BRITISH STANDARD BS 6166-3:

1988

Lifting slings —
Part 3: Guide to selection and safe use of
lifting slings for multi-purposes

UDC 621.86.065
BS 6166-3:1988

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Mechanical

Handling Standards Committee (MHE/-) to Technical Committee MHE/11,
upon which the following bodies were represented:

British Ports Association and National Association of Port Employers

Chain Testers’ Association of Great Britain
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association
Health and Safety Executive
Ministry of Defence

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

British Chain Manufacturers’ Association

National Coal Board

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Mechanical
Handling Standards Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Board of BSI
and comes into effect on Amendments issued since publication
31 March 1988

© BSI 06-1999 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference MHE/11
Draft for comment 84/78984 DC

ISBN 0 580 16306 7

 BS 6166-3:1988

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Principles to be observed in the selection of slings 1
3.1 General 1
3.2 Sling materials and types 1
3.3 Sling configurations 2
3.4 Sling terminal fittings 3
3.5 Factors influencing selection of sling 3
4 Use of slings 10
4.1 Objective and basic principles 10
4.2 Rating of slings and deviations from assumed conditions 10
4.3 Methods of slinging 13
4.4 Essential precautions 20
4.5 Control of lifting equipment, storage, handling and inspection 21
Figure 1 — Single-leg slings 4
Figure 2 — Two single-legged slings 5
Figure 3 — Hook loadings 6
Figure 4 — Two-legged slings 7
Figure 5 — Three-legged slings 8
Figure 6 — Four-legged slings 9
Figure 7 — Endless sling in choke hitch 10
Figure 8 — Variation of loading of multi-legged slings with leg angle
for a given load, P 12
Figure 9 — Hooked back idle legs 13
Figure 10 — Choke hitch 15
Figure 11 — Double-wrap choke hitch 16
Figure 12 — Basket hitch 17
Figure 13 — Two slings in basket hitch 18
Figure 14 — Double-wrap basket hitch 19
Figure 15 — Doubled and choke hitched 20
Figure 16 — Tag line control 22
Figure 17 — Misuse of slings 23
Figure 18 — Stowage of slings on the hook 24
Table 1 — Summary of slinging factors for different methods of use 14
Publications referred to 26

© BSI 06-1999 i
BS 6166-3:1988

Foreword

This Part of BS 6166 has been prepared under the direction of the Mechanical
Handling Standards Committee.
The revision of BS 6166:1981 is published in the following three Parts.
— Part 1: Methods of rating1);
— Part 2: Specification for marking1);
— Part 3: Guide to selection and safe use of lifting slings for multi-purposes.
BS 6166-3 is based to a great extent on appendix 1.6 of the Code of practice for
safe use of lifting equipment, published by the Chain Testers’ Association of
Great Britain to whom acknowledgement is made. Users wishing to obtain more
detailed information are recommended to refer to the code2).
Attention is also drawn to a publication entitled: Recommendations for safe
slinging3).
Although there is a considerable variety in the type, characteristics and
performance of the wide range of slings at present available, e.g. chain, wire rope,
webbing, fibre rope both natural and man-made, etc., there are certain principles
in the selection and use which are common to all types. This Part of BS 6166
identifies these principles and makes general recommendations, but for specific
details reference is necessary to the relevant British Standards and the
manufacturer’s published literature.
This Part of BS 6166 is concerned first with the selection of suitable
multi-purpose slings for a lifting application and, secondly, with the safe use of
those slings. Only matters common to all constructions of sling are dealt with in
this standard.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 26, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

1)
Superseded BS 6166:1981.
2)
Available from the Chain Testers’ Association of Great Britain, 21-23 Woodgrange Road,
Forest Gate, London E7 8BA.
3) Available
from the National Association of Port Employers, Commonwealth House, 1-19 New
Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DZ, or the General Council of British Shipping, 30-32 St Mary
Axe, London EC3.

