EN 1492-4:2004

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2004
Tekstilne obese – Varnost - 4. del: Dvigalne obese iz naravnih in umetnih vlaken za
splošno uporabo
Textile slings - Safety - Part 4: Lifting slings for general service made from natural and
man-made fibre ropes
Textile Anschlagmittel - Sicherheit - Teil 4: Anschlag-Faserseile für allgemeine
Verwendung aus Natur- und Chemiefaserseilen
Elingues textiles - Sécurité - Partie 4: Elingues de levage en cordage en fibres naturelles
et chimiques pour service général
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 1492-4:2004
ICS:
53.020.30 Pribor za dvigalno opremo Accessories for lifting
equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 1492-4
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
June 2004
ICS 53.020.30
English version
Textile slings - Safety - Part 4: Lifting slings for general service
made from natural and man-made fibre ropes
Elingues textiles - Sécurité - Partie 4: Elingues de levage Textile Anschlagmittel - Sicherheit - Teil 4: Anschlag-
en cordage en fibres naturelles et chimiques pour service Faserseile für allgemeine Verwendung aus Natur- und
général Chemiefaserseilen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 12 February 2004.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2004 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1492-4:2004: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword.3
1 Scope.5
2 Normative references.5
3 Terms and definitions .6
4 Hazards.8
5 Safety requirements.9
6 Verification.18
7 Marking.20
8 Manufacturer’s certificate.21
9 Instructions for use .21
Annex A (normative)  Information for use and maintenance to be provided by the manufacturer.22
Annex B (informative)  Working load limits for various modes of use.24
Annex C (informative)  Suggested content of information to be provided by the manufacturer with
fibre rope slings.36
Annex ZA (informative)  Relationship of this document with EC Directives.40
Bibliography .41

Foreword
This document (EN 1492-4:2004) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 168 “Chains, ropes,
webbing, slings and accessories - Safety”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by December 2004 and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by December 2004.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
This European Standard is one of a series of standards related to safety for textile slings as listed below:
Part 1: Specification for flat woven webbing slings, made of man-made fibres, for general purpose use
Part 2: Specification for roundslings, made of man-made fibres, for general purpose
Part 4: Specification for lifting slings for general service made from natural and man-made fibre rope

This is the first edition of this part of EN 1492.
In this standard:
Annex A is normative, and gives the requirements for information on use and maintenance to be provided by
the manufacturer with fibre rope slings conforming to this standard.
Annex B is informative, and gives the working load limits for different configurations and types of material for
fibre rope slings to this standard.
Annex C is informative, and provides some detailed information for use and maintenance which may be
appropriate in compiling the information in accordance with annex A.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
and United Kingdom.
Introduction
This European Standard has been prepared to be a harmonized standard providing one means of complying
with the essential safety requirements of the Machinery Directive and associated EFTA regulations.
This European Standard is a type C standard as specified in EN ISO 12100-2. The lifting accessories
concerned and the extent to which hazards are covered is indicated in the scope of this standard.
NOTE For hazards that are not covered by this standard, lifting accessories should be in accordance with EN ISO
12100-2.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the requirements related to safety, including methods of rating and testing
single-, two-, three-, four-leg and endless slings, with or without fittings, made of sisal, hemp and manila 3-
and 4-strand laid construction natural fibre ropes and polyamide, polyester and polypropylene 3- and 4-strand
laid construction and 8-strand plaited construction man-made fibre ropes having a reference number in the
range of 16 to 48 inclusive.
The fibre rope slings covered by this part of EN 1492 are intended for general purpose lifting operations, i.e.
when used for lifting objects, materials or goods which require no deviations from the requirements, safety
factors or working load limits specified. Lifting operations not covered by this standard would include the lifting
of persons, potentially dangerous materials such as molten metal and acids, glass sheets, fissile materials,
nuclear reactors and where special conditions apply.
Fibre rope slings conforming to this European Standard are suitable for use and storage in the following
temperature ranges:
a) polyester and polyamide -40°C to 100°C,
b) manila, sisal, hemp and polypropylene -40°C to 80°C.
This European Standard does not apply to fibre rope sling assemblies rated by the trigonometric method.
This European Standard deals with the technical requirements to minimize the hazards listed in clause 4
which can arise during the use of fibre rope slings when carried out in accordance with the instructions and
specification given by the manufacturer or authorized representative.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates, by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to
this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the
latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).

