BRITISH STANDARD BS 6210:1983

Code of practice for

The safe use of wire

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rope slings for general
lifting purposes

UDC 621.86.065.3:614.822

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 BS 6210:1983

Cooperating organizations

The Mechanical Engineering Standards Committee, under whose direction

this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives from the
following:

Associated Offices Technical Committee* Department of Transport

Association of Consulting Engineers Electricity Supply Industry in England and
Association of Hydraulic Equipment Wales*
Manufacturers Energy Industries Council
Association of Mining Electrical and Engineering Equipment Users’ Association*
Mechanical Engineers Federation of Manufacturers of
British Compressed Air Society Construction Equipment and Cranes*
British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Health and Safety Executive*
Association (BEAMA) Institution of Gas Engineers
British Gas Corporation Institution of Mechanical Engineers*
British Gear Manufacturers’ Association Institution of Plant Engineers*
British Internal Combustion Engine Institution of Production Engineers
Manufacturers’ Association Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
British Pump Manufacturers’ Association London Transport Executive*
British Steel Corporation Ministry of Defence*
Chartered Institution of Building Services National Coal Board*
Crown Agents For Oversea Governments Oil Companies Materials Association
and Administrations Process Plant Association
Department of Industry (Mechanical Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
Engineering) Limited
Department of Industry (National Telecommunication Engineering &
Engineering Laboratory) Manufacturing Association (TEMA)
Department of The Environment (PSA)* Water-tube Boilermakers’ Association
Department of Trade (Marine Division)

The organizations marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the
following, were directly represented on the Technical Committee entrusted
with the preparation of this British Standard:

Association of Supervisory and Executive Honourable Company of Master Mariners

Engineers Institution of Industrial Safety Officers
British Ports Association Institution of Mining and Metallurgy
British Steel Industry (Wire Section) Institution of Mining Engineers
Bureau Veritas National Association of Lift Makers
Chain Testers Association of Great Britain National Association of Port Employers
Federation of Wire Rope Manufacturers in
Great Britain

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Mechanical
Engineering Standards
Committee, was published
under the authority of the Amendments issued since publication
Board of BSI on
31 March 1983
Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
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The following BSI references

relate to the work on this standard
Committee reference MEE/18
Draft for comment 78/71881 DC

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 BS 6210:1983

Contents

Page
Cooperating organizations Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definition 1
3 Marking, control and issue of slings 1
4 Methods of slinging 1
5 Use of wire rope slings by persons responsible for lifting loads 2
6 Inspection, thorough examination and discard criteria 13
Appendix A Load stability 19
Figure 1 — Vertical or straight lift 2
Figure 2 — Basket hitch 3
Figure 3 — Simple choke hitch 4
Figure 4 — Doubled and choked 5
Figure 5 — Example of offsetting load to provide a tilt 6
Figure 6 — Choke hitch double wrapped 7
Figure 7 — Two single-leg slings used with direct attachment 8
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Figure 8 — Two single-leg slings used in choke hitch 9

Figure 9 — Two single-leg slings used in basket hitch 10
Figure 10 — Two single-leg slings used in double wrap
choke hitch 11
Figure 11 — Two single-leg slings used in double wrap
basket hitch 12
Figure 12 — Two-leg sling 15
Figure 13 — Three-leg sling 16
Figure 14 — Four-leg sling 17
Figure 15 — Examples of protective packing also showing
angle of choke 18
Figure 16 — Examples of rope distortion and damage 18
Figure 17 — Alignment of centre of gravity 19
Figure 18 — Example showing effect of centre of gravity
misalignment 20
Figure 19 — Example of stable load 20
Figure 20 — Example of high centre of gravity relative to
attachment points 20
Publications referred to Inside back cover

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 BS 6210:1983

Foreword

This code of practice, prepared under the direction of the Mechanical Engineering
Standards Committee, is intended to complement BS 1290.
Its aim is to prevent accidents due to the misuse of slings and bad slinging
techniques, by giving guidance on good practice and on the safe use of wire rope
slings. The code restricts itself to the use of slings for general lifting purposes as
covered by BS 1290. It is suggested however, that many other slinging operations,
not specifically covered here, can be resolved by reference to the general
principles applied in this code.
BS 6166 gives additional assistance on rating with respect to clause 4 of this code.
Throughout this code it has been assumed that essentially balanced loads are
being lifted and that the load in each leg of a multi-leg sling is broadly equal.
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 20, 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.
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1 Scope 4.2 Single-leg slings. Figure 1 to Figure 5 show