ii © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

1 Scope 3.2 Sling materials and types

This Part of BS 6166 gives basic principles and 3.2.1 Chain. Chain and chain slings are available in
provides guidance on the selection and safe use of a number of grades and these are detailed in the
lifting slings for multi-purposes which have been following British Standards. Grades 40, M(4) and
rated in accordance with section 2 of T(8) are in most common use: grades 40 and M(4)
BS 6166-1:1986, and marked as specified in are normally assembled into slings by welding
BS 6166-2. complying with BS 6304, whereas grade T(8) is
NOTE 1 The guidance in this Part of BS 6166 may also be
usually mechanically assembled in accordance with
applicable to other slings and items of lifting equipment. ISO 75934).
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this BS 1663 Specification for higher tensile
standard are listed on the inside back cover.
steel chain grade 40 (short link
2 Definitions and pitched or calibrated) for
lifting purposes
For the purposes of this Part of BS 6166 the BS 2902 Specification for higher tensile
following definitions apply. steel chain slings and rings, links
2.1 alternative to rings, egg links and
lifting slings for multi-purposes intermediate links
a sling that is intended for a variety of lifting BS 3458 Specification for alloy steel chain
operations and not designed for one specific lifting slings
application BS 4942 Short link chain for lifting
2.2 purposes
safe working load (SWL) Part 1 Specification for general
the maximum mass [as certified by a competent conditions of acceptance
person (see 2.3)] that a lifting sling may raise, lower Part 2 Specification for grade M(4)
or suspend under particular service conditions non-calibrated chain
2.3 Part 4 Specification for grade S(6)
competent person non-calibrated chain
the person concerned with the testing, examination Part 5 Specification for grade T(8)
and certification of a lifting sling, who has the non-calibrated chain
requisite knowledge and experience to certify with BS 6304 Specification for chain slings of
confidence whether it is free from patent defect welded construction: grades M(4),
S(6) and T(8)
3 Principles to be observed in the
Grade T(8) has, size for size, a breaking load twice
selection of slings that of grade M(4) or grade 40 and is therefore
3.1 General lighter for the same strength. In any grade T
There are numerous factors to be considered in the system, there is usually a wide range of specially
selection of a sling for a particular task or range of designed sling components available from suppliers,
tasks. These will include sling type, i.e. material; e.g. shackles, hooks and shortening clutches.
configuration, e.g. number of legs; terminal fittings, 3.2.2 Wire ropes and slings. Wire rope slings are
e.g. hooks; type and size of load and environmental generally available and should comply with
conditions. BS 1290, using ropes complying with BS 302-1 and
BS 302-2 for general purposes, and BS 302-1 and
BS 302-3 for galvanized constructions. Details of the
various constructions of wire rope slings are given in
BS 1290.
Further information on the use of wire rope slings is
given in BS 6210.
3.2.3 Other wire slings. Slings are also available
made from wire coil in the form of a belt and from
plaited small diameter wire rope.

4)
British Standard in preparation.

© BSI 06-1999 1
BS 6166-3:1988

3.2.4 Textile slings For certain types of load such as wooden cases,
3.2.4.1 Fibre ropes. Fibre rope slings are generally drums, long pipes and logs, purpose designed slings
available and should comply with BS 6668-1. are available and recommended. Users should seek
Natural fibre ropes made from manila and sisal are the advice of their supplier if in doubt.
covered in BS 2052 while man-made fibre ropes, 3.3.2 Single-leg sling. A single-leg sling may be used
e.g. polypropylene, polyamide (nylon), polyester are to connect a lifting appliance to a load with a single
dealt with in BS 4928. lifting point such as the eyebolt on an electric motor
The order of increasing strength, size for size, is as [see Figure 1(a)] (see note 1). Additionally a
follows: single-leg sling may be selected for use in choke
hitch either by back hooking [see Figure 1(b)] or
sisal; reeving one end of the sling through the other.
manila; NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the subject of “Lifting points”
polypropylene; which is covered in the Engineering Equipment and Materials
Users’ Association (EEMUA) Publication No. 101, 19847).
polyester; NOTE 2 Two single-leg slings used as a two-legged sling are
polyamide (nylon). subject to the requirements of the Construction (Lifting
Operations) Regulation 37(2) (a), which requires the upper end of
Nylon is approximately two and a half times as the sling legs to be connected by a shackle, ring or link.
strong as manila grade 1 of the same diameter. (See Figure 3(a).)

