TRANSPORT and logistics insurer TT Club, in collaboration with the International Cargo Handling & Co-ordination Association (ICHCA), has issued new guidelines on the safe slinging of cargo on and off vessels, in the form of two handy pocket-cards.

While the use of slings for loading and unloading goods is becoming increasingly rare, many items still require them.

The use of slings is "often ignored from the safety point of view," TT Club risk management director Peregrine Storrs-Fox said. "Yet there are some simple guidelines that can ensure safe cargo handling using slings."

The new pocket-cards were derived from a briefing pamphlet on safe slinging published by the ICHCA's safety panel as part of its development of a comprehensive cargo handling safety library.

Among other things, remind users that all slings, whether made from wire rope, chain, fibre rope and man-made fibres, or webbing, are marked with a safe working load.

The guidelines also set out various other principles relating to sling handling, such as ensuring that the sling does not damage the load, nor the load damage the sling, and also includes a section on how to select the correct type of sling. Indications on defects to be looked for in a sling have also been incorporated.

"We hope that these pocket-cards will provide a quick and easy reference for all operators using slings," Mr Storrs-Fox said.

Source: shipping online