Features Lifting Equipment
Keeping your slings in place

Shifting rigging and sliding slings can spell disaster without proper protection

Everyone acknowledges that your equipment has to be in the best shape possible and used in the proper manner – and that is especially true with slings and rigging.

“It is critical that all rigging gear, including slings, is inspected before each lift,” says Kris Koberg, CEO of DICA. “If sling protectors move during a lift, the operation has to be stopped so that the sling protector can be reset.”

Beyond having the equipment inspected and approved when it comes to slings and sling protectors – a lot depends on all of the rigging gear being used properly and safely. And magnetic sling protectors are a good way to do that, says Koberg.

Kris Koberg

“Using magnetic sling protectors keeps the sling protection device in place, improving operational efficiency,” he says. “In addition, if the sling protector moves, it may no longer be protecting the sling. If the protector slips and the sling comes in direct contact with the load it can result in a dangerous situation. Using a magnetic sling protector improves safety and efficiency.”

The right sling protector should provide cut protection from damage caused by contact with edges, corners, protrusions and abrasive surfaces, and come with OSHA and ASME compliance for edge and corner protection.

DICA’s LiftGuard Magnetic Sling Protectors have been used in thousands of lifting applications around the world, says Koberg, and they have been used to protect synthetic slings, wire rope slings, chain slings and wire mesh slings.

He adds that the proof is in the pudding, as LiftGuard “has been used to lift bridges, ships, ship components, other cranes, and more basic items such as steel beams and girders, steel plates, and coils of steel.”