Damaged Fittings: Inspect hooks, rings, and other attachments for cracks, deformation, or corrosion.

2. Know the Limits: Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Every lifting sling comes with a manufacturer-specified working load limit (WLL). Overloading or improper usage can significantly reduce the sling’s lifespan. If you notice any signs of overstretching or deformation on your sling, it’s time for it to be replaced. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for usage, storage, and maintenance.

3. Replace After Specific Events

Some situations will demand immediate replacement, even if the sling looks fine at first glance:

  • Load Drops or Failures: If a sling has been involved in a load drop or failure, it should be replaced, even if damage isn’t immediately visible.
  • Chemical Exposure: Contact with corrosive substances, such as acids or alkalis, can weaken the fibres and fittings and render the sling unsafe.
  • Extreme Heat Exposure: High temperatures can damage synthetic materials, reducing their strength and reliability.

4. Lifespan Considerations for Different Sling Types

Different types of slings have varying lifespans depending on the material used:

  • Synthetic Slings: These are prone to wear from UV exposure, chemicals, and abrasion. Replace them as soon as visible damage appears or if they’ve been in service for several years.
  • Wire Rope Slings: Watch for broken wires, corrosion, or kinking. These issues indicate a replacement is required.
  • Chain Slings: Replace these if you see cracks, bent links, or any signs or metal fatigue.

5. Implement a Proactive Replacement Schedule

Waiting for visible damage isn’t always the best approach. Implementing a proactive replacement schedule based on the frequency of use, load weights, and operating conditions can help prevent accidents.

  • Conduct regular maintenance and inspections
  • Train all employees to recognise early signs or wear
  • Keep detailed records of each sling’s usage and condition

6. Adhere to Safety Standards and Regulations

Compliance with safety standards and regulations is crucial for any workplace using lifting slings. In Australia, relevant standards such as AS1353 for flat synthetic webbing slings and AS1666 for wire rope slings provide detailed guidelines for inspections, usage, and replacement. Regularly review and adhere to these standards to ensure workplace safety.

Lifting slings are indispensable tools, but their reliability depends on proper care and timely replacement. Regular inspections, adherence to safety standards, and proactive maintenance can help you to avoid accidents, ensure compliance, and extend the lifespan of the sling.


If you’re looking for high-quality lifting slings or need advice on replacing your current equipment, contact Bunzl Safety and Lifting – your trusted partner in workplace safety and equipment.

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About Bunzl Safety and Lifting

Bunzl Safety and Lifting offers an integrated approach to the selection, supply, service, and replacement of safety products, resulting in our ability to manage the complete life cycle of your personal and workplace safety requirements. Bunzl Safety and Lifting is a leading manufacturer of safety products, we provide the very best in workwear, corporate wear, PPE, footwear, materials handling, load restraint, and recovery,height safety, and site safety. We are also a leading supplier of some of the best industrial safety brands on the market, including Mack, Ninja, Contego, Boomerang, Beaver, B-Safe, WS Workwear, Frontier, Black Rat, Robertsons, 3M, Honeywell, Ansell, Bolle Safety, DuPont, Donaghys, MSA, Moldex, Steel Blue, Oliver, uvex, Sqwincher, MaxiFlex, DNC Workwear, Mayo Hardware, Gunnebo Industries, Skylotech and Blundstone. We also offer a range of services including product specialisation and consolidation, custom embroidery and branding, lifting equipment and inspections, NATA Accredited testing and services, height safety installed systems and training, managed inventory, eCommerce and digital solutions, clothing fitouts and yearly uniform issues, ethical sourcing, Indigenous Engagement, and environmental responsibility. We have an Australia-wide network of branches that ensures fast shipping across the country.

Bunzl Brands & Operations Pty Ltd (BBO) located at 55 Sarah Andrews Close Erskine Park NSW 2579 quality scope covers: manufacturing, importing, wholesaling, repairing and testing of lifting, rigging equipment, winches, hoists and materials handling products. The manufacture of synthetic slings and webbing products including load restraint and height safety equipment. Manufacture, import, wholesale and distribution of PPE products, workwear and hand tools. Design and development of products and services and the provision of mechanical testing services.