Can I Use a Lifting Slings That Has Faded Color?

A rigging supervisor pulls a lifting sling from the storage rack. The color has faded from bright yellow to a pale, bleached white. It looks worn—but is it still safe to use?

 

This question surfaces on job sites daily. And the answer, according to industry standards, is clear: a faded lifting sling should be removed from service immediately.

 

Lishenflex has been manufacturing synthetic lifting slings for over two decades, and our field data show that color fading is one of the most reliable visual indicators of UV degradation—a process that progressively weakens synthetic fibers. According to the Rigging Institute, UV damage is one of the most common causes of synthetic sling failure. ASME B30.9 specifically identifies discoloration and brittle or stiff areas as conditions requiring immediate removal from service.

Why Does Color Fade in Lifting Slings?

The primary cause of color fading in synthetic lifting slings is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight. Synthetic webbing materials—typically polyester or nylon—are vulnerable to UV exposure, which breaks down the chemical bonds in the fibers over time.

 

As detailed in the Liftex Slings safety guide, environments in which synthetic webbing slings are continuously exposed to ultraviolet light can affect the strength of synthetic webbing slings in varying degrees from little to total degradation. The guide lists the visual indications of ultraviolet degradation as:

 

● Bleaching out of sling color

 

● Increased stiffness of sling material

 

● Surface abrasion in areas not normally in contact with the load

 

According to the Rigging Institute, round slings with light-colored jackets can lose up to 40 percent of their ultimate strength over a six-month period of continuous UV exposure. In the round sling color spectrum, white, tan, gray, and yellow are the least protective covers, while red, dark brown, dark green, and black offer the best protection against UV damage.

 

What Does Faded Color Mean for Sling Safety?

Color fading is not merely a cosmetic issue. It is a warning sign that the sling's structural integrity may have been compromised. UV radiation degrades the molecular structure of synthetic fibers, making them brittle, stiff, and prone to failure under load.

 

The Washington Administrative Code (WAC 296-155-55825) , which adopts ASME standards for workplace safety, specifically lists "discoloration, brittle fibers, and hard or stiff areas that may indicate chemical or ultraviolet/sunlight damage" as a condition requiring immediate removal from service. This regulatory requirement confirms that a faded sling is not simply "looking old"—it is a documented safety hazard.

 

Industry sources further confirm that Bleached or faded color is a sign of UV damage, and slings with these characteristics should be removed from service. Regular inspections should look for faded spots and feel around for stiff or brittle areas, as these are signs of ultraviolet light damage.

 

Fading vs. Other Types of Discoloration

Not all discoloration is UV damage. Some discoloration may result from:

 

Critical note: If the color change is accompanied by stiffness, brittleness, or surface abrasion, the sling should be removed from service even if the fading itself appears minor.

 

Standards and Regulatory Requirements

Several industry standards and regulations address UV damage and color fading:

 

ASME B30.9 requires that slings with discoloration and brittle or stiff areas on any part of the sling that may indicate chemical or ultraviolet/sunlight damage be removed from service.

 

Washington Administrative Code (WAC 296-155-55825) adopts these requirements, mandating that slings showing discoloration, brittle fibers, and hard or stiff areas that may indicate chemical or ultraviolet/sunlight damage must be removed from service. The regulation also requires that a qualified person perform a visual inspection for damage each day or shift the sling is used.

 

According to Mazzella Companies interpretation of ASME B30.9, discoloration, brittle fibers, and hard or stiff areas that may indicate chemical damage, ultraviolet damage, or heat damage are among the conditions that require immediate removal from service.

 

 

What to Do If You Find a Faded Sling

If a lifting sling shows signs of color fading or UV damage:

 

1.Immediately remove it from service. Do not use it "just one more time."

 

2.Mark it clearly as "damaged—do not use" to prevent accidental reuse.

 

3.Destroy or cut the sling to ensure it cannot be accidentally returned to service. As industry sources recommend, damaged lifting slings should be destroyed to prevent secondary use.

 

4.Replace with a new sling that has appropriate UV resistance for your operating environment.

 

5.Review storage practices—ensure slings are stored in a cool, dry, dark place when not in use.

 

Preventing UV Damage

The best way to manage UV damage is prevention:

 

● Store lifting slings in a cool, dry, and dark place when not being used for prolonged periods of time.

 

● Inspect slings weekly or even more frequently depending on sling use.

 

● Consider slings with UV-resistant materials or dark-colored covers for outdoor applications.

 

● Rotate sling inventory to minimize continuous UV exposure.

 

Lishenflex manufactures polyester lifting slings with UV-resistant additives and offers dark-color cover options for extended outdoor service. Our products meet EN 1492 and ASME B30.9 standards, with clear color-coded capacity markings that remain legible when properly maintained.

 

Summary and Practical Takeaways

A faded lifting sling is not a matter of aesthetics—it is a safety warning that should never be ignored. Color fading indicates UV degradation, which weakens synthetic fibers and can lead to sudden failure under load.

 

Key actions to implement:

 

1.Train your team to recognize faded color as an immediate retirement criterion

 

2.Inspect all slings daily—look for bleaching, stiffness, and surface abrasion

 

3.Store slings out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry, dark location

 

4.Replace faded slings immediately—never second-guess UV damage

 

5.Document all inspections and retirements to maintain regulatory compliance

 

Lishenflex offers a full range of synthetic lifting slings with UV-resistant materials and clear color-coded capacity markings. Our products are designed for longevity, but we emphasize that no sling is immune to UV damage—proper storage and regular inspection are essential.

 

If you need assistance identifying whether your lifting slings are due for retirement due to UV damage—or need guidance on storage and inspection practices—please send an email to sales@lishenflex.com, and our technical team will provide one-on-one support.