If written records for individual slings are to be maintained, the documentation should be initiated at this level of inspection. Without printed product specifications this comparison cannot be accomplished. The products must also be verified to be correct, as ordered and they comply with the manufacturerвЂ™s specifications. The initial level of inspection is done upon receipt to ensure that no damage has occurred during transit. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers also states in the initial inspection that, вЂњprior to use, all new, altered, modified or repaired slings shall be inspected by a designated person to verify compliance to all applicable standardsвЂќ. The Web Sling and Tie Down Association defines the initial level of inspection as, вЂњBefore any new or repaired sling is placed in service, it shall be inspected by a qualified person to ensure that the correct sling is being used, as well as to determine that the sling meets the applicable requirementsвЂќ. SLING INSPECTION SYSTEMS INITIAL INSPECTION If you are not sure whether or not a sling is damaged, DO NOT USE IT. It is very important that slings are regularly and properly inspected. Never ignore sling damage or attempt to perform temporary field repairs of damaged slings, (i.e., tie knots in the sling, etc.). Slings that are removed from service must be destroyed and rendered completely unusable unless they can be repaired and proof tested by the manufacturer.

If you identify ANY of these types of damage in a sling, remove it from service immediately, even if the damage you see or feel is not as extensive as shown under ' Warning Info'. ' Warning Info' depicts examples of some of the types of damage, but note that they are relatively extreme examples provided for illustration purposes only. You should look and feel for any of the types of conditions listed in the Removal from Service Criteria, see ' Removal from Service'. To detect possible damage, you should perform a visual inspection of the entire sling and also feel along its entire length, as some damage may be felt more than seen.

It is also important that all inspections must be done by trained and qualified personnel. It is important that you employ a three stage, level of inspection to ensure that slings are inspected with the appropriate frequency. A specific procedure for sling inspection is the best safeguard against injury, death and property damage.

Hoyer lift sling