(1) Sling use. You must use only wire rope slings that have permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer, and that indicate the recommended safe working load for the type(s) of hitch(es) used, the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one.

(2) Minimum sling lengths.

(a) You must ensure that cable laid and 6x19 and 6x37 slings have a minimum clear length of wire rope 10 times the component rope diameter between splices, sleeves or end fittings.

(b) You must ensure that braided slings have a minimum clear length of wire rope 40 times the component rope diameter between the loops or end fittings.

(c) Cable laid grommets, strand laid grommets and endless slings must have a minimum circumferential length of 96 times their body diameter.

(3) Safe operating temperatures. You must permanently remove fiber core wire rope slings of all grades from service if they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 200°F. When nonfiber core wire rope slings of any grade are used at temperatures above 400°F or below minus 60°F, recommendations of the sling manufacturer regarding use at that temperature must be followed.

(4) End attachments.

(a) You must perform welding of end attachments, except covers to thimbles, prior to the assembly of the sling.

(b) You must not use all welded end attachments unless proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at twice their rated capacity prior to initial use. You must retain a certificate of the proof test, and make it available for examination.

(5) Removal from service. You must immediately remove wire rope slings from service if any of the following conditions are present:

(a) Ten randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or five broken wires in one strand in one rope lay.

(b) Wear or scraping of one-third the original diameter of outside individual wires.

(d) Evidence of heat damage.

(e) End attachments that are cracked, deformed or worn.

(f) Hooks that have been opened more than 15% of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest point or twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.

(g) Corrosion of the rope or end attachments.

PDFWAC 296-24-29425

Wire rope slings.