Initial inspection shall be made prior to placing assembly into service. The assemblies shall be inspected to ensure that the assembly meets the requirement. Inspection shall be made by a qualified person each and every time the assembly is used.

Additional information and safe operating practices are outlined in current OSHA and ANSI/ASME B30.9 regulations as applicable, pertaining to lifting assemblies. Operating practices are outlined in current Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) guidelines for Federal, State, Provincial practices pertaining to tiedown assemblies.

WARNING
INSPECTION, CARE & USE OF SYNTHETIC WEB PRODUCTS

Remove synthetic web sling or tie down assembly from service when the following is visible.
- Melting or charring of any part of assembly.
- If rated capacity tag is missing on sling assembly or not legible.
- Holes, snags, punctures, tears, cuts or embedded particles in webbing.
- Broken or worn stitches in load bearing stitch patterns.
- Knots in any part of the webbing.
- When red guard warning yarns are visible in sling assembly.
- Any conditions which cause doubt as to the strength of the assembly.
- Distortion, excessive pitting, corrosion or damage of fitting or component.

RECOMMENDED OPERATING PRACTICES

- Determine the weight of load or cargo to be secured. The weight of the load shall be within the rated Safe Working Load capacity. The assemblies shall not be loaded in excess of rated Safe Working Load capacity with regard to sling. Consideration shall be given to the assemblies' load angle which affects the rated capacity. (See catalog sling angle chart)

- Protect assemblies from being cut from sharp edges of load, protrusions or abrasive surfaces.

- Assemblies when used in a basket or tiedown, shall be attached to provide balance and to prevent slippage.

- The opening of fittings shall be the proper size and shape to insure that the fitting will seat properly in the hook or other attachments.

- Assemblies shall not be dragged on the floor, ground or other abrasive surface.

- Assemblies shall not be pulled from under loads if the load is resting on the assembly.

- Assemblies shall not be twisted or tied into knots or joined by knotting.

- Assemblies that appear to be damaged shall not be used unless inspected and accepted for use.

- Assemblies shall be hitched in a manner providing control of the load.

- Personnel shall stand clear of the suspended load.

- Personnel, including any portion of the human body, shall stay clear from the assembly and the load and from between the hoist of crane.

- During the lifting process caution must be given to possible snagging.

- Personnel shall not utilize the assembly as a means of transportation.

- Avoid shock loading.

- Hooks should be of proper size to insure that the fitting will seat properly in the base of the hook. Avoid point loading of the hook.

- Do not use webbing at temperature above 194°F (90 degrees C).

- Store lifting assemblies in a cool, dry and dark place when not in use. Exposure to the sunlight or ultra violet light degrades the strength of slings.