What Is ASME B30.9 Standard?
The ASME B30.9 standard is part of the ASME B30 series, which covers safety standards for cranes, hoists, lifting equipment, and related rigging hardware. Specifically, ASME B30.9-2021 is titled "Slings" and provides guidelines for the design, manufacture, inspection, testing, maintenance, and safe use of slings used in material handling and lifting applications. It covers slings fabricated from:
- Alloy steel chain
- Wire rope
- Metal mesh
- Synthetic fiber rope
- Synthetic webbing
- Polyester fiber yarns in a protective cover(s)
Safety Requirements
Design & Construction: Specifies materials, working load limits (WLL), and sling configurations.
Inspection & Removal Criteria: Defines when a sling must be taken out of service (e.g., excessive wear, deformation, broken wires, chemical damage).
Proper Use & Handling: Guidelines for safe rigging practices, angles, and environmental considerations.
Testing & Proof Loading: Requirements for new and repaired slings.
Maintenance & Record-Keeping: Recommends periodic inspections and documentation. Requires sling identification (e.g., rated load tags).
Like all other ASME standards, B30.9 is designed for manufacturers, owners, employers, users, and those concerned with sling specification, purchasing, and maintenance. You can also refer to these standards if you are involved in training and the safe use of slings and hooks with B30 equipment.