What Is a Belt Sling?
A belt sling is a belt device used when lifting loads with a crane or hoist.
The word “sling” means a lifting cable, and there are three main types of materials: wire rope, fiber belt, and chain. Among these, slings using fiber belts are collectively called belt slings.
Compared to chains and wire ropes, the belt sling is lightweight, and the fibers themselves are soft. As such, they are less likely to damage cargo.
They are also compact and easy to carry.
Uses of Belt Slings
The main use of belt slings is to wrap luggage while lifting and unloading.
The maximum weight of each type of belt sling is determined by the width and material of the belt.
Depending on the size of the load, several belt slings may be used to stabilize the load during lifting. However, in this case, it is an ironclad rule to use belts purchased at the same time from the same manufacturer. This is because there are significant differences in the strength of belt slings depending on the manufacturer and storage conditions.
Principle of Belt Slings
Belt slings used to be made of nylon, but nowadays polyester, which is superior to nylon in terms of hardness and low water absorption, is widely used.
Belt slings are classified according to standards, and different grades of belt slings have different maximum load capacities, even if the belt width is the same. For example, a first-grade belt with a belt width of 50mm and a second-grade belt with a belt width of 35mm are defined as having the same maximum working load of one ton.
Belt slings are not suitable for use in high-temperature environments, such as at plating sites or when handling chemicals. In such cases, a chain-type sling should be used.
In addition, the fibers of the belt wear out little by little with daily use, and at a certain point of wear, the belt is no longer strong enough to be used.
Some manufacturers have a red core thread called a limit line woven into the belt to make it easier to check wear visually. Belts with visible limit lines or belts that are so dirty that limit lines or belt damage are difficult to see are dangerous in terms of strength and should not be used.
Also, a license is required to perform slinging operations, and must be performed by a qualified person as stipulated by local safety laws.