Lifting slings are fundamental pieces of equipment in construction, manufacturing, and logistics across the UK. However, even though they are critical to daily operations, many accidents and incidents still occur because the wrong type of sling gets used for the job. If you work with, buy, or specify lifting equipment—be it on a construction site in Manchester or in a workshop in Glasgow—getting your head around the different lifting sling types can help you make safer decisions. This easy guide introduces the most common lifting slings, how and when to use them, and the essential points to consider for UK project managers, buyers, and users.
What Exactly Is a Lifting Sling?
A lifting sling is a device that connects the lifted load to a crane or hoist. Its main role is to allow the safe movement, raising, and lowering of different types of items. Along with items like hooks and shackles, slings make up part of the overall lifting assembly and have to be chosen and used according to UK standards. In the UK, legal guidelines from LOLER and PUWER apply, making sure lifting slings are used only if they’re fit for purpose and regularly inspected. These slings come in a few main materials—such as chain, webbing, wire rope, and more modern high-strength fibres.
Traditionally, durable wire rope and chain slings were the top choices for heavy industry, since they can cope with tough environments and rough handling. But in recent times, lighter, more versatile webbing and round slings have become common because they’re easier to move around and help avoid damage to fragile or painted surfaces.
The Main Types of Lifting Slings
Most guides split lifting slings into three main types: chain, wire rope, and textile (synthetic), with new high-performance fibre slings making their mark too. Companies supply a good selection, with chain slings (in several grades), various wire rope versions, polyester webbing slings, and even those made with advanced materials like Dyneema or UHMWPE.
Here’s a breakdown of how each main type works in daily lifting scenarios:
Overview of Popular Sling Types
| Sling Type | Materials | Top Advantages and Recommended Uses | Key Drawbacks or Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain slings | Alloy steel (grades 8-12) | Highly durable, withstands heat, good for rough use; adjustable | Heavy, can damage sensitive surfaces, needs careful angle control and safety checks |
| Wire rope slings | Galvanized or stainless steel | Abrasion-resistant, suitable for building work and big lifts | Less bendable than webbing, risk of injuries from broken wires |
| Webbing/flat slings | Polyester or nylon | Light, flexible, gentle on painted surfaces or delicate finishes | Vulnerable to cuts and heat, needs edge protection |
| Round slings | Polyester, UHMWPE, Dyneema | Spreads weight evenly, good for difficult shapes, easy to store | Can weaken quickly if outer layer is cut or damaged |
| High-performance slings | Advanced synthetic fibres | Super strong and light, resistant to corrosion, sometimes beats steel | More expensive, strict use and temp limits |
Suppliers offer options bridging a huge range—chain slings handling loads up to over 80 tonnes, webbing and round slings up to hundreds of tonnes with modern fibres, and ‘link chain’ varieties nearly as strong as steel but only a fraction of the weight.
Focus on Chain Slings
Chain slings are sturdy and made from strong alloy steel in grades such as 8, 10, or 12. Available as single- or multiple-leg options, they suit places where heavy loads, heat, and rough conditions are routine, like foundries or shipyards.
UK guidelines advise that these chain slings need clear markings for load limits, chain size, and grade. High-quality chain slings may come with built-in tags or labels to help track inspections. Options like different hook shapes or shortening links let you choose a design matched to each job.
A Closer Look at Wire Rope Slings
A wire rope sling is made from steel wire, with its ends formed into loops or finished with special end pieces. You’ll spot these in construction, crane lifts, and moving large items like steel beams or machinery. Their main strengths are toughness and abrasion resistance, but they aren’t as flexible as other slings and can hurt your hands if wires become exposed.
Wire rope slings should be checked often for broken wire strands, bends, crushing, or signs of rust, with anything falling short of standard withdrawn before use.
Exploring Webbing and Round Slings
Webbing slings (flat) and round slings (endless loop) are standard textile options made to strict regulations in the UK. Usually, the colour signals the weight they can safely lift, and labels on each sling provide essential details. Webbing slings are great for handling items with sensitive coatings—like precision machinery and stainless tanks—because their fabric is gentle on the surface.
Most suppliers can provide polyester webbing slings handling loads up to about 30 tonnes, with round slings going much higher thanks to tough materials like Super Techlon or UHMWPE.
The Benefit of High-Performance Fibre and Specialist Slings
With the arrival of high-performance fibres such as Dyneema and UHMWPE, the world of lifting now includes incredibly strong yet lightweight slings. Some of these options are several times stronger than steel—yet are easier to move, use, and store.
Beside the big four types, there are also specialized slings, like those made for very high heat or highly abrasive jobs, as well as certain slings specifically created for offshore or water industry use.
How to Pick the Right Lifting Sling
When you’re picking a sling, make sure to consider a few important factors:
- The weight and balance of the load—every sling has a maximum safe load limit, and this limit changes with the way you use it (straight, basket, or doubled up).
- The shape and features of the load—slings have to be chosen to avoid cutting into sharp edges or scratching delicate surfaces.
- The work environment—Extreme temperatures and certain chemicals can weaken slings. Always pick materials to match the working conditions.
- Manual handling—Textile and high-performance fibre slings can reduce worker fatigue and risk of injury on jobs that require lots of manual movement.
- Always go to trusted suppliers and check that what you’re buying is certified and legal for use in the UK.
For fragile or finished goods, webbing or padded slings make sense, while steel chain or wire rope works best for heavy, industrial tasks. And don’t forget proper edge protectors to avoid sling damage!
Common Safety Issues and Simple Solutions
Even with strict UK safety rules, slings can still be misused—with accidents often caused by using the wrong type, exceeding load limits or failing to protect slings from sharp edges. Webbing and round slings, especially, can lose most of their strength from an undetected cut or chemical spill.
Always make sure each sling’s label and paperwork are present and readable; without this information, you shouldn’t use the sling. More slings now come with RFID tags, making inspections and record-keeping much simpler.
Emerging Trends and Advantages
The future of lifting slings looks towards using lighter and stronger materials, making lifting operations faster, safer, and less back-breaking. While Dyneema and advanced round slings are ideal for handling big jobs with less carry weight, new digital tools and RFID tags are improving how we track, inspect, and manage lifting slings on site.
Key Tips for UK Workplaces
- Choose the sling type based on your load and environment—not all slings are safe for every use.
- Check for updated labels, correct markings (such as BS EN 1492 or EN 818), and valid certificates.
- Only use accessories (hooks, shackles) designed to match or exceed your chosen sling’s WLL.
- Never skip safety checks—examine each sling before use and follow inspection schedules.
- Train everyone involved in lifting so they understand sling options, safe usage, and the importance of protection.
UK suppliers offer certified, next-day delivery of all major sling types, plus advice on building a safe set-up for any application. Whether you’re buying from an established source or a new provider, the key to safe, efficient lifts is knowing what sling to use, and how to use it properly—for smoother, safer operations every time.