3.2.4.2 Webbing. Webbing slings are generally Two single-leg slings may be used in combination to
available and should comply with BS 3481-2 or form, in effect a two-legged sling [see Figure 2(a)
BS 3481-35). They are manufactured in a variety of and Figure 2(b)]. Where this is done the included
man-made fibre materials similar to fibre ropes angle between the sling legs should not exceed 90°
(see 3.2.4.1). and care is necessary to ensure that the hook is not
“overcrowded” [see Figure 3(b)]. The method of
3.2.4.3 Roundslings. Although not strictly a
attaching the slings to the crane hook should ensure
different material, the construction of roundslings is
that the sling’s eyes, links or rings are not damaged.
so different as to merit a separate classification. Two single-leg slings used as a two-legged sling are
These slings are endless man-made fibre slings to be treated as a two-legged sling for rating
formed by winding one or more yarns round a
purposes and the combined SWL when used at 90°
former to produce a hank of many turns with the
is 1.4 times the SWL of the single leg.
ends of the hank joined together. The hank is placed
inside a protective tubular sheath. BS 6668-26) 3.3.3 Two-legged slings. A two-legged sling
covers this type of sling, and there are well comprises two legs connected at their upper ends by
established manufacturing standards in common a suitable ring or link and marked as an assembly.
use. Two-legged slings may be used to handle a wide
range of loads [see Figure 4(a) and Figure 4(b)].
3.3 Sling configurations
3.3.4 Three-legged slings. A three-legged sling
3.3.1 General. Each of the four different types of comprises three legs connected at their upper ends
sling described in 3.2 may be encountered in any by a suitable ring or link assembly and marked as
one of the five different basic configurations for an assembly. Three-legged slings are commonly
general purpose slings, i.e. single leg, two-legged, used to handle circular or irregularly shaped loads
three-legged, four-legged and endless slings. where the legs can be equally spaced
However, roundslings are usually manufactured in [see Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b)].
the endless configuration. Webbing and fibre rope 3.3.5 Four-legged slings. A four-legged sling
slings are not common in the three-legged and comprises four legs connected at their upper ends by
four-legged configurations. a suitable ring or link assembly and marked as an
Selection of a suitable sling configuration depends assembly. Four-legged slings are mainly used to
predominantly on the type of load and examples of handle square or rectangular (four-cornered) loads
the use of the different types are detailed in 3.3.2 (see Figure 6).
to 3.3.6. 3.3.6 Endless slings. An endless sling is usually
used in choke hitch (see Figure 7).

5)
Under revision as BS 6668-3.
6)
In preparation.
7)
Available from EEMUA, 14 Belgrave Square, London SW1 × 8PS.

2 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

3.4 Sling terminal fittings If outdoor use is involved then natural fibre ropes
Slings may be terminated in a variety of ways. A may be liable to rotting and mildew attack and wire
single-legged sling in its basic form may have soft ropes to corrosion. Marine conditions, atmospheric
eyes at each end, this being particularly likely in the pollution, construction sites involving rock, mud,
case of rope or webbing. More elaborately it may etc. will aggravate outdoor environmental
have a ring or link at the upper end and either a problems.
hook, ring, link or possibly a shackle as the lower Natural fibre ropes are not recommended for use in
termination. Multi-legged slings may be similarly chemical environments. Man-made fibre ropes have
equipped. If users are unsure of the most suitable varying resistance to chemicals, e.g. acids, alkalis
terminal for their particular application they should and solvents; for information on this and other
consult a competent person (see 2.3). usage aspects reference should be made to the
Cordage Manufacturers’ Institute booklets Lifting
3.5 Factors influencing selection of sling
tackle8) and Recommendations for rope safety8) or
3.5.1 General. Anyone faced with lifting for advice should be sought from a rope sling
example, a grand piano, will select a different type manufacturer/supplier.
of sling (probably of man-made fibre webbing) from
It should be noted that polypropylene ropes will
that chosen for lifting hot metal ingots (probably a
float.
chain sling).
Textile slings are prone to deterioration at high
The factors detailed in 3.5.2 to 3.5.6 are not
temperatures. Man-made fibres rarely show a sharp
necessarily in order of importance, nor do they
melting point: they will either soften over a range of
represent an exhaustive list, but are some of the
temperatures or they will char or decompose before
considerations which may be appropriate in
melting. Textile lifting slings should never be stored
selecting a sling. Users are advised to consult a
where they may be exposed to radiated heat. If the
supplier if in any doubt as to the suitability of a sling
slings have become wet, they should never be placed
for any lifting purpose, environment, etc. In making
before a fire or near steam pipes to dry. Overheating
a selection, a balance will be struck between
or embrittlement may occur.
various, sometimes conflicting, considerations and
the final decision may be one of several compromise 3.5.4 Handling of the sling. Weight flexibility, hand
solutions. contact and length adjustment are some of the
factors likely to be important when handling the
3.5.2 The nature of the load. With regard to the
sling. Fibre slings are lightest for a given lifting
nature of the load, the aspects to be considered
capacity and may be most suitable where frequent
include the temperature of the load, the presence of
lifting and carrying of the sling is necessary. It
sharp corners and polished surfaces. Textile slings
should be remembered that chain and roundslings
are unlikely to be suitable for a hot load. If the load
flex easily but cannot readily be pushed through a
has sharp corners, a chain might be more durable,
narrow gap, whereas wire ropes may. The effect of
but even so, edge protection will be necessary. If the
hand contact may be a consideration. If so, wire rope
load is polished or delicate in some other way then
or chain is hard and cold to the touch, whereas fibre
man-made fibre webbing, a roundsling or fibre rope
is relatively larger in diameter (useful if pulling is
is likely to be best (see note 1 to 3.3.2).
involved) and warmer to handle. Wire rope is prone
Attention is drawn to BS 2770 which specifies the to broken wires.
pictorial marking of goods in transit, and in
Chain slings may be provided with shortening
particular handling instructions for non-dangerous
clutches which facilitate length adjustment.
goods.
3.5.5 Durability. Abrasion, storage, etc. will all
3.5.3 The environment in which the sling operates.
influence durability. If abrasion is likely then chain
Hot, corrosive and outdoor environments might be
is most durable and fibre slings are most susceptible
encountered. If the atmosphere is hot, e.g. near a
to abrasion damage. If storage for long periods
furnace, a chain sling is likely to be most suitable.
between use is contemplated, a chain sling might be
If a corrosive environment is involved, e.g. use in a most suitable as other types are prone to various
plating shop, then this is a complex problem and forms of deterioration unless stored under ideal
specialist advice should always be sought. It should conditions.
also be remembered that laundries, swimming
3.5.6 Extension (stretch). Man-made fibre ropes may
baths, pumping stations, sewage works, etc. can
be less suitable if stretch is likely to be a problem,
also give rise to corrosive conditions.
e.g. for precise positioning.

