What are the main differences between wire rope slings and synthetic slings in terms of risks and handling?

What are the main differences between wire rope slings and synthetic slings in terms of risks and handling?

• A. Wire rope is lighter than synthetic slings.
• B. Synthetic slings are always stronger than wire rope.
• C. Wire rope is strong and durable but can kink, corrode, and wear; synthetic slings are lighter and safer for impact but are vulnerable to cuts, heat, UV exposure, and abrasion; both require edge protection and regular inspection.
• D. Synthetic slings never require inspection.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how wire rope and synthetic slings differ in risk during lifting and what handling care they require. Wire rope is extremely strong and durable, which makes it good for heavy-duty use, but it can kink, corrode, and wear on the strands, especially where it contacts sharp edges or fittings. Those damage modes raise the risk of sudden failure if not inspected and maintained. Synthetic slings are much lighter, and they tend to be safer for impact and contact with people or edges, but they are vulnerable to cuts, heat damage, UV exposure, and abrasion. With synthetic slings you must be careful around sharp edges, heat sources, and rough surfaces, and you must protect them with edge guards and use regular inspection because cuts or sun degradation can compromise strength. In addition, edge protection and regular inspection are important for both types to prevent unnoticed damage. The other statements don’t fit: wire rope is not lighter; synthetic slings are not always stronger; and synthetic slings do require inspection.

The main idea is how wire rope and synthetic slings differ in risk during lifting and what handling care they require. Wire rope is extremely strong and durable, which makes it good for heavy-duty use, but it can kink, corrode, and wear on the strands, especially where it contacts sharp edges or fittings. Those damage modes raise the risk of sudden failure if not inspected and maintained. Synthetic slings are much lighter, and they tend to be safer for impact and contact with people or edges, but they are vulnerable to cuts, heat damage, UV exposure, and abrasion. With synthetic slings you must be careful around sharp edges, heat sources, and rough surfaces, and you must protect them with edge guards and use regular inspection because cuts or sun degradation can compromise strength. In addition, edge protection and regular inspection are important for both types to prevent unnoticed damage. The other statements don’t fit: wire rope is not lighter; synthetic slings are not always stronger; and synthetic slings do require inspection.