If a tag is damaged or missing but the sling appears acceptable, which is the proper course of action?

• A. Can be used under caution
• B. Must be derated
• C. May be returned to manufacturer for testing and retagging
• D. Must be destroyed

Answer: (C)

When a sling’s tag is damaged or missing, you don’t have a reliable record of its rated capacity or its inspection status. That tag is the official confirmation of how much load the sling can safely handle and that it’s been inspected properly. The safest and correct course is to return the sling to the manufacturer for testing and retagging. If it passes testing, a new tag is applied with the correct capacity, reestablishing a verifiable safe use.

Using it "under caution" isn’t appropriate because the load limit is unknown without the tag. Derating isn’t a valid solution without a confirmed rating from testing. Destroying it isn’t the default action either—testing and retagging preserves usable gear when it’s still sound.