• Make clear signals according to standard signals. Refer to "Materials Handling - Crane and Hoist Hand Signals" for examples.
• Signal the crane operator from only the one slinger who is in charge of lift. The only exception is a stop signal. (A slinger or rigger is the person who hooks loads onto cranes using various types of slings.)
• Determine the weight of the load to be lifted.
• Select the right sling for each job using the manufacturers' tables. A slinger must be familiar with these tables showing the safe capacities of slings.
• Inspect each item of lifting equipment before and after lifts.
• Protect slings from damage by sharp edges with corner saddles, padding, or wooden blocks.
• Warn all people out of the load area before starting the lift.
• Protect your hands and fingers: when slack is being taken out of a sling, keep them from between the sling and load so they will not be trapped and crushed. Step away before the lift is made.
• Make sure a load is high enough to clear all objects before signaling for the crane to move.
• Walk ahead of the moving load and warn people to keep clear. Use guide ropes to prevent rotation or other uncontrolled motion.
• Hook unused sling legs to the sling ring.

What should you avoid when slinging a load?

• Do not exceed the capacities of slings, fixtures and cranes.
• Do not twist or tie knots in slings or use bolts, nails or pieces of wire to shorten slings.
• Do not splice together broken slings.
• Do not ride on hooks or loads.
• Do not allow workers to walk or work under a load.
• Do not attempt to pull or push loads to a spot that is not under the hoist.
• Do not drag slings. Avoid pulling slings out from under loads by crane. Set down loads on blocking, never directly on a sling.
• Do not leave unused slings, accessories, or blocking lying on the floor. Hang on racks or store in a proper place.
• Do not carry a load by inserting the point of the hook into a link of the chain.
• Do not hammer a sling into place.
• Do not leave loose materials on a load.
• Do not use slings that are stretched, broken, or defective. Tag them as defective and dispose of any damaged slings.
• Do not leave suspended loads unattended.