EN 696, Fibre ropes for general service – Polyamide
EN 697, Fibre ropes for general service – Polyester
EN 698, Fibre ropes for general service – Manila and sisal
EN 699, Fibre ropes for general service - Polypropylene
EN 1050:1996, Safety of machinery – Principles of risk assessment
EN 1261, Fibre ropes for general service - Hemp
EN 1677-1, Components for slings – Safety – Part 1: Forged steel components, Grade 8
EN 1677-2, Components for slings – Safety – Part 2: Forged steel lifting hooks with latch, Grade 8
EN 1677-3, Components for slings – Safety – Part 3: Forged steel self-locking hooks, Grade 8
EN 1677-4, Components for slings – Safety – Part 4: Links, Grade 8
EN 1677-5, Components for slings – Safety – Part 5: Forged steel lifting hooks with latch, Grade 4
EN 1677-6, Components for slings – Safety – Part 6: Links, Grade 4
EN 13411-1, Terminations for steel wire ropes – Safety – Part 1: Thimbles for steel wire rope slings
EN ISO 1968:2004, Fibre ropes and cordage - Terms and definitions (ISO 1968:2004
EN ISO 7500-1:1999, Metallic materials - Verification of static uniaxial testing machines - Part 1:
Tension/compression testing machines (ISO 7500-1:1999)
EN ISO 12100-2, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 2: Technical
principles (ISO 12100-2:2003)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO 1968:2004 and the
following apply.
3.1
fibre rope sling
flexible sling comprising one or more parts of identical fibre rope, terminating in spliced eyes with or without
thimbles and fittings, or in the case of an endless sling, joined to itself with a splice

3.2
multi-leg sling
fibre rope sling assembly, consisting of two, three or four identical legs attached to a master link

3.3
splice
specified method of laying the tail end strands of the rope into the strands of the standing part of the rope to
form an eye or join the ends of the rope together

3.4
soft eye
eye made by forming the end of the rope into a loop and by splicing the free end to the standing part

3.5
thimbled or hard eye
spliced eye containing a rigid thimble
3.6
thimble
rigid, shaped component for insertion into an eye for the purpose of protecting the eye from contact damage,
abrasion and deformation, see Figure 1

a) Heart shaped b) Reeving
Figure 1 — Thimble
3.7
fitting
loadbearing metal component, designed to be fitted and supplied as part of the sling, so as to permit the sling
to be attached to other lifting accessories or connected to the load
NOTE Thimbles are not included within the term ‘fitting’.
3.8
master link
link, or link assembly, forming the upper terminal fitting of a multi-leg sling assembly by means of which the
sling assembly is attached to the hook of a crane, other lifting machine or accessory

3.9
reference number
number quoted in documentation which specifies the mass/metre, breaking force and other parameters of the
fibre rope. The reference number corresponds to the approximate diameter in millimetres; minimum breaking
force in daN.
NOTE See EN 696, 697, 698, 699 and 1261.
3.10
nominal diameter
specified diameter of the rope, which is usually used as the reference value for a given product

3.11
nominal length
specified length of the sling, inclusive of fittings, from bearing point to bearing point
NOTE See figures 2 to 5.
3.12
effective working length (EWL)
actual finished length of the fibre rope sling, inclusive of fittings, from bearing point to bearing point
3.13
coefficient of utilization
ratio of the specified tensile strength of the rope to the WLL of the single part of spliced rope, taking into
account the acceleration due to gravity (9,80665 m/s ) and is equal to 7
NOTE 1 Fittings may have a different coefficient of utilization from that of the rope to which they are connected.
NOTE 2 This term has the same meaning as the term ‘working coefficient’ used in the Machinery Directive.
3.14
Assembly Factor (A)
factor used in the calculation of the WLL of the sling assembly that takes into account the assembly of the
sling, the number of legs and the inclination angles (β), see Figure 10