basic methods of using a single-leg sling.
This code of practice provides guidance on the safe
use of slings manufactured in accordance with In Figure 3 and Figure 4 a noose is formed in the
BS 1290. rope which tightens as the load is lifted. This does
not grip the load completely and should be used only
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover. when the load is easily stabilized or cannot slip out
of the sling. Stability can be improved by slinging
2 Definition from a position away from the point of balance
(see Figure 5).
For the purposes of this code the following definition
applies. The same general limitations apply to Figure 6 as to
the simple choke hitch shown in Figure 3, except
2.1 that with the double wrapped choke hitch the load is
safe working load (SWL) gripped more fully, and hence is secured more
the value marked on the sling in mass units. effectively.
BS 1290 explains the method by which the safe A choke hitch should not, however, be used for
working load is calculated handling composite loads such as loose bundles of
tubes or bars, unless the friction grip between the
3 Marking, control and issue of slings parts is sufficient to prevent them slipping from the
Facilities and procedures should be established to sling. In such circumstances, two single-leg slings,
ensure that the following is carried out. of the type shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11, should
be used.
a) Each sling, before being issued for use, is
marked in accordance with BS 1290. 4.3 Two single-leg slings used together2). Two
b) The statutory test certificate stating the SWL single-leg slings used at an angle (or a multi-leg
sling having two legs similarly used) provide a more
and the statutory record of thorough
stable lifting arrangement than a single-leg sling.
examinations are kept readily available for
inspection. When using two single-leg slings, as shown in
Figure 7 to Figure 11, the included angle µ between
c) All persons using slings and all supervisors of
slinging operations are adequately trained in the the legs should be restricted to 90° maximum to
methods of slinging and the safe use of slings avoid the risk of displacing one of the slings from the
hook or distorting the hook.
appropriate to their duties1). This should include
the identification of obvious defects likely to Whilst the multi-leg slings in BS 1290 are designed
affect the safe use of the sling. for the uniform load method of rating (see clause 1
and 6.1 of BS 1290:1983), when two single-leg slings
d) Suitable facilities exist for the storage of slings.
are used together they may be rated by the
e) A visual inspection of the sling is carried out trigonometrical method, in which case the load that
during use at intervals whose frequency will be may be lifted is given by the following formula.
governed by the conditions of use (see 6.2).
2 × SWL of single leg × cos ! ---
f) Routine thorough examinations are carried out 2
by a competent person (see 6.3).
Included angle 30° 60° 90°
4 Methods of slinging !
Cos --- 0.97 0.87 0.71
4.1 General. A number of methods of slinging are 2
shown in Figure 1 to Figure 14 using single-leg
slings, two single-leg slings used together and When using two single-leg slings together, care
multi-legged slings, complying with BS 1290. The should be taken to ensure that:
methods and loads shown are intended to be typical a) the slings are of the same length;
examples and the methods of lifting are not b) where the slings have different SWL ratings
intended to be exhaustive. then the load that can be lifted is related to the
lesser SWL;

1)
Guidance is given in clause 16 and Appendix A of BS 5744:1979.
2)
Attention is drawn to the requirements of the Construction (Lifting Operations) Regulations 1961. Regulation 37(2) relates to
the use of two single-leg slings.

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 BS 6210:1983

c) the attachment points of the slings to the load

are far enough apart to give stability without
exceeding 90°. In the case of two single-legs used
in basket hitch, the angle between any two
diagonally opposite legs should not exceed 90°
(see Figure 9 and Figure 11);
d) when lifting unbalanced loads the individual
legs are not overloaded (see Appendix A).
Where loose bundles or smooth objects are to be
lifted, double wrap choke hitch or double wrap
basket hitch is preferable.
4.4 Multi-leg sling. A multi-leg sling may have two,
three or four legs (see Figure 12 to Figure 14). A
two-leg and four-leg sling should not be used at an
included angle greater than 90° unless the sling is
so marked. In no circumstances should the included
angle exceed 120°.
A three-leg sling should not be used if any one leg
makes an angle to the vertical greater than 45°.

