Section 296-155-55825. Synthetic roundslings.

(1) Identification. All synthetic roundslings must be marked with the following information:

(a) Name or trademark of the manufacturer;

(b) Manufacturer's code or stock number;

(c) Core material;

(d) Cover material if different from core material;

(e) Rated loads for the types of hitches used, and the angle that the load is based on;

(f) Number of legs, if more than one;

(g) Repairing agency, if the sling is ever repaired.

(2) Inspection.

(a) A qualified person must inspect synthetic roundslings before their initial use, according to Table 27, both:

(i) When the sling is new; and

(ii) Whenever a repair, alteration, or modification has been done.

(b) A qualified person must perform a visual inspection for damage, each day or shift the synthetic roundsling is used. Immediately remove from service any sling that is damaged beyond the criteria listed in Table 27.

(c) A qualified person must perform periodic inspections on synthetic roundslings, according to Table 27.

(i) Examine each sling and component individually, taking care to expose and examine all surfaces.

(ii) Remove slings from use if any of the conditions in Table 27 are found.

(iii) Keep a written record of the most recent periodic inspection available, including the condition of the sling.

Note:	An external code mark on the sling is an acceptable means of recording the inspection as long as the code can be traced back to a record.

Table 27

Synthetic Roundsling Inspection and Removal Criteria

(3) Repair, alterations, or modifications.

(a) Meet the following requirements when repairing synthetic roundslings:

(i) Only the manufacturer or a qualified person can repair slings;

(ii) Mark the sling to show the repairing agency;

(iii) Only use components that meet the requirements of this rule to repair slings;

(iv) Replace cracked, broken, or bent fittings other than hooks; do not repair them.

(b) Both of the following are prohibited:

(i) Temporary repairs of roundslings or fittings; and

(ii) The repair of load bearing yarns.

Proof load test repaired slings according to the requirements in subsection (4) of this section.

(4) Proof load tests. The sling manufacturer or a qualified person must proof load test repaired slings and slings that have been altered or modified before initial use, according to Table 28:

Table 28

Synthetic Roundslings Proof Test Requirements

(5) Rated loads.

Note:	Rated loads are based on the following factors:
	• Strength of the material.
	• Design factor.
	• Type of hitch.
	• Angle of loading. (See Figure 18, Angle of Loading.)
	• Diameter of curvature over which the sling is used.

(a) You must use synthetic roundslings within the rated loads shown in Table 25 in ASME B30.9-2010. For angles that are not shown in these tables, either use the rated load for the next lower angle or one calculated by a qualified person

(b) Rate slings with the load capacity of the lowest rated component of the sling. For example, if you use fittings that are rated lower than the sling material itself, identify the sling with the lower rated capacity.

(c) Prohibit the use of horizontal sling angles less than 30 degrees unless recommended by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person.

(d) Use Figure 18, Angle of Choke, the manufacturer, or a qualified person to determine the rated load if the angle of choke in a choker hitch is less than 120 degrees.

(e) Rated loads for slings used in a choker hitch must conform to the values shown in the above referenced Table 20 provided that the angle of choke is 120 degrees or greater. (See Figure 18.)

(6) Use of synthetic roundslings.

(a) Use methods approved by the manufacturer or qualified person to shorten or adjust slings. You must not shorten or lengthen slings by knotting or twisting.

(b) Hitch slings in a way that provides control of the load.

(c) Protect slings with material of sufficient strength, thickness, and construction to prevent damage from sharp edges, corners, protrusions, or abrasive surfaces. (See Figure 14.)

(d) Keep all parts of the human body from between the sling and the load, crane, or hoist hook.

(e) Intentional shock loading is prohibited.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 16-09-085, § 296-155-55825, filed 4/19/16, effective 5/20/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.440, 49.17.060, and 29 C.F.R. 1926, Subpart CC. WSR 12-01-086, § 296-155-55825, filed 12/20/11, effective 2/1/12.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 16-09-085, § 296-155-55825, filed 4/19/16, effective 5/20/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.440, 49.17.060, and 29 C.F.R. 1926, Subpart CC. WSR 12-01-086, § 296-155-55825, filed 12/20/11, effective 2/1/12.