3.15
Mode Factor (M)
factor to be applied by the user to the WLL of a fibre rope sling in order to arrive at the maximum load that
maybe lifted for a given mode of use
3.16
Working load limit (WLL)
maximum mass which a fibre rope sling is designed to sustain in straight pull or at the rated angle, in general
service
3.17
competent person
designated person, suitably trained and qualified by knowledge and practical experience, and with the
necessary instructions to enable the required tests and examination to be carried out
4 Hazards
The accidental release of a load, or release of a load due to failure of a component puts at risk, either directly
or indirectly, the safety or health of those persons within the danger zone. In order to provide the necessary
strength and durability of lifting accessories this part of EN 1492 specifies requirements for the design,
manufacture and testing to ensure the specified levels of performance are met.
Endurance has not been identified as a hazard when fibre rope slings having the specified levels of
performance given in this part of EN 1492 are used in general lifting service.
Since failure can be caused by the incorrect choice of WLL and specification of lifting accessory. This Part of
EN 1492 also gives the requirements for marking and the manufacturer’s certificate.
Aspects of safe use associated with good practice are given in annex A (normative) and annex C (informative).
Table 1 lists those hazards in so far as they are dealt with in this standard that require action to reduce those
risks identified by risk assessment as being specific and significant for fibre rope slings made of sisal, hemp,
manila, polyamide, polyester and polypropylene.
Table 1 — Hazards and associated requirements

Hazards identified in annex A of Relevant clause of annex A of Relevant clause/sub-clause of
EN 1050: 1996 EN ISO 12100-2:2003 this part of EN 1492
1.e) Mechanical hazard 1.3.2 5
due to inadequacy
4.1.2.3 5
of strength
4.1.2.5 5
4.2.4 6
1.7.3 7
4.3.2 7
4.2.4 8
15 Error of fitting 1.5.4 5
hazard
17 Falling or ejected 1.3.3 annex A
objects hazard
26 Insufficient 1.7.4 9, annex A
instruction for the
4.4.1 9, annex A
driver/operator
27.1.5 Inadequate holding 4.4.1 5.7
devices/accessories
hazard
27.6 Inadequate 4.1.2.5 5.7 and 6
selection of lifting
4.3.2 7
accessories hazard
5 Safety requirements
5.1 Materials
The fibre rope from which the sling is manufactured shall be from one of the materials and to the specification
given in Table 2.
Table 2 — Types of fibre rope for sling manufacture
Type of fibre rope Specification
Manila (Ma) EN 698
Hemp (Ha) EN 1261
Sisal (Si) EN 698
Polyamide (PA) EN 696
Polyester (PES) EN 697
Polypropylene (PP) EN 699
NOTE 1 The definitions of these fibres are given in ISO 2076 and ISO 6938. The constituent materials may be
determined in accordance with ISO 1833.
NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to the differing resistance of fibres to chemicals, which is summarized in annex C.
5.2 General requirements for types of fibre rope sling
5.2.1 Single leg sling
A single leg sling shall be formed from a single piece of rope and shall have eyes, with or without thimbles and
fittings, spliced at each end. Figure 2 shows three typical examples of single leg slings.

Figure 2 — Typical single leg slings
5.2.2 Endless sling
An endless sling shall be formed from a single piece of rope and shall have the ends joined together by a
single splice. Figure 3 shows an endless sling.
l
Figure 3 — Endless sling
Alternatively, an endless sling shall be laid as a grommet from a single strand of rope (see 5.5.5).
5.2.3 Two leg sling
A two leg sling shall comprise two identical sling legs, with or without thimbles and terminal fittings; the eye of
one end of each leg shall be made around a master link. Figure 4 shows a typical two leg sling.

Figure 4 — Typical two leg sling
5.2.4 Three and four leg slings
A four leg sling shall comprise four identical sling legs, with or without thimbles and terminal fittings, the eye of
one end of each leg shall be made around an intermediate link so that two legs are attached to each
intermediate link. The intermediate links shall be attached to a master link. Three leg slings shall be produced
in the same way, but two legs shall be attached to one intermediate link and one leg to the other. Figure 5
shows a typical four leg sling.
β
Figure 5 — Typical four leg sling
5.3 Sling construction
5.3.1 Splicing shall be the only method used for joining or producing eyes. Endless slings shall have only a
single splice. Other sling legs shall be spliced at each end to produce an eye and no other splices shall be
permitted.
5.3.2 Multi-leg slings shall be constructed so that all corresponding items are identical in respect of rope
construction, size, material and fittings.
5.4 Eyes
5.4.1 Soft eyes
The minimum internal length, l , of a soft eye (see Figure 6) measured with a steel tape or rule graduated in
increments of 1 mm when closed by hand shall not be less than the appropriate value given in Table 3.
l
h
Figure 6 — Soft eye
Table 3 — Minimum internal length of soft eyes
Reference number of Min. internal length of soft
rope eye (mm)
16 150
18 155
20 160
24 170
28 185
32 195
36 210
40 220
44 232
48 245
5.4.2 Thimbled or hard eyes
The thimbles used to form thimbled, or hard, eyes (see Figure 7) shall comply with EN 13411-1 and have a
corrosion resistant finish.
NOTE 1 Steel thimbles should not be black finish but should be suitably plated or galvanised to resist corrosion.