8)
Available from the Cordage Manufacturers’ Institute, Anchor and Hope Lane, Charlton, London SE7 7SB.

© BSI 06-1999 3
BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 1 — Single-leg slings

4 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 2 — Two single-legged slings

© BSI 06-1999 5
BS 6166-3:1988

NOTE To attach two or more slings to the hook use a shackle. NOTE Overcrowding the hook is dangerous.
Figure 3 — Hook loadings

6 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 4 — Two-legged slings

© BSI 06-1999 7
BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 5 — Three-legged slings

8 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 6 — Four-legged slings

© BSI 06-1999 9
BS 6166-3:1988

e) The load should be balanced and stable and

should not violently change its attitude when
lifted.
f) The load is not to be damaged by, or cause
damage to, the sling.
4.2 Rating of slings and deviations from
assumed conditions
4.2.1 Rating. The methods of rating slings and the
assumptions on which they are rated are given
in 1.4 of BS 6166-1:1986. It is important to
understand that if the assumed conditions are not
complied with one part of the sling may be
overloaded even though the load to be lifted is
within the maximum lifting capacity of the sling.
There are two recognized methods of rating: the
uniform load method, which is for multi-purpose
slings, and the trigonometrical method which is
reserved for single purpose slings where the
designer wishes to take best advantage of the
capacity of the sling for a particular application.
Although deviations from the assumed conditions
have the same effect whichever method of rating is
used, it varies in degree and it is with the
multi-purpose slings where the designer has least
information about possible applications and where
the onus to make allowance for the actual method of
slinging employed therefore falls on the user.
4.2.2 Assumptions
4.2.2.1 General. The assumptions for rating fall into
two main groups:
a) those dealing with the way the sling is
attached to the load;
Figure 7 — Endless sling in choke hitch b) those dealing with the geometry of the sling,
i.e. the angles between the various legs (parts) of
4 Use of slings the sling and also between the legs (parts) and
4.1 Objective and basic principles the vertical.
The basic objective of good slinging practice is to There is also a further assumption particularly
ensure that the load is safe and, when slung, is as applicable to multi-legged slings but also applicable
secure in the air as it was on the ground. to single leg and endless slings where more than one
are used, that all legs are of identical materials,
The basic principles are as follows. meaning that they have the same load bearing
a) The sling and its method of use should be capacity.
suitable for the load. 4.2.2.2 Methods of attachment. With regard
b) The method of attachment of the sling to the to 4.2.2.1 a), single and multi-legged slings are
load and the sling to the lifting appliance should rated for use with the leg or legs in a “straight pull”,
be secure. i.e. the legs are not bent around the load, choked,
c) No part of the sling should be overloaded either back hooked or otherwise prevented from taking up
by the mass of the load or by the method of a straight line under load.
slinging. There may be some variation from these
d) The slinging method should ensure that the assumptions, and this may in fact be desirable
load is secure and the load will not fall from the offering a more secure way of attaching to certain
sling. loads. The options together with the appropriate
changes to the slinging factors to be applied to the
standard ratings are given in Table 1.