5 Use of wire rope slings by persons

responsible for lifting loads
5.1 Before lifting a load
5.1.1 Ensure that the load is suitable for lifting with
a wire rope sling. The sling should not be allowed to
damage the load, nor should the sling itself be
damaged. If the sling is to be attached to the load,
the points used for attachment, e.g. lugs and
eyebolts, should be suitable and adequate for the
purpose of lifting the whole load.
5.1.2 Assess the weight of the load to be lifted. If the
gross weight is not marked, the information may be
obtainable from the consignment notes, manuals,
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plans, etc. If there is no information, the weight

should be assessed by a person competent to do so.
5.1.3 Ensure that the sling is strong enough. Having
regard to the method of slinging, make sure that
SWL of the sling is adequate for the load to be lifted.
As far as is reasonably practicable the effective
diameters of pins, hooks or other components over
which soft eyes are used should not be less than
twice the rope diameter for single part legs, and four NOTE 1 Total load that may be lifted is that marked on the
times the rope diameter for double part legs (spliced sling.
endless or grommet). NOTE 2 A vertical or straight lift is only suitable for lifting a
load which will be stable when suspended from a single lifting
point.
Figure 1 — Vertical or straight lift

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 BS 6210:1983

NOTE 1 The total load that may be lifted when the included angle does not exceed 90° is 1.4 × that marked on the sling.
NOTE 2 A basket hitch should only be used when the sling is passed through part of the load and the load is balanced on the sling.
Figure 2 — Basket hitch

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 BS 6210:1983

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted is that marked on the sling.
Figure 3 — Simple choke hitch

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 BS 6210:1983

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted is 2 × that marked on the sling.
Figure 4 — Doubled and choked

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 BS 6210:1983

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Figure 5 — Example of offsetting load to provide a tilt

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 BS 6210:1983

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted is that marked on the sling.
Figure 6 — Choke hitch double wrapped

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 BS 6210:1983

NOTE The total load that may be lifted when the included angle does not exceed 90° is 1.4 × that marked on the single sling.
Figure 7 — Two single-leg slings used with direct attachment

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted when the included angle does not exceed 90° is 1.4 × that marked on the single sling.
Figure 8 — Two single-leg slings used in choke hitch

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 BS 6210:1983

NOTE The total load that may be lifted provided that no included angle exceeds 90° is 2.1 × that marked on the single sling.
Figure 9 — Two single-leg slings used in basket hitch --`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

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 BS 6210:1983

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted when the included angle does note exceed 90° is 1.4 × that marked on the single sling.
Figure 10 — Two single-leg slings used in double wrap choke hitch

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 BS 6210:1983

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted provided that no included angle does note exceeds 90° is 2.1 × that marked on the single
sling.
Figure 11 — Two single-leg slings used in double wrap basket hitch
5.1.4 Ensure that the sling is in good condition. 5.1.6 Ensure the load contains no loose accessories.
Slings found to be damaged or to have deteriorated If the load comprises a number of pieces, for
to such an extent that they are considered not safe instance a bundle of pipes, choose a slinging method
for use, should be withdrawn from service which will secure all the pieces (see 4.1, 4.2 and
immediately (see clause 6). Figure 4, Figure 6 and Figure 10).
5.1.5 Ensure that the load will be in balance when Do not attach sling to banding or strapping unless
lifted. Attach the slings to designed lifting points they are designed for the purpose.
where provided. If lifting points are not marked on 5.2 Fitting the sling. When fitting the sling ensure
the load, the position of the centre of gravity should that:
be assessed. The type of sling and the slinging
a) sling legs are free of any tendency to kink;
methods used should ensure that the load will not
topple or slip (see clause 4). The supporting hook b) only the eye termination or link is placed on the
should be positioned directly above the centre of crane hook;
gravity. Where this is not practicable, particular c) the terminations are properly seated without
care should be taken when lifting the load (see 5.3 overcrowding;
and Appendix A). d) the load is effectively secured by the sling;

