What Is A Bridle Sling?

What is a bridle sling ?

About The Professional Guidelines for Usage, Storage, and Replacement  

Bridle slings (multi-leg slings) are fundamental rigging tools for safely lifting irregular, heavy, or unbalanced loads. Their multi-leg design distributes weight across multiple attachment points, enhancing stability and control. Proper handling, storage, and vigilant inspection are critical for safety and compliance with OSHA 1926.251 and ASME B30.9 standards.  Usually we have one leg bridle sling, two legs bridle slings, three legs bridle slings and four legs bridle slings. Also they have different type, such as wire rope slings, webbing/round slings, and chain slings. We can make any combination according to different usage environments. 

I. Professional Usage Protocols

1. Pre-Lift Planning & Inspection

  ●Load Analysis: Calculate exact weight, identify the center of gravity (CoG), and verify structural integrity of lift points. *Never exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL).  

  ●Sling Selection:Match sling type (chain sling, wire rope, synthetic webbing sling) to load characteristics and environment (e.g., chemicals, temperature).  

  ●Angle Management:

     - Leg angles drastically impact tension. Use the formula: **Leg Tension = (Load Weight / # of Legs) × Load Angle Factor.  

     - Critical Angles:  

        - 60° angle: 115% tension per leg  

        - 45° angle: 150% tension per leg  

        - ≤30° recommended for optimal safety.  

  ●Pre-Use Inspection: Check for cuts, kinks, corrosion, distorted hooks, or illegible WLL tags. *Reject damaged slings immediately.  

2. Rigging Execution

  ●Load Attachment: Secure legs to dedicated lift points using appropriate fittings (shackles, hooks). Avoid sharp edges; use wear pads.  

  ●Load Balancing: Adjust leg lengths to position the master link directly above the CoG, ensuring vertical lift.  

  ●Lifting Dynamics:  

     - Lift slowly to stabilize the load.  

     - No sudden movements or shock loading.  

     - Maintain clear communication via hand signals/radios.  

     - Keep personnel clear of the swing radius.  

II. Storage & Handling Best Practices  

1. Storage Environment  

  ●Dry & Ventilated: Store in a climate-controlled area (humidity <60%) to prevent corrosion (metal) or mildew (synthetic).  

  ●UV Protection:Shield synthetic slings from sunlight; UV degradation weakens fibers.  

  ●Contamination Prevention: Isolate slings from acids, solvents, and welding sparks.  

2. Organization & Handling

  ●Coiling Method:

    - Wire Rope/Chain: Hang vertically or coil in >8" diameter loops.  

    - Synthetic Slings: Fold flat; avoid tight knots.  

  ●Avoid Ground Contact: Use racks, bins, or wall hooks. Never drag slings.  

  ●Documentation: Track sling IDs, inspections, and retirement dates in a log.  

III. Replacement Criteria: When to Retire a Bridle Sling 

Immediate discard is mandatory if any of these defects are found:  

Sling Type	Rejection Criteria
Wire Rope	• 10+ broken wires in one rope lay • 3+ broken wires in one strand • Kinking, crushing, or heat discoloration • Diameter reduction >5%
Synthetic (Web/Round)	• Cuts, tears, or melted fibers • Acid/alkali burns • Fading or brittle texture (UV damage) • Worn stitching or exposed load-bearing yarns
Alloy Chain	• Stretched links >15% elongation • Cracks, nicks, or gouges • Twisted or deformed links • Wear >10% of link diameter

**Additional Triggers for Replacement:

   - Shock Loading: Discard slings subjected to uncontrolled impact.  

   - Heat Exposure: Temperatures >200°F (93°C) for synthetics; >1000°F (538°C) for alloy chain.  

   - Chemical Contact: Immediate retirement after exposure to corrosive substances.  

   - End Fittings: Replace if hooks, eyes, or master links show cracks, deformation, or thread damage.  

IV. Inspection Regimen

  ●Frequent Inspection: Before each use (visual check for obvious damage).  

  ●Periodic Inspection: Quarterly/by a Competent Person per ASME B30.9. Includes:  

    - Measuring wear points.  

    - Checking deformation with gauges.  

    - Reviewing service history.  

  ●Documentation: Maintain records of inspections, repairs, and retirement dates.  

Conclusion

Bridle slings are engineered for safety—not convenience. Adherence to precise usage angles, disciplined storage, and uncompromising replacement criteria prevents catastrophic failures. Invest in rigger training, enforce documented inspections, and prioritize proactive retirement of suspect slings. In lifting operations, there is no substitute for vigilance.

Final Reminder:

"A sling’s Working Load Limit is its maximum capacity—not a target. When in doubt, retire it out."