10 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Endless slings have fewer variations of use but it 4.2.2.3.3 Two legged slings. For a two-legged sling,
should be remembered that the slinging factor for if each leg subtends the same angle to the vertical,
endless chain and wire rope slings assumes choke then the load will be shared equally between them.
hitch whereas the standard rating for textile slings If however one leg subtends a smaller angle to the
assumes an in-line mode of use, i.e. “straight pull”. vertical than the other, that leg will have a larger
In all cases it is also assumed that at the points of share of the load imposed upon it. The situation is
attachment to both the lifting appliance and the sometimes referred to as a “tilt condition” as it
load, the radii around which the sling passes are occurs if the load, having been slung with the sling
large enough to avoid damage to the sling. In the legs symmetrically disposed, tilts on being lifted due
case of chain and wire rope endless slings, the rating to the position of the centre of gravity being
takes account of the chain or wire rope being bent misjudged. Unequal angles to the vertical may also
around itself on the bight. occur because of the position of attachment points
on the load, particularly with an irregularly shaped
The variations on the assumptions together with
load.
the slinging factors are given in 4.3.
The effect of unequal angles increases as the
4.2.2.3 Sling geometry
difference between the angles increases.
4.2.2.3.1 General. With regard to 4.2.2.1 b), if the Additionally the effect is more significant as the
geometry of the sling does not comply with the angle between the legs decreases although with a
assumptions given in 1.4.3 of BS 6166-1:1986 then uniform load rated sling this is offset to a certain
the load will not usually be evenly distributed extent because at such an angle there is a degree of
amongst the legs. reserve strength available. This reserve strength is
The amount of load that will be imposed on an however insufficient to fully counter the effect.
individual leg depends upon the following: As a guide, at an included angle of 30° a difference
a) the angle between each of the legs and the of angles to the vertical of 12°, i.e. equal to 6° of tilt,
vertical; will load the downhill leg, i.e. the leg with the
b) the number of legs in the sling, or in use; smaller angle to the vertical, to its maximum rating
if the sling is lifting to its maximum rated capacity.
c) the distribution of the legs in plan view;
This effect becomes even more significant for three
d) the total load being lifted.
and four-legged slings.
The relationship between these factors is a complex 4.2.2.3.4 Three and four-legged slings. For three and
one especially for three and four-legged slings. What four-legged slings a difference between the angle
happens as these factors vary can be identified in
each leg subtends to the vertical has a similar effect
general terms although to quantify the effect
to a different degree, but in addition the problem
requires complex calculation.
becomes three dimensional in that the distribution
4.2.2.3.2 Multi-legged slings. When a multi-legged of the legs, when viewed in plan, also affects the
sling is used with the sling legs at an angle, the load share of the load imposed on each leg. The sling
in the legs increases as the angle between the legs geometry of three and four-legged slings is as
increases. This is shown for a two-legged sling follows.
in Figure 8. The trigonometrical method of rating
a) Three-legged slings. With a three-legged sling
changes the rating according to the angle, whereas
it is assumed that viewed in plan, the legs are
the uniform load method gives a rating which is
at 120° to each other. If two of the legs are closer
suitable for a range of angles, i.e. 0° to 90° or 90°
than that, the third leg will receive a greater
to 120°. Thus for the multi-purpose slings rated by share of the load. Ultimately if two of the legs are
the uniform load method the slinger needs only side by side, i.e. at zero angle to each other then
decide if the angle is within the range or ranges
they will receive only half the load between them
marked upon the sling.
leaving the third leg to take the other half on its
own and thus be overloaded.

© BSI 06-1999 11
BS 6166-3:1988

NOTE The hatched area indicates included angles between branches of greater than 120° (60° to the vertical) at which angles’
slings should not be used.
Figure 8 — Variation of loading of multi-legged slings with leg angle for a given load, P
b) Four-legged slings. With a four-legged sling it The four-legged sling is also affected by the
is assumed that viewed in plan, the legs are rigidity of the load. Even if all the legs have the
symmetrically disposed, the lower attachment same angle to the vertical and are symmetrically
points making the corners of a rectangle. Ideally disposed in plan, small differences in the leg
the nearer the rectangle is to a square the better, lengths due to manufacturing tolerances or the
but this is by no means essential. However as for positions of the attachment points may prevent
the two-legged slings, the smaller the included the load being equally distributed. The uniform
angle between the legs the greater the effect of load method of rating takes some account of this
unequal angles. On a four-legged sling the by assuming that only three of the legs are
unequal effect can occur across either or both of bearing the load. However in extreme cases the
the horizontal axes, i.e. along the length of the load may be carried on only two diagonally
rectangle and/or across the width of the opposite legs with the other two providing
rectangle. balance only. In such cases the sling should be
derated to two-thirds of its standard rating.