Figure 7 — Thimbled or hard eye
NOTE 2 The use of thimbled (hard) eyes is recommended when fittings form part of the fibre rope sling.
NOTE 3 The fitting of heart shaped thimbles will prevent the sling being used in choke hitch. In such cases, either a
soft eye or thimbles of a shape and size suitable for reeving may be used.
5.5 Splicing
5.5.1 General
All splicing shall be carried out by a trained and competent splicer, samples of whose splices have been
successfully verified by type testing in accordance with 6.3.
5.5.2 Splices
Where 3 and 4 strand laid ropes are spliced by short splices, the splice shall comply with the following
requirements:
a) All the tucks of the splice shall be against the lay of the rope.
b) For polyamide, polyester multifilament ropes and polypropylene monofilament ropes, either
five full tucks shall be made; alternatively four full tucks with all of the yarns in the strands
shall be made, followed by a further tuck with not more than half of the material cut out of
each strand and a final tuck with not less than a quarter of the original strand material.
c) For polypropylene fibrillated film and staple ropes and for natural fibre ropes, not less than
four full tucks shall be made, each with all of the yarns in the strands.
d) After completion of splicing, the protruding strands, or parts of strands, shall be cut at a
distance of not less than one nominal rope diameter from the standing part of rope. As an
alternative to c), for polypropylene fibrillated film and staple fibre ropes and for natural fibre
ropes, one fewer full tuck is permissible, in which case the length of the protruding strands
after completion of the splicing shall not be less than three times the nominal diameter of the
rope.
e) In the case of endless slings, the splicing requirements given in a) to d) shall apply to each
side of the marrying point of the rope (see Figure 8)

Figure 8 — Marrying point of splice for endless slings

f) Where the protruding parts of the strands are contained, e.g. by binding, gluing, tapering etc,
to improve the appearance of the finished splice, such finishing shall not affect the
performance of the splice. In the case of full strands an alternative method of finishing the
splice, known as dogging, where the emergent strands are separated into identical
proportions and then bound (seized) one half of the emergent strand to the adjacent half of
the next emergent strand and so on around the rope (see Figure 9) is permissible. Tapered
splices shall not be subject to dogging.
Figure 9 — Dogging (three strand rope)
g) Long splicing of endless rope slings is permissible but, where used, the circumference of the
sling shall not be less than 400 times the reference number of the rope and the length of the
splice shall not be less than 100 times the reference number of the rope. The working load
limit of the sling shall not be greater than 60% of the value as calculated in accordance with
5.8 and for modes of use as given in Tables B2, B4, B6, B10 and B12.
5.5.3 Alternative splicing methods
The method of splicing known as the ‘Liverpool splice’ where the tucks are made with the lay of the rope shall
not be used.
In the case of 8 strand plaited ropes, the rope manufacturer’s written splicing procedures shall be obtained
and strictly followed.
5.5.4 Length between splices
For single leg slings and the individual legs of multi-leg slings, there shall be a minimum length of rope
between the emergence of the final tucks of the splice of 20 times the nominal diameter of the rope.
5.5.5 Endless Grommet
Where an endless sling of 3 or 4 strand laid rope is made as a grommet, it shall meet the following
requirements:
a) The parent strand of which the grommet is laid shall not contain any joints or splices.
b) The ends of the parent strand shall be spliced by turning them at least 4 times around each
other in the case of polypropylene fibrillated film, staple ropes or natural fibre ropes and at
least 5 times in the case of polyamide, polyester multifilament or polypropylene monofilament
ropes.
c) The protruding parent strand ends shall be laid through one or two neighboring strands of the
grommet to prevent the splice unravelling. Thereafter the strand ends shall be cut not shorter
than 1,5 times the parent strand diameter.
d) The working load limit for endless grommet slings produced in accordance with these
requirements shall be identical to that of endless slings made by short splicing.
e) Endless grommet slings produced in accordance with these requirements shall be type tested
in accordance with 6.3.
5.6 Effective working length (EWL)
The effective working length (l ) of a fibre rope sling (see Figures 2 to 5 inclusive) shall not differ from the
nominal length by more than 3%, when laid flat under hand tension and measured with a steel tape or rule
graduated in increments of 1 mm. The length of each leg of a multi-leg sling shall not differ from the lengths of
the other legs by more than 2,5%.
5.7 Fittings
5.7.1 Fittings shall conform to the appropriate part or parts of EN 1677.
5.7.2 The seating of a fitting in contact with the rope shall be so finished that, when tested in accordance
with clause 6:
a) there shall be no damage to the area of the rope in contact with the fitting;
b) the sling shall sustain the load.
5.7.3 If the part of the fitting with which the rope is in contact has a profile of engagement less than the
nominal diameter of the rope, a thimble shall be placed in the eye. Fittings made into soft eyes shall be of
such dimensions that the included angle between the two parts of rope at the splice shall not exceed 30°.
NOTE The use of thimbles is recommended for all applications when fittings form part of the fibre rope sling as they
offer protection from contact damage, friction, abrasion and assist to maintain the shape of the eye.
5.7.4 Welded fittings shall be placed so that the welds remain visible when the sling is in use.
5.8 Calculation of working load limit (WLL)
The working load limit of a fibre rope sling shall be calculated as follows:

