1. Strength & Compliance
This Lifting Bag is supported by either one Lifting Sling in a basket configuration or two Lifting Slings crossing under the bag’s base. Each Polyester Lifting Sling has a Safe Working Load (SWL) of either 300kg, 500kg or 1000kg,
The Lifting Bag itself is restricted to the same SWL stated on the lifting sling (multiplying the safety factor) and is classed as a Lifting Accessory due to the use of EN1492-1 compliant Lifting Slings. The Slings are CE marked accordingly.
Quality control is assured through batch testing, with samples proven on a 7:1 Safety Factor. Proof loading of the Lifting Bag Slings is not allowed under EN1492-1 and each bag is sold with a certificate in the form of an EC Declaration of Conformity to fully comply as a lifting accessory.
2. Prior to Making the First Lift
Raise the bag a few centimetres to tension the system and check that the two purple/green wear pads or Delta Rings (dependent on model) are located together and that the load is stable. The slings should not then move unduly, other than to settle around the load without straining the bag material. If required, lower the bag down & make any necessary adjustments.
3. Loading the Bag
The bag’s Safe Working Load is based on the premise that the load will be positioned over the black Lifting Sling and supported from sideways movement by the horizontal Ring Sling(s).
A tough base plate inside the bag helps to direct the weight of the load onto the Lifting Slings running under the bag’s base, as well as protecting the sling from the load.
It is the responsibility of the user to ensure any downwards or sideways forces are contained by the Lifting Slings, and that the Safe Working Load is not exceeded.
Small, heavy loads should be prevented from shifting inside the bag by bracing them against the Ring Sling. Such loads may be better accommodated by using a smaller lifting bag.
Very heavy, angular or sharp loads may require the use of wooden battens to stabilise the load, protect the bag and distribute forces in a safe manner. Sand & aggregates shall be suitably bagged and supported against the Ring Sling.
The base plate can be removed for lifting only after a competent person assesses the effects of that load on the base of the bag.
Where fitted, the rubber carrying handles are restricted to 30kg each, providing a combined Manual Handling lift of 60kg by two persons.
4. Soft Boot or Hard Tray
Depending on the model, there will be either a Soft Boot or Hard Tray on the base of the bag.
Soft Boots have the advantages of being light, cheap and yielding when in close proximity to people (eg. Confined spaces). They are designed to protect the sling from rough floor surfaces and will eventually wear out. Do not drag such bags across the floor as this greatly increases wear to the soft boot base.
External Trays are designed to protect the bag and Lifting Sling in arduous environments under normal conditions of use. It is not intended that the bag be subjected to major traumas by dropping onto hard surfaces or dragging over highly abrasive materials.
5. Replaceable Parts
Soft Boots, Hard Trays and Lifting Slings are all replaceable parts to help reduce costs over the medium term. Contact your supplier for details.
6. Pre-Use Checks and Inspections
The EN1492-1 Lifting Sling is designed to be rotated through the sleeves for complete visual inspection in compliance with the Lifting Regulations. As a Lifting Accessory it requires a regime of formal inspections every six months by a suitably competent inspector.
Pre-Use checks should be undertaken by briefed and competent operatives. See checklist below. In particular, look for sling wear under the base of the bag as this is where damage can occur through the ingress of dirt and grit during use. Look also for damage to the sleeves containing the Lifting Sling as this may indicate impact damage to the sling material underneath. Keep the space between the base plate, bag and external tray/boot free from grit and abrasive materials.
Remember to detach the base from the Bag and/or rotate the sling around the bag in order to reveal all the sling material for inspection.

GENERAL
INDICATORS COMMENTS FAIL PASS
Overall Deteriorated Condition Separate minor defects can combine together to lower strength below safe levels YES NO
Label unreadable & No ID Number Items untraceable to Manufacture Date or Serial Number automatically fail YES NO
Passed ‘Use-By’ Date Retire bag if older than five years from date of Supply and ten years from Date of Manufacture. YES NO
Excessive Force Been Applied.
Impact Marks, Dropped Load exceeded SWL, run over by a car, dropped from a great height. Load dropped a distance but arrested by rope and Bag YES NO
Mildew, Stinking, General Dirt Clean with correct harness detergent and water to resolve YES NO
SLING SET
INDICATORS COMMENTS FAIL PASS
Nicks, Cuts, Tears, Frays, Abrasions No mechanical damage allowed including cuts of 1mm and abrasions across face of material
Check wear between slings and metal parts. YES NO
Broken Fibres (grass effect) Furry patches, bobbling can be signs of degeneration or chemicals YES NO
Hard, Burnt or Glazed Sections Heat damage. Shock or over loaded YES NO
Cut or Breached Bag Material Used to Locate & Protect Slings from Wear Slings must retain their position within the Bag.
Breached protective material cannot protect. YES NO
Marked with Permanent Marker Pen Non loading bearing parts okay YES NO
Faded or Discoloured Patches UV or Chemical Contamination YES NO

Pulled, Looped, Broken, Damaged or Missing Stitching Look also for heat damage, chemicals YES NO
HARDWARE
INDICATORS COMMENTS FAIL PASS
Cracked, Missing Plastic Sheets Sign of undue impact on bag. Missing Base Plate can alter lifting characteristics.
YES NO
Damage to Handles’ Stitching Sign of undue force being applied in wrong direction. (For Manual Handling only. 30kg x 2 =60kg Max load on handles) YES NO
Damaged or Corroded Master Links or Delta Rings (If present) Rotate Ring to inspect weld YES NO