12 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

NOTE Although outside the scope of this Part of BS 6166, the This inevitably means that in some cases the sling
following should be noted for multi-leg slings rated by the will be under utilized. If maximum utilization is
trigonometrical method in accordance with section 3 of
BS 6166-1:1986. A two or three-legged sling rated by the required reference should be made to a competent
trigonometrical method, used at an angle less than 90°, or a person who understands the factors involved and
four-legged sling rated by the trigonometrical method used at any can therefore perform the necessary calculations.
angle has less reserve strength to accommodate the effects of tilt
than an otherwise identical sling used at the same angle, but In this case the idle leg(s) should be hooked back
rated by the uniform load method. (see Figure 9). If such use is frequent then a sling
Slings rated by the trigonometrical method should not therefore with a suitable number of legs should be
be used under tilt conditions without considering derating, substituted.
taking into account the specific application.
4.2.2.4 Multi-legged slings with less than the full 4.3 Methods of slinging
number of legs in use. If a multi-legged sling is used 4.3.1 General. Slings can be used in a variety of
with less than its actual number of legs attached to ways according to the requirements of the job. These
the load then the SWL of the sling is to be reduced. ways are closely dependent on the six basic
The amount by which it should be reduced can be principles in 4.1. Slinging factors are summarized
calculated exactly, but it is rather complex as a in Table 1.
number of factors need to be taken into account NOTE These slinging factors are for use by the slinger and
including the method of rating. An easy way of should not be confused with mode factor as defined in 1.2.7 of
ensuring that the sling is never overloaded is to BS 6166-1:1986.
reduce the SWL from that marked on the sling 4.3.2 Straight-legged slings. A single or
according to the number of legs in use: multi-legged sling may be used with the legs
a) e.g. a four-legged sling with only two legs in straight if, for example, the legs are terminated in a
use: hook(s) that can be attached directly to a suitable
lifting point on the load as shown in Figure 1(a),
reduced SWL = 2/4, i.e. ½ × SWL marked; or Figure 2(a), Figure 4(a), Figure 5(a) and Figure 6.
b) e.g. a three-legged sling with only two legs in There is no particular problem in this method of use
use: provided of course, that normal precautions are
reduced SWL = 2/3 × SWL marked. observed and the angle factor, in the case of
multi-legged slings, is considered.

Figure 9 — Hooked back idle legs

© BSI 06-1999 13
BS 6166-3:1988

Table 1 — Summary of slinging factorsa for different methods of use

Maximum load to be lifted = slinging factor × SWL marked on the sling
Key: NP = Non-preferred, NA = Non-applicable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Material Single leg Single leg Single leg Single leg Single leg Endless Endless Endless
in-line, i.e. choked basket 0° back halshed in-line, i.e. choked basket 0°
straight to 90° hooked straight to 90°
pull pull

Chain 1 0.8 1.4 1 1.5 NP 1 NP

(BS 6304)
(ISO 7593b)
Wire rope 1 1 1.4 1 2 1 1 1.4
(BS 1290)
(BS 6210)
Webbing 1 0.8 1.4 NA NP 1 0.8 1.4
(BS 3481-2)
Fibre rope 1 0.8 1.4 1 NP 1 0.8 1.4
(BS 6668-1)
Roundsling NA NA NA NA NA 1 0.8 1.4
(BS 6668-2)
a
These slinging factors should not be confused with the mode factors as defined in 1.2.7 of BS 6166-1:1986.
b
British Standard in preparation.

4.3.3 Choke hitch. Single-leg or multi-legged slings In forming a choke hitch the sling is bent round a
may both be used in choke hitch which is illustrated small diameter which may be the eye of the sling
in Figure 1(b), Figure 2(b), Figure 4(b) and itself or the saddle of a hook, link or other fitting. In
Figure 5(b). The basic advantages of a choke hitch these circumstances, the load in the sling will be
are first that a sling may be attached to a load that increased at the point of choke and for this reason
has no suitable lug, eyebolt, etc. and secondly that some derating may be necessary in order to prevent
the sling tends to bind the load together. Choke the sling being locally overloaded. Any derating
hitch using a hook is sometimes known as required for slings used in choke hitch depends on
“snickling”. the materials of the sling and is normally specified
in the relevant British Standard. For instance, for
chain slings, fibre rope slings and webbing the SWL
is reduced to 0.8 of the SWL of the straight leg. No
derating is considered necessary for wire rope slings
used in choke hitch. Care should be taken when
applying choke hitch to select a sling of sufficient
length to ensure that the angle at the choke does not
exceed 120° (see Figure 10) and that the sling
positions itself naturally. Slings should never be
forced down to achieve an angle greater than 120°.
Care should be taken that any force applied will not
damage the sling.
NOTE Frictional heat will be generated particularly for textile
slings by the sling running over itself, e.g. when lifting a
compressible load such as a sack of beans in choke hitch. Damage
may be minimized by limiting such movement as far as possible,
avoiding snatch loading or using reeving thimbles in the eyes.

