All lifting equipment will have a working load limit, lifting sling working load limits are no exception. It is a simple, easy-to-read figure that will clearly define what the highest weight of a load is that your lifting sling can safely handle. This is a figure that has been decided after rigorous testing, and is in place to protect you, your equipment and the load that you are working with. We’ve detailed more on this below.
What are lifting sling working load limits?
You’ll likely see various abbreviations, phrases and terms being used in the lifting gear industry, and we understand that this can get a little confusing sometimes! However, the working load limit is one of the most important, and it’s crucial that you take note of how this applies to your own operation.
The lifting sling
working load limits (WLL) refer to the absolute maximum that your lifting sling can lift, before results become unpredictable. This will be a figure that is set well below the minimum breaking load (MBL), but is done so that the service life of your lifting sling will be prolonged.
It’s important that you always know the weight of your loads
Please note that you may also see the WLL being referred to as the safe working load (SWL) or normal working load (NWL).
How does this apply to my lifting sling?
The first thing to be aware of is the fact that there are
many types of lifting slings, and within each category, there will be a further variety of products. Each lifting sling working load limits will be based on a number of factors. Such as the material that it is constructed from.
For some, this limit will be easily recognisable.
Web slings and
round slings, for example, will be coloured depending on the amount that they can lift. This is as follows:
One tonne = Purple Two tonnes = Green Three tonnes = Yellow Four tonnes = Grey
Five tonnes = Red Six tonnes = Brown Eight tonnes = Blue Ten tonnes = Orange.
Other slings don’t have this colour coding system, and so the WLL may change from piece to piece. In this case, you will be provided with guidelines by the manufacturer as to the lifting capabilities of your sling. It is imperative that you stick to these at all times.
It is also important to note that lifting slings can be used in various ways to lift loads. For example, they can be used in a straight lift, a choke lift, or a basket hitch. This is because their lightweight and flexible nature allows them to be arranged easier.
Depending on what type of setup you use, the WLL will change. We recommend that you refer to your manufacturer’s advice and guidelines to see how this applies to your specific lifting sling.
Are you looking for more information?
If you would like more information about lifting slings and their lifting capacities, then we would be more than happy to assist you. Please get in contact with us
here.