90% of specified breaking force of fibre rope
WLL of spliced rope = ----------------------------------------------------------- x assembly factor A
Coefficient of utilization
Where: the breaking force is expressed in kN
the coefficient of utilization is 7
the assembly factor is as given in Figure 10

NOTE For mode factors and use see annex B
a) Single strop
1) straight pull
A = 1,0
b) Multiple fibre rope leg sling

2a) 2-leg fibre rope sling 2b) 3-leg fibre rope sling 3) 4-leg fibre rope sling
A = 1,4 β = 0° - 45° A = 2,1 β = 0° - 45° A = 2,1 β = 0° - 45°

c) Endless sling
1) straight pull
A = 2,0
NOTE A = assembly factor
Figure 10 — Assembly factors for single, multi-leg and endless fibre rope slings
5.9 Traceability code
The traceability code, which is to be included in the marking (see 7.1.1), shall enable at least the following
basic elements of the manufacturing record to be traced:
a) identification of rope, including nominal size;
b) identification of manufacturer’s control/identification of splicer;
c) identification and grade of fittings.
6 Verification
6.1 General
6.1.1 All testing and examination shall be carried out using a tensile test machine conforming to the
requirements of class 1 of EN ISO 7500-1:1999 and, where applicable, a steel tape or rule graduated in
increments of 1 mm.
6.1.2 During load tests, the force shall be applied to the test pieces so that the elongation of the specimen
takes place at a maximum rate of 110 mm/min per 1000 mm length of the specimen.
6.1.3 The test piece shall not be pre-loaded prior to testing, unless all of the slings of that type are subject
to identical pre-loading, in which case they shall not be pre-loaded to more than two times the WLL.
NOTE During load testing procedures, considerable energy is stored in the rope under tension. If the sample breaks,
this energy will be suddenly released. Suitable precautions should therefore be taken to protect the safety of persons in
the danger zone.
6.2 Qualification of personnel
All testing and examination shall be carried out by a competent person.
6.3 Type test to verify sling legs
6.3.1 For the purposes of type test verification, ropes are grouped in the following range of rope sizes:
a) 16 mm to 24 mm;
b) greater than 24 mm to 32 mm;
c) greater than 32 mm.
6.3.2 For each type of rope (including change of source of material), size range and splicing method to be
used in the manufacture of slings, two test pieces shall be produced by each splicer. The rope size selected
shall be representative of the middle of the relevant group, or in the case of ropes larger than 32 mm, in the
middle of the range of ropes for which the splicer will be splicing eyes.
Each of the two test pieces shall be made with a soft eye at each end and the distance between the tails of
the splices shall be at least 15 times the nominal rope diameter, so that four splices are presented for testing.

