General / Miscellaneous Questions
Q: Will Lift-All® proof-test my slings on site, as part of my annual sling inspection?
A: Lift-All equipment used to proof-test slings is not portable. Any slings that need to be proof-tested must be done at one of our five factory locations: Landisville, PA, Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas or Atlanta.
Q: Are safety latches required on all of my sling hooks?
A: Latches are not required in the U.S. However, if they are present, they must be in operating condition. Regulations vary by province in Canada.
Q: If a hook has a hole in it for a latch, is it required to have one?
A: No. Sling hooks are not required to have latches. However, hooks on other lifting devices such as hoists and cranes are required to have latches if their hook has a hole for a latch.
Q: Will Lift-All test and certify homemade lifting devices?
A: Lift-All can pull test your device and provide a certificate showing what we did, but certification for the device must come from the manufacturer of that device.
Q: What are the best methods and tools to use in lifting my steel coils from a horizontal to a vertical position and then moving them?
A: In most cases, a Dixon Coil Hook with Pivoting Wedge provides the safest, easiest and fastest method for lifting coils weighing up to 3 ½ tons. Click here for more information: Coil Lifters
Q: Are all slings proof tested? Will a certificate be provided?
A: Each Lift-All chain sling and wire mesh sling is individually proof tested and comes standard with a Certificate of Proof Test. All other slings can be proof tested and certified upon request for a fee.
Q: What is the difference between a certificate of conformance and a proof test certificate?
A: Lift-All actually has two levels of certification for all other slings. A Certificate of Conformance is offered at no charge and lists the serial numbers of the slings being shipped. It also certifies that these slings have been manufactured in accordance with all applicable OSHA standards. The listed slings are not proof tested. A Certificate of Proof Test is issued, for a fee, when the customer needs to have their slings proof tested and certified.
Q: Does Lift-All Company sell direct?
A: No. Lift-All sells through a network of industrial and construction distributors. Most of them stock our products and chances are, there’s one near you.
Q: Where can I find a Lift-All distributor?
A: If your distributor doesn’t carry Lift-All products, please contact our Customer Service department for assistance in finding one that does: customerservice@lift-all.com or 800-909-1964
Q: What is the least expensive sling I can use?
A: That depends on your situation. You need to know what you’re lifting, how you’re lifting it, how often you are going to use the sling and your lifting environment. Our Customer Service department can help you choose the best option for your application.
Q: What specifications or standards do you comply with?
A: Lift-All slings and tie downs comply with all applicable U.S. government and standards organizations, including OSHA, ASME (ANSI), NACM, USDOT, FMCSA and WSTDA.
Q: What is the difference between OSHA and ANSI?
A: OSHA is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. Its mission is to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths by issuing and enforcing rules (called standards) for workplace safety and health. ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is a private, non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems and personnel in the United States.
Q: Are your slings CE certified?
A: Our Steelflex Round slings are CE certified. We have not applied for CE certification on any of our other products.
Q: Is Lift-All ISO certified?
A: No, but we do have a thorough quality program. For further information, please click here: Lift-All Quality Program
Q: How do I figure out the length needed for a bridle sling?
A: Our calculator can help you determine leg length, and even some slings that will do the job. Just click on the following link: Sling Calculator
Q: How do I get individual serial numbers on my slings, and why do some of my slings have the same serial numbers?
A: Lift-All serializes slings to enable us to trace each slings materials, as well as date and location of manufacture. Upon request, we can place requested serial numbers or sequential serial numbers on individual slings.
Q: How do I calculate the D/d ratio?
A: D/d is typically used in reference to wire rope, and divides the rope diameter into the diameter around which the rope will be bent. Standard wire rope sling ratings are based on a minimum D/d of 25. For more information, click on the following: D/d Information
Q: What is the shortest I can get this sling?
A: Minimum lengths shown throughout the Lift-All charts are based on standard capacities and constructions. Shorter lengths can often be achieved by altering the standard construction and/or reducing the capacity ratings. Contact our Customer Service Department to discuss your needs for a shorter sling: customerservice@lift-all.com or 800-909-1964.
Q: Can you make TowAlls with hooks on them?
A: We will not attach hardware to our TowAll tow straps. Should hardware break or disengage from its point of attachment while under tension, it can become a deadly projectile.
Q: How does angle of lift affect the lifting capacity of my slings?
A: The effect of lifting at an angle is one of the most important rigging concepts. For a detailed explanation on this topic, please click on the following: Effect of Angle
Q: What are the OSHA requirements for tagging?
A:
- Alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and reach.
- Metal mesh slings shall have permanently affixed durable marking stating rated capacity for vertical basket and choker hitches.
- Synthetic web slings shall be marked or coded to show the rated capacities for each type of hitch and type of synthetic web material.
- Neither wire rope slings nor round slings are required to be tagged by OSHA, however, Lift-All tags both with all pertinent information on our Tuff-Tag brand tags, per ASME standards. Lift-All recommends that all slings have identification tags.
Q: Why can’t I use a good sling if it doesn’t have a tag?
A: Absence of a tag makes it difficult to know the rated capacity of a sling and, therefore, difficult to properly rig a lift. It is an OHSA requirement for chain, mesh and web slings to be tagged.
Q: You warn about chemicals in your slings causing cancer. What is that all about?
A: California Proposition 65 requires the warning on products that contain any of the chemicals on their extensive list of known cancer causing chemicals. Since we cannot guarantee that there will be no trace amounts of one or more of the listed chemicals in our products, we publish their required warning.
Q: Can ratchets be used for lifting?
A: Ratchets are not designed for that purpose and generally should not be used for lifting. However, ratchets incorporated as part of a lifting system designed by a reputable sling manufacturer for a specific lifting situation may be allowed.
Q: How can you tell if a sling has been sheared, or overloaded?
A: Synthetic slings that have been cut or sheared will exhibit a straight line of broken fibers in a portion of, or completely across, the area of the break. An overloaded sling will not. OSHA does require that “Slings shall be padded or protected from the sharp edges of their loads.”
Q: What is a Design Factor? What is it for lifting? For towing or tie downs?
A: Design Factor is the ratio between the minimum Break Strength of the assembly when new and the Rated Capacities or Working Load Limits. In the U.S. and Canada, the industry standard design factor for web slings, round slings, wire rope and wire mesh slings is 5:1. For chain slings, it is 4:1. Tow straps and tie downs have a 3:1 design factor. Never use slings or tie downs in excess of their rated capacities/working load limits.
Q: What is the longest sling you can make?
A: Our Tuflex and KeyFlex round slings can be made up to 80 ft. in length. For other types of slings, please contact our Customer Service Department: customerservice@lift-all.com or 800-909-1964.
Q: Are your slings made in America?
A: Lift-All slings are manufactured in the U.S.A from domestic and/or imported materials.
Q: What slings can be repaired?
A: Chain and mesh slings can be repaired. Outer cover damage on Tuflex and KeyFlex round slings can be repaired. Web slings and wire rope slings cannot be repaired. However, their undamaged hardware can be reused.
Q: Can you attach my hardware to your slings?
A: If your hardware is undamaged and made from a reputable source, it can be reused. Homemade hardware cannot be used.
Q: Is it OK to connect slings together without hardware?
A: No. This would severely reduce the strength of the slings
Q: How many tie downs do I need?
A: The process to determine this is explained in the following link: CC-07 Cargo Standards r1 06
Q: Why do slings need to be inspected?
A: Aside from being required by OSHA, damaged slings are dangerous to both people and property.