14 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Endless slings are generally used in choke hitch and 4.3.4 Double-wrap choke hitch. Double-wrap choke
may need derating as recommended by relevant hitch is a variation on choke hitch where the sling is
standards or the manufacturer or supplier. For passed one complete turn around the load before
instance, fibre slings should be derated to 0.8 × SWL being choked (see Figure 11). This increases the
for in-line mode, i.e. straight pull. Endless chain binding effect and should be used on loose loads
and webbing slings require no derating when used such as bundles of tubes. The sling should be
in choke hitch as the sling is designed for this derated by the same amount as for ordinary choke
method of use. It is assumed that at the points of hitch (see 4.3.3).
adjustment to both the lifting appliance and the
load, the radii around which the sling passes are
large enough to avoid damaging the sling.

Figure 10 — Choke hitch

© BSI 06-1999 15
BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 11 — Double-wrap choke hitch

4.3.5 Basket hitch. The basket hitch is normally If a sling is used with both legs parallel, i.e. with an
used with slings in pairs for handling loads such as included angle of 0° between the legs of the basket,
a large roller but it is not suitable for cradling loose then twice the safe working load may be lifted. With
bundles. If only one sling is used this should be the terminations of both ends of the sling on the
passed through the load at a point above the centre hook (see Figure 12) the load lifted may be increased
of gravity to ensure it is safely secured to not more than 1.4 × SWL provided the included
(see Figure 12). angle does not exceed 90°. If two slings are used in
basket hitch in the same manner (see Figure 13) the
load lifted may be increased to 2.1 × SWL again
provided that no included angle between adjacent or
diagonally opposite legs exceeds 90°. The factors for
basket hitch already detailed assume that all sharp
edges are adequately packed.

16 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 12 — Basket hitch

© BSI 06-1999 17
BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 13 — Two slings in basket hitch

4.3.6 Double-wrap basket hitch. A double-wrap 4.3.7 Doubled and choke hitch. Doubled and choke
basket hitch is when the sling is passed completely hitch is a variation of choke where the load is
around the load as shown in Figure 14. This will carried on two parts and for this reason the SWL in
help to ensure the security of loose bundles. Factors choke hitch may be varied in accordance with the
are the same as for basket hitch. If security of the manufacturer’s or supplier’s advice. Where this is
load is the prime consideration then double-wrap not available the single choke hitch rating should be
choke hitch is recommended. used (see Figure 15). This is sometimes known as
“halshing”.

18 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 14 — Double-wrap basket hitch

© BSI 06-1999 19
BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 15 — Doubled and choke hitched

4.4 Essential precautions The load should be secure, stable and balanced
4.4.1 Before lifting the load. The mass of the load when lifted so an assessment of the position of its
should be determined before lifting. The lifting centre of gravity will be necessary to ensure that the
method selected should be suitable for the load. The lifting point is approximately over it. Failure to do
sling should be strong enough for the load, both in this is likely to cause the load to swing wildly on
terms of its SWL and its actual condition. The sling being lifted, or even to fall out of the sling.
should be carefully inspected for obvious defects Any loose parts of the load should be adequately
before use. secured either by the lifting method or by other
means.

20 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

4.4.2 When attaching the sling to the load. The sling A suitable setting-down area should be selected
is to be firmly secured to the load, e.g. by means of before lifting. When lowering, be sure that the load
hooks on to purpose-designed lifting points or is placed on battens, etc. so that the slings can be
eyebolts, or by a suitable method of slinging. The readily withdrawn. Trapped slings should never be
sling is not to be twisted, knotted or kinked in any dragged out from under a load nor should slings be
way nor should the lifting points be overloaded by used to drag a load (see Figure 17).
the slinging method. The rated included The slinger should always be careful not to set the
angle (90° or 120°) is not to be exceeded; the angle at load down on his own or anyone else’s toes, another
any choke is not to exceed 120°; and the angle at any common accident. Having set the load down
basket is not to exceed 90°. correctly the empty sling legs should be manually
When using three or four-legged slings with withdrawn by the slinger and hooked back onto the
out-of-balance loads or with unequally spaced legs, crane hook or upper terminal fitting to prevent the
two legs may support the majority of the mass while slinging leg(s) inadvertently becoming hooked onto
the other leg or legs merely act as a balancer. If the surrounding objects or striking an individual
lifting points on the load are not in the same (see Figure 18).
horizontal plane, the load, if it is flexible enough, 4.5 Control of lifting equipment, storage,
will distort to accommodate the equal leg length of handling and inspection
the sling. Alternatively, if the load is rigid, two legs
will be likely to support the majority of the mass and For information on the control of lifting equipment,
may be overloaded while the remainder provide the storage, handling and inspection refer to British
balancing load. It is essential that any sharp corners Standard and manufacturer’s literature; statutory
on the load are adequately packed by dunnage etc., requirements may also be applicable.
to prevent damage to the sling.
A tag line or lines may be necessary to help control
bulky or lengthy loads (see Figure 16). The slinger
should always ensure that everyone, including
himself, is clear before giving the signal to lift.
Trapped fingers are a common injury.
4.4.3 On raising or lowering the load. Before
commencing a lift, a recognized code of signals
should be used between the slinger and the crane
driver see CP 30109) and BS 57449). Ensure that the
load is free to be lifted, e.g. all holding-down bolts
have been released. Check for overhead obstacles
such as power lines and pipework. Unless
unavoidable, no one should be allowed under a
suspended load and, as far as possible, all people
should be kept clear of the area of operations. A trial
lift should be made. People should not ride on loads
except in very exceptional circumstances and only
when authorized by a responsible person.