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 BS 6210:1983

e) the relevant leg angle does not exceed that for e) Do not expose the slings unnecessarily to
which the sling is rated and marked (see 4.3); corrosive liquids, solids, vapours or to excessive
f) the sling is not bent around any corners that heat.
might damage or reduce the effective strength of
the sling. Where necessary suitable packing 6 Inspection, thorough examination
pieces should be used (see Figure 15); and discard criteria
g) when using choke hitch: 6.1 General. During service slings are subjected to
1) the angle of choke is allowed to form itself conditions which affect their safe working
naturally and is not forced; characteristics. It is necessary therefore to ensure,
as far as is reasonably practicable, that the sling is
2) a thimble or stirrup is used where
safe for continued use.
practicable at the eye to reduce damage to the
rope and thereby prolong the life of both the The sling should be inspected for damage or
eye and the main part of the rope; deterioration before being issued for use, and
thereafter be checked for obvious defects, at suitable
h) a sling in choke hitch is not used to turn, rotate
intervals during service.
or drag a load unless special precautions are
taken to ensure that neither the sling nor the load Additionally, routine thorough examinations should
is damaged: such special precautions may entail be carried out by a competent person.
a reduction of the safe working load; If at any time there is reason to doubt the safe
i) to assist in the control of the swing or rotation condition of the sling, it should be withdrawn from
of the load a tag line(s) or control rope(s) is service and subjected to a thorough examination.
available. 6.2 Inspection (for details see 6.4). An inspection is
5.3 Raising or lowering the load. When raising a visual check on the condition of the sling to
or lowering the load ensure that: identify damage or deterioration which might affect
its fitness for use, such as:
a) a recognizable code of signals is used which is
fully understood by all concerned3); a) broken wires;
b) there is nothing to prevent the free movement b) distortion of the rope (crushing, kinking etc.);
of the load, e.g. holding-down bolts or jointing; c) distortion of ferrules, splicing or fittings;
c) there are no obstacles, such as cables or pipes, d) excessive wear;
which can be fouled and there is sufficient height e) heat damage;
for the lift;
f) corrosion.
d) every person concerned with the operation can
6.3 Thorough examination. A thorough
see and/or communicate with all other persons
examination is a visual examination carried out by
concerned;
a competent person, and where necessary
e) all personnel are clear of the load; supplemented by other means, such as
f) the load is in balance (see Appendix A); non-destructive testing, in order to detect damage
g) the load is raised or lowered steadily avoiding or deterioration which might affect the fitness for
snatch loading; use of the sling.
h) the sling is not trapped under the load. If It is an essential feature of this thorough
necessary place suitable battens etc. in positions examination that the results are documented.
so that the load can be put down without damage A routine thorough examination should be carried
to itself and without trapping the sling; out at intervals not exceeding 6 months and this
i) there are no free swinging legs; even when interval should be less where deemed necessary in
hooked back they might constitute a danger and the light of service conditions or where required by
should be subject to careful control. statutory regulations.
5.4 Precautions. The following precautions should 6.4 Assessment of the condition of the sling
be taken. and discard criteria
a) Do not allow ANYONE to ride on the load. 6.4.1 Broken wires4)
b) Do not allow the load to be carried over 6.4.1.1 General. Broken wires are detrimental
ANYONE without exercising due care. because of:
c) Do not leave a suspended load unattended. a) the possibility of injury to users’ hands;
d) Do not drag slings on the floor. b) the loss of strength in the rope.
3)
See Figure 2 of BS 5744:1979.

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 BS 6210:1983

Broken wires are usually caused by mechanical 6.4.5 Heat damage. There should be no discoloration
damage, although corrosion may be a significant of the wires, nor evidence of overheating, such as
factor. loss of lubrication or pitting of the wires caused by
The appearance of well distributed broken wires has electrical arcing, etc.
no marked effect on the strength of the sling, but it A sling which has been exposed to high
might be indicative of mechanical or corrosive temperatures, i.e. in excess of 100 °C, for any length
damage. Generally, the loss of strength caused by of time may have a significantly reduced strength.
the mechanical or corrosive action on the rope as a Where such heat damage is identified the sling
whole is more critical than the loss in strength should be withdrawn from service and referred to a
resulting from the actual wire breaks. competent person.
To prevent injury to the users’ hands, protruding 6.4.6 Damaged or defective fittings, ferrules or
wires should be broken off in the gusset by reverse splices. Particular attention should be paid to signs
bending until fracture occurs. of:
6.4.1.2 Randomly distributed breaks. If the total a) opening up or cracking of the hook;
number of visible broken wires in any length
b) distortion and wear of links or closing of the
of 10 rope diameters exceeds 5 % of the total
thimble;
number of wires in the rope, the sling should be
withdrawn from service and referred to a competent c) cracks in the ferrule;
person for thorough examination. d) severe crushing or abrasion of the ferrule or
6.4.1.3 Localized breaks. If there are three or more hand splice;
broken wires closely grouped (i.e. at a specific point e) pulling out of splice or ferrule;
in the rope) or in any one strand within a length f) concentrations of broken wires near to the
of 6 rope diameters, the sling should be discarded. ferrule or splice, or in the splice;
6.4.2 Excessive wear. If surface wear reduces the g) the effect of bursting stress at the throat of the
measured diameter of the rope at any point to be eye due to the use of a pin of excessive diameter
less than 90 % of the nominal diameter, the sling or certain types of thimble;
should be discarded.
h) fractured wires on the outside surface of the
6.4.3 Corrosion. Corrosion may occur where slings eye, for instance where a soft eye has been used
have been improperly stored or have been used in with an excessively small pin;
particularly corrosive conditions, such as in moving
loads in and out of acid/alkali baths. The effect is i) effect of friction on bearing surface of a soft eye.
readily identified through the loss of flexibility and Items a) and b) may be an indication of overloading
roughness to the touch. Whilst slight surface and will usually be justification for withdrawing the
rusting is unlikely to affect the rope strength, it may sling from service.
be indicative of internal corrosion, the effect of
which is not predictable.
Where internal corrosion or corrosion beneath the
serving of a hand splice is suspected, the sling
should be withdrawn from service and referred to a
competent person for thorough examination.
6.4.4 Significant distortion of the rope. The sling
should be discarded when distortion due to kinking,
crushing, core collapse, or knotting is identified
(see Figure 16). However, in certain circumstances
permanent deformation may occur without
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necessarily affecting the strength of the sling,