6.3.3 The test piece shall be mounted, straight and without twist, between the pins or bollards of the test
machine. The diameter of the pins or bollards shall be such that an included angle between 20° and 30° is
subtended by the loop of the splice. The specimen shall be subjected to a force equivalent to not less than 7
times the WLL of the specimen.
6.3.4 The test pieces shall have passed the test if the breaking force of both samples (i.e. 4 splices)
submitted by the splicer is equal to, or greater than, the equivalent of 7 times WLL.
6.3.5 Type test verification, in accordance with this clause, shall be repeated if a period of three years has
elapsed since the last sample, including manufacturing test samples, was submitted for testing by the splicer.
6.3.6 The results of the tests, i.e. whether the specimens were accepted or rejected, shall be recorded for
the purposes of the manufacturer’s record. If one or more of the samples does not sustain a force equivalent
to 7 times the WLL, slings of this type shall be deemed not to comply with this standard.
6.3.7 Verification of the splicing, in accordance with the requirements of 6.3, shall be deemed sufficient to
have verified the interaction of sling legs with fittings in all cases other than for endless slings, which shall be
verified in accordance with the following requirements.
6.4 Type test to verify the interaction of endless slings with fittings
6.4.1 A representative endless sling, of the type intended for use with fittings, shall be made with test fittings
representing the smallest profile of engagement of the range of fittings that will be used in production.
6.4.2 The specimen shall be mounted, straight and without twist, between the pins or bollards of the test
machine. The contact radius of the pin or bollard shall be such that it supports the representative fitting over
sufficient area so as to prevent the fitting from distorting or twisting whilst under test. The specimen shall be
submitted to a force equivalent to 5 times the WLL of the endless sling.
6.4.3 The test piece shall have passed the test if the breaking force of the sample is equal to, or greater
than, the equivalent of 5 times the WLL.
6.4.4 The results of the test, i.e. whether or not the specimen was accepted or rejected, shall be recorded
for the purposes of the manufacturer’s record. If the sample does not sustain a force equivalent to 5 times the
WLL, slings of this type shall be deemed not to comply with this standard.
6.5 Manufacturing tests
6.5.1 Slings shall be selected form the manufacturing batch for testing at least at the intervals given in
Table 4 or every 3 years, whichever is the sooner. The selected slings shall be tested in accordance with the
following requirements.
NOTE The length of the sling for manufacturing test should be identical to the manufacturing batch. Testing of a
shorter sling leg is only acceptable where the test machine facility is too short in length.
Table 4 — Maximum testing intervals
WLL of fibre rope sling Maximum quantity per type
between tests
Up to and including 2 t 1000
Over 2 t 500
6.5.2 The sample shall be mounted, straight and without twist, between the bollards of the test machine.
The diameter of the pins or bollards shall be such that an included angle of between 20° and 30° is subtended
by the loop of the splice. The specimen shall be subjected to a force equivalent to not less than 7 times the
WLL of the specimen.
6.5.3 If the specimen sustains the force equivalent to 7 times its WLL, it shall have passed the test. Testing
beyond this force is not required.
6.5.4 If, during testing, the specimen does not sustain a force equivalent to seven times its WLL, but
sustains a load of not less than 90% of this force, three further samples from the same batch shall be tested. If
one or more of these samples does not sustain a force equivalent to seven times the WLL, the whole batch
shall be rejected and deemed not to comply with this standard.
6.5.5 The results of the test, i.e. whether or not the specimen was accepted or rejected, shall be recorded
for the purposes of the manufacturer’s record.
6.6 Visual examination
Each completed sling or sling assembly shall be visually examined. If any non-compliance with the safety
requirements or if any defect is found, the sling shall be rejected.
7 Marking
7.1 General
7.1.1 The marking of the sling shall include the following:
a) working load limit in straight lift in the case of single leg or endless slings, or for multi-leg slings
having an angle β of 0° to 45°;
b) material of the rope, e.g. manila, polyester etc;
c) reference number of the rope and grade of fittings;
d) nominal length in m;
e) manufacturer’s name, symbol, trade mark or other unambiguous identification;
f) traceability code (see 5.9)
g) number and part of this European Standard.
h) mandatory marking
NOTE 1 Marking this European Standard number on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturer’s declaration
of conformity, i.e. a claim by or on behalf of the manufacturer that the product meets with the requirements of the standard.
Such a declaration is not to be confused with third-party certification of conformity.
NOTE 2 For slings intended to be put on the market in the EEA, CE marking
7.1.2 The marking shall be in a type size of not less than 1,5 mm in height.
7.2 Labelling
7.2.1 The information specified in 7.1 shall be marked on a label attached to the sling as follows:
a) on single legs with soft eyes, in one eye adjoining the splice or on the standing part of rope at the
end of the splice;
b) on single legs with thimbles, on the standing part of rope at the end of the splice;
c) on multi-leg slings, on a durable label (e.g. a round tag) attached to the master link or on one leg of
the sling as in a);
d) on endless slings, at the end of the splice.

