Section 296-24-29427. Metal mesh slings.

(1) Sling marking. You must ensure that each metal mesh has permanently affixed to it a durable marking that states the rated capacity for vertical basket hitch and choker hitch loadings.

(2) Handles. You must ensure that handles have a rated capacity at least equal to the metal fabric and exhibit no deformation after proof testing.

(3) Attachments of handles to fabric. You must ensure that the fabric and handles are joined so that:

(a) The rated capacity of the sling is not reduced.

(b) The load is evenly distributed across the width of the fabric.

(c) Sharp edges will not damage the fabric.

(4) Sling coatings. You must not apply coatings which diminish the rated capacity of a sling.

(5) Sling testing. You must not use any new or repaired metal mesh slings, including handles, unless proof tested by the manufacturer or equivalent entity at a minimum of 1-1/2 times their rated capacity. You must proof test elastomer impregnated slings before coating.

(6) Safe operating temperatures. You may use mesh slings which are not impregnated with elastomers in a temperature range from minus 20°F to plus 550°F without decreasing the working load limit. You may use metal mesh slings impregnated with polyvinyl chloride or neoprene only in a temperature range from zero degrees to plus 200°F. For operations outside these temperature ranges or for metal mesh slings impregnated with other materials, you must follow the sling manufacturer's recommendations.

(7) Repairs.

(a) You must not use metal mesh slings which are repaired unless repaired by a metal mesh sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity.

(b) Once repaired, you must permanently mark or tag each sling, or a written record maintained, to indicate the date and nature of the repairs and the person or organization that performed the repairs. You must make records of repairs available for examination.

(8) Removal from service. You must immediately remove metal mesh slings from service if any of the following conditions are present:

(a) A broken weld or broken brazed joint along the sling edge.

(b) Reduction in wire diameter of 25% due to abrasion or 15% due to corrosion.

(c) Lack of flexibility due to distortion of the fabric.

(d) Distortion of the female handle so that the depth of the slot is increased more than 10%.

(e) Distortion of either handle so that the width of the eye is decreased more than 10%.

(f) A 15% reduction of the original cross sectional area of metal at any point around the handle eye.

(g) Distortion of either handle out of its plane.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 15-24-100, § 296-24-29427, filed 12/1/15, effective 1/5/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 12-24-071, § 296-24-29427, filed 12/4/12, effective 1/4/13; Order 76-6, § 296-24-29427, filed 3/1/76.]

RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 15-24-100, § 296-24-29427, filed 12/1/15, effective 1/5/16. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060 and chapter 49.17 RCW. WSR 12-24-071, § 296-24-29427, filed 12/4/12, effective 1/4/13; Order 76-6, § 296-24-29427, filed 3/1/76.