WSTDA Stands for Safety

By Michael Gelskey, Sr., WSTDA Vice President

Over the years I have had many occasions to define a “sling” and explain how it is used. Usually the explanation involves the machinery used in rigging the sling, and specifically includes cranes. Prior to March 2008 most people thought cranes were large, aquatic birds with slender, stilt-like legs. Unfortunately, by virtue of the terrible accidents in New York, Houston and Wright, the general population now knows the contextual definition of a sling used with a crane to lift and move materials.

Association attorney, Jerry Panaro prepared an excellent article for the current edition of Uplifting News, relative to the March 15,2008 crane collapse. It is very insightful and reaffirms the primary mission of the Web Sling and Tie Down Association. Our purpose has always been particularly relevant and now takes on a new sense of importance and relevance.
As I read the synopsis of the New York crane tragedy and reflected upon the WSTDA some very strong “cords” resonated from the standard specifications, operation and inspection manuals. Three of the most basic elements were: inspection, wear protection and training.

The use of damaged slings and tiedowns will result in injury, death and destruction. The Web Sling and Tie Down Association has for over thirty-five years advanced the need for proper inspection of slings and tiedowns. The system of inspection is based upon a three stage approach: initial, frequent and periodic. The WSTDA continues to promote a zero tolerance policy for damage and this is the most redemptive approach to protect users and manufacturers.

Wear protection has long been mandated in the WSTDA standards and user manuals for any condition or application that could cause damage. The WSTDA leads the way to expunge the subjective word “sharp” from the sling and tiedown standards and user manuals. A combination of a moderate edge combined with movement of the sling across a load edge (non-positive sling to load engagement) can have catastrophic results. Legislation was recently enacted in New York that somewhat misses the mark. It’s wonderful that “softening mechanisms” are required to be applied on all “sharp” edges, but relativity might dictate that what one considers sharp, another might consider semi-sharp or even dull.

An area that should be addressed is the adequacy of the wear protection. Cardboard and gloves were not developed as wear protection to withstand tension and compression. In addition the WSTDA has through its Round Sling and Testing Technical Committees developed tests to determine the effects on sling strength, when exposed to various radii. The summarization of this data, which is being interpreted and worked on for release will no doubt aid sling users.

If the sling or tiedown is properly protected and inspected, but the user is not trained, accidents can occur. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers in the B30.9 Sling Safety Standard clearly stipulates that all sling users shall be trained. This statement was so profound that it follows the scope in each of the six sling chapters. Simply stated, if you have not been trained, do not use slings or tiedowns.

The WSTDA, through the Legal Resource Committee, working with Dr. Stephen Young, PhD, Applied Safety and Ergonomics is in the process of developing sling and tiedown warning labels and product information bulletins. The developmental process involved: hazard recognition, incidents, warnings, prioritization and specific language to alert sling and tiedown users. The labels and bulletins will assist in accident prevention efforts, benefiting sling and tiedown users and the manufacturing communities.

I am looking forward to the next meeting in Asheville. There is a new meeting format and the delightful setting of the Grove Park Inn. When explaining the WSTDA to a new member, it was gratifying to state that competitors and suppliers devote tremendous efforts to develop standard specifications, user and inspector manuals for the benefit of those who use slings and tiedowns. Individual gain and interest is set aside for the overall common good. Collaboration with other organizations like the Associated Wire Rope Fabricators and the Cordage Institute will strengthen the individual companies and members that participate. I have received more than I have ever given in my association with the WSTDA and urge you to do the same. Get involved, participate and be enriched. Consider supporting the suppliers that are members and participate by attending the meetings and are involved in the committee process.

Many will leave the Asheville meeting, just as we did in St Louis, mentally and physically exhausted. The preparation and pre-meetings for the committees is inspirational. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to all that make the WSTDA what it is, an association of hardworking, dedicated volunteers.

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Web Sling & Tie Down Association

2105 Laurel Bush Rd. • Suite 200 • Bel Air, MD 21015 • phone: 443-640-1070 • fax: 443-640-1031 • wstda@ksgroup.org • www.wstda.com