NOTE One suitable method for applying the marking is to inscribe the details onto a plastic sleeve threaded on the
rope and shrunk to it, with a clear plastic sleeve shrunk over the marked sleeve to protect it from soiling.

7.2.2 The material from which the sling is made shall be identified by the colour of the label itself on which
the information is marked. The following colours shall be used:
- Polyamide green
- Polyester blue
- Polypropylene brown
- Manila/sisal/hemp white
8 Manufacturer’s certificate
After all testing and examination, as specified in clause 6, the manufacturer shall issue to the purchaser, for
each batch of slings delivered, a certificate which shall include at least the following information:
a) manufacturer’s name, address, symbol or mark;
b) WLL of the sling, and for multi-leg sling assemblies the angle to the vertical;
c) type, including eye, fitting, number of legs and nominal length;
d) nominal diameter or reference number of rope, the rope material and type of construction;
e) grade of fittings;
f) number of this European Standard, i.e. EN 1492-4:2004;
g) traceability code;
h) identity of the person authorized to sign the certificate on behalf of the manufacturer and date of
signature.
NOTE Items b) to g) inclusive form the designation of the sling or sling assembly.

9 Instructions for use
Instructions for use shall accompany each sling or each delivery of slings supplied with a single order and
shall conform to annex A.
Annex A
(normative)
Information for use and maintenance to be provided by the manufacturer
A.1 Scope
This annex gives guidance to the manufacturer as to the information on use and maintenance which shall be
provided with fibre rope slings conforming to this part of EN 1492.

NOTE Annex C is informative, and provides some detailed information for use and maintenance which may be
appropriate.
A.2 General
The manufacturer of fibre rope slings shall provide documented information, covering the subjects listed below,
with each commercially indivisible batch of slings (see clause 9). Informative annex C contains guidance to
assist the manufacturer in the preparation of this information.
A.3 Limitations on the use of the sling due to environmental conditions or hazardous
applications (see C.1)
a) selective material resistance to chemicals;
b) restrictions due to temperature;
c) susceptibility to cutting and abrasion;
d) degradation due to ultra-violet radiation.
A.4 Before putting the sling into first use (see C.2.1)
a) availability of manufacturer’s certificate;
b) availability of instruction and training.
A.5 Before each period of use (see C.2.2 and C.2.3)
a) inspection procedure;
b) presence of label and legibility of marking;
c) withdrawal criteria.
A.6 Selection and use of fibre rope slings (see C.3)
a) determination of the mass of the load, its centre of gravity, attachment points and proposed method
of attachment;
b) observance of the marked WLL and mode factors. In the case of multi-leg slings, this will include
restrictions on angle of sling legs;
c) attachment of sling to hook of lifting machine;
d) attachment of sling to load; direct attachment, choke hitch, basket hitch, special fittings, other lifting
accessories;
e) protection of sling and load;
f) controlling rotation of the load;
g) ensuring an even balance of the load, avoidance of shortening sling legs, e.g., by twisting, knotting
etc;
h) shock loading;
i) safety of personnel;
j) clamping force;
k) preparation of landing site;
l) detachment of sling;
m) correct storage of sling.
A.7 Periodic thorough examination and maintenance
a) withdrawal criteria, including missing/damaged label and illegible marking;
b) records of examination.
Annex B
(informative)
Working load limits for various modes of use
B.1 Scope
This annex gives, in table form, the working load limits for different configurations and types of material for
fibre rope slings conforming to this part of EN 1492. The WLL’s shown have been calculated in accordance
the requirements of clause 5.8.

Table B.1. — Working load limits for fibre rope slings made of polyamide ropes according to EN 696,
Form A (3-strand hawser laid) and Form L (8-strand plaited) constructions for single slings
Ref: Number of Working load limits WLL
rope Straight lift Choked lift Basket hitch, 2 leg sling 3/4 - leg sling
EN 696
parallel
M = 1,0
β=45°≤60°
Form A Form L M = 1 M = 0,8 M =2, parallel M = 1,4 M = 2,1

