The Round Sling Certification and Inspection Guide outlines how often round slings must be inspected, depending on their usage.

• Normal Service – annually
• Severe Service – monthly to quarterly
• Special Service – as recommended by a qualified person

To maintain compliance with Round Sling Certification standards, inspections must occur at intervals not exceeding one year. While written records are not required for frequent inspections, they are recommended. Formal Round Sling Certifications must meet documentation standards set by ASME B30.9, WSTDA, and RS-1, including the most recent inspection date and sling identification.

Round Sling Certifications require careful evaluation of synthetic round slings to ensure safety in lifting operations. These inspections must detect early signs of wear and damage that could compromise lifting performance.

Signs of damage that may disqualify a sling from certification include:

• Damaged cover or exposed core yarn
• Broken or worn seams
• Flaking or softened areas from chemical exposure
• Glazed or melted surfaces due to heat or friction
• Bent, cracked, or otherwise deformed fittings

Initial Inspection Before First Use:
To qualify for Round Sling Certification, a new sling must be checked to ensure its Working Load Limit (WLL) and specifications match the lifting task. A manufacturer’s certificate must be present and traceable to the sling, including batch and material numbers.

Inspection Before Each Use:
Operators should examine slings for visible damage and confirm all labels and markings are legible. If there are any uncertainties, the sling should be removed from service and assessed by a qualified professional before proceeding with Round Sling Certification.

Periodic inspections must be performed by a competent person at least once per year—or more frequently depending on environmental and usage conditions. For proper Round Sling Certification, a full examination is conducted and documented, including the sling’s unique ID. If the sling shows any defects, it must be removed from service and either discarded or reviewed by a qualified technician.

No. Round Sling Certifications cannot be maintained if repairs are attempted by unqualified personnel. Only certified sling specialists should handle repairs. Never attempt to fix a damaged sling yourself—contact the experts at Hercules SLR to ensure your equipment remains compliant and certified.

Once a sling passes Round Sling Certification, it must be properly stored to retain its integrity. After use, inspect slings again. Damaged slings must be repaired or replaced, while undamaged ones should be stored in a dry, clean location, away from chemicals or UV exposure. Wet slings must be thoroughly dried before storage to preserve material quality and maintain certification status.