e.g. flattening when the rope is bent around a small
diameter under heavy loading.
In cases where it is difficult to distinguish between
detrimental distortion and acceptable deformation
the sling should be withdrawn from service and
referred to a competent person for examination.

4)
The Docks Regulations (1934), The Shipbuilding and Ship Repairing Regulations (1960) and The Construction (Lifting
Operations) Regulations (1961) contain specific requirements relating to the number of broken wires.

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted is that marked on the
sling assembly.
Figure 12 — Two-leg sling

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted is that marked on the sling assembly.
Figure 13 — Three-leg sling

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NOTE The total load that may be lifted is that marked on the sling assembly.
Figure 14 — Four-leg sling
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Figure 15 — Examples of protective packing also showing angle of choke

Figure 16 — Examples of rope distortion and damage

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Appendix A Load stability d) in severe cases the load may topple or be

displaced from the sling with consequent
A.1 General. Before lifting with slings it is
damage.
important to ensure that the load will be stable
when it is raised clear of the ground. It is dangerous When there is uncertainty about the balance of a
if a load can tilt or swing in an uncontrolled manner, load, it may be necessary to have a series of trial lifts
or if it can topple over. before the position of balance can be determined.
The load should be lifted only sufficiently for the
A load will not tilt, if, before lifting, the sling(s) is
degree and direction of any tilt and swing to be
arranged so that the load is suspended with its
determined. The tendency to tilt and swing should
centre of gravity aligned directly below the main
be corrected by moving the slinging points and the
point of attachment of the hook (see Figure 17). (The
supporting hook a little at a time, each time making
centre of gravity is the point about which the parts a trial lift until the position of balance is obtained
of a body, when left free, exactly balance each other.) (see Figure 18).
A.2 Effect of “out of balance”. If a load is out of
A.3 Effect of a high centre of gravity. To
balance when lifted, it will tilt and swing towards
minimize the risk of toppling, the points of
the position of balance, until the centre of gravity
attachment of the sling legs should, where
settles directly below the main point of attachment.
practicable, be above the centre of gravity of the load
This movement can give rise to a hazardous (see Figure 19).
situation: Where the centre of gravity of the load is above the
a) the swinging load might strike persons or point of sling attachment, a greater stability will
obstacles; result where the angle µ between the horizontal and
b) the individual sling legs might become the sling leg, is substantially greater than the
overloaded; angle ¶ formed between the horizontal and the
c) the load might move within the sling; centre of gravity (see Figure 20).

Figure 17 — Alignment of centre of gravity

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Figure 18 — Example showing effect of centre of gravity misalignment

Figure 19 — Example of stable load

Figure 20 — Example of high centre of

gravity relative to attachment points

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Publications referred to

BS 1290, Specification for wire rope slings and sling legs for general lifting purposes.
BS 5744, Code of practice for the 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).
BS 6166, Recommendations for rating of lifting gear for general purposes.

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© BSI 02-1999
Copyright British Standards Institution
Provided by IHS under license with BSI
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale
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BSI Ð British Standards Institution
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| BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards. It
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| presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level. It is
| incorporated by Royal Charter.
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| Revisions
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| British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British Standards
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| should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.
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| It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services. We
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| would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this
| British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee responsible,
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| the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover. Tel: 020 8996 9000.
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| Fax: 020 8996 7400.
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| BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures that
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| Buying standards
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| In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the BSI
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| implementation of those that have been published as British Standards, unless
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| Information on standards
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| Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments and
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| these and other benefits contact Membership Administration. Tel: 020 8996 7002.
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| Copyright
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| Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the UK, of
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| the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as permitted
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| This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
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| necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
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BSI |
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389 Chiswick High Road |
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W4 4AL |
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Copyright British Standards Institution

Provided by IHS under license with BSI
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale