When sling tag information is unreadable, what action should be taken?

• A. Estimate ratings
• B. Remove from service
• C. Change the sling angle
• D. Substitute information

Answer: (B)

When a sling tag is unreadable, the safe action is to remove the sling from service. The tag provides essential details such as the working load limit, sling type, material, and manufacturer. If you can’t read these, you can’t verify whether the sling is appropriate for the load or the specific lift, and guessing or altering usage is dangerous. Keeping a sling with unreadable information could lead to overload and failure, which can cause serious injury or damage.

So, take the sling out of service and tag it out until the tag can be replaced or the sling can be re-identified by a qualified person after inspection. Use a different sling with legible information in the meantime. Substituting information, changing the sling angle to compensate, or estimating ratings are not safe alternatives.