A visual inspection must be carried out before each use of load handling attachments, including before the first use. If there is any doubt about the suitability for use or if the marking is lost or illegible, this work equipment must be taken out of service and inspected by an expert. Examples of faults or damage that can affect long-term safe use are transverse and longitudinal cuts, cuts and chafing on selvedges or coverings as well as cuts caused by sewing stitches or loops. In addition to the mandatory visual inspection before each use, a "competent person" must carry out and document inspections, usually at least once a year. EN 1492 describes the qualifications that this person must have; among other things, appropriate training, specialist knowledge and practical experience are required. EN ISO 9002:1994 contains guidelines for training.

Informative additional label

All lifting slings and round slings must be fitted with a permanently attached product label. This must include the traceability code, the date of manufacture, the name of the manufacturer and the load capacity. Commissioning must be documented digitally or in print. The same applies to regular inspections. Spanset Germany provides lifting slings and round slings with an additional label - this is not mandatory, but is helpful in practice. The user can mark the commissioning and the first six annual inspections on it. However, marking the additional label does not release the operator from the documentation obligation described above. However, the date of manufacture has no relevance for a supposed "minimum shelf life". Rather, it is clear that if the lifting sling or round sling has been stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, the user has a new product when it is put into operation, even if time has passed since it was manufactured. It is always important to follow the operating instructions.