9)
Under revision.

© BSI 06-1999 21
BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 16 — Tag line control

22 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 17 — Misuse of slings

© BSI 06-1999 23
BS 6166-3:1988

Figure 18 — Stowage of slings on the hook

24 © BSI 06-1999
blank 25
BS 6166-3:1988

Publications referred to

BS 302, Stranded steel wire ropes.

BS 302-2, Specification for ropes for general purpose.
BS 302-3, Specification for zinc coated ropes for ships.
BS 1290, Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs for general lifting purposes.
BS 1663, Specification for higher tensile steel chain grade 40 (short link and pitched or calibrated) for lifting
purposes.
BS 2052, Specification for ropes made from manila, sisal, hemp, cotton and coir.
BS 2770, Specification for pictorial marking of handling instructions for goods in transit.
BS 2902, Specification for higher tensile steel chain slings and rings, links alternative to rings, egg links
and intermediate links.
BS 3458, Specification for alloy steel chain slings.
BS 3481, Flat lifting slings.
BS 3481-2, Specification for flat woven webbing slings made of man-made fibre for general service.
BS 3481-3, Disposable flat lifting slings.
BS 4928, Specification for man-made fibre ropes.
BS 4942, Short link chain for lifting purposes.
BS 4942-1, Specification for general conditions of acceptance.
BS 4942-2, Specification for grade M(4) non-calibrated chain.
BS 4942-4, Specification for grade S(6) non-calibrated chain.
BS 4942-5, Specification for grade T(8) non-calibrated chain.
BS 5744, Code of practice for safe use of cranes (overhead/underhung travelling and goliath cranes, high
pedestal and portal jib dockside cranes, manually-operated and light cranes, container handling cranes and
rail mounted low carriage cranes)10).
BS 6166, Lifting slings.
BS 6166-1, Methods of rating.
BS 6166-2, Specification for marking.
BS 6210, Code of practice for the safe use of wire rope slings for general lifting purposes.
BS 6304, Specification for chain slings of welded construction: grades M(4), S(6) and T(8).
BS 6668, Textile lifting sling.
BS 6668-1, Specification for lifting slings for general service made from certain natural and man-made fibre
ropes.
BS 6668-211).
BS 6668-311).
CP 3010, Code of practice for safe use of cranes (mobile cranes, tower cranes and derrick cranes)11).
ISO 7593, Chain slings assembled by methods other than welding — Grade T(8).
Chain Testers’ Association of Great Britain. Code of practice for safe use of lifting equipment12).

10)
Under revision.
11)
In preparation.
12)
Available from the Chain Testers’ Association of Great Britain, 21-23 Woodgrange Road, London E7 8BA. (Referred to in the
foreword only.)

26 © BSI 06-1999
 BS 6166-3:1988

Cordage Manufacturers’ Institute. Lifting tackle13).

Cordage Manufacturers’ Institute. Recommendations for rope safety13).
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association. Publication No. 101, 198414).
National Association of Port Employers. Recommendations for safe slinging15).

13)
Available from the Cordage Manufacturers’ Institute, Anchor & Hope Lane, Charlton, London SE7 7SB.
14)
Available from EEMUA, 14 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PS.
15)
Available from the National Association of Port Employers, Commonwealth House, 1-19 New Oxford Street,
London WC1 A 1DZ, or the General Council of British Shipping, 30-32 St Mary Axe, London EC3. (Referred to in the foreword
only.)

© BSI 06-1999
BS 6166-3:
1988
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