β = 0°≤45° β = 0°≤45°
mm mm t t t
t t
16 16 0,68 0,54 1,35 0,95 1,4
18 --- 0,85 0,68 1,7 1,2 1,8
20 20 1,1 0,88 2,2 1,5 2,3
22 --- 1,3 1,0 2,6 1,8 2,7
24 24 1,5 1,2 3,0 2,1 3,2
26 --- 1,8 1,4 3,6 2,5 3,8
28 28 2,1 1,7 4,2 2,9 4,4
30 --- 2,3 1,8 4,6 3,2 4,9
32 32 2,6 2,1 5,2 3,6 5,5
36 36 3,2 2,6 6,4 4,5 6,7
40 40 3,8 3,0 7,6 5,3 8,0
44 44 4,5 3,6 9,0 6,3 9,5
48 48 5,4 4,3 10,8 7,6 11,3
NOTE 1 Slings having working loads below 1 tonne are usually marked in kilograms. 1t = 1000 kg.
NOTE 2 This table is for rating purposes only and does not indicate proposed methods of use.
NOTE 3 The handling tolerance for fibre rope slings or parts of fibre rope slings indicated as vertical is 6°
NOTE 4 The WLL for form B (4-strand, shroud-laid) is 10% less.
NOTE 5  Mode factor M for symmetrical positioning of load

Table B.2 —Working load limits for fibre rope slings made of polyamide ropes according to EN 696,
Form A (3-strand hawser laid) and Form L (8-strand plaited) constructions for endless slings
Ref: Number of rope Working load limits WLL
EN 696 Straight lift Choked lift Basket hitch, Basket hitch,
parallel
Form A Form L M = 1 M = 0,8 M = 1,4 M = 2

β = 0°≤ 45°
mm mm t t t
t
16 16 1,35 1,1 1,9 2,7
18 --- 1,7 1,35 2,4 3,4
20 20 2,2 1,75 3,0 4,4
22 --- 2,6 2,0 3,6 5,2
24 24 3,0 2,4 4,2 6,0
26 --- 3,6 2,8 5,0 7,2
28 28 4,2 3,4 5,8 8,4
30 --- 4,6 3,6 6,4 9,2
32 32 5,2 4,2 7,2 10,4
36 36 6,4 5,2 9,0 12,8
40 40 7,6 6,0 10,6 15,2
44 44 9,0 7,2 12,6 18,0
48 48 10,8 8,6 15,2 21,6
NOTE 1 Slings having working loads below 1 tonne are usually marked in kilograms. 1t = 1000 kg.
NOTE 2 This table is for rating purposes only and does not indicate proposed methods of use.
NOTE 3 The handling tolerance for fibre rope slings or parts of fibre rope slings indicated as vertical is 6°
NOTE 4 The WLL for form B (4-strand, shroud-laid) is 10% less.
NOTE 5 For long spliced slings these WLL's must be reduced using the correction factor of 0,6.
NOTE 6 Mode factor M for symmetrical positioning of load.

Table B.3. — Working load limits for fibre rope slings made of polyester ropes according to EN 697,
Form A (3-strand hawser laid) and Form L (8-strand plaited) constructions for single slings
Ref: Number of rope Working load limits WLL
EN 697
Straight lift Choked lift Basket hitch, 2 leg sling 3/4 - leg sling
parallel
M = 1,0
β=45°≥60°
Form A Form L M = 1 M = 0,8 M =2, parallel M = 1,4 M = 2,1
t
β = 0°≤45° β = 0°≤45°
mm mm t t
t t
16 16 0,52 0,42 1,05 0,73 1,1
18 --- 0,65 0,52 1,3 0,91 1,4
20 20 0,8 0,64 1,6 1,1 1,7
22 --- 1,0 0,8 2,0 1,4 2,1
24 24 1,2 096 2,4 1,7 2,5
26 --- 1,4 1,1 2,8 2,0 2,9
28 28 1,5 1,2 3,0 2,1 3,2
30 --- 1,8 1,4 3,6 2,5 3,8
32 32 2,0 1,6 4,0 2,8 4,2
36 36 2,5 2,0 5,0 3,5 5,2
40 40 3,0 2,4 6,0 4,2 6,3
44 44 3,7 3,0 7,4 5,0 7,7
48 48 4,3 3,4 8,6 6,0 9,0
NOTE 1 Slings having working loads below 1 tonne are usually marked in kilograms. 1t = 1000 kg.
NOTE 2 This table is for rating purposes only and does not indicate proposed methods of use.
NOTE 3 The handling tolerance for fibre rope slings or parts of fibre rope slings indicated as vertical is 6°
NOTE 4 The WLL for form B (4-strand, shroud-laid) is 10% less.
NOTE 5   Mode factor M for symmetrical positioning of load.
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