The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has now issued the 2018 version of the B30.9 Sling Safety Consensus Standard. The 2018 revision of the previous 2014 version has some very notable additions and changes. In Chapter 9-0 which contains scope, definitions and personnel competence, new language regarding minimum requirements for riggers assigned to load handling activities have now been added in Section 9-0.4. Riggers involved in load handling activities must ensure the weight of the load and determine the center of gravity are cited in the newly added, Rigger Responsibility Section. Sling selection and inspection are also cited in the new section, and also lists several other ASME standards for compliance and proper usage, i.e., ASME B30.10, B30.2, B30.23 and B30.26. Section 9-0.4 also mentions that the effects of angles (sling tension) must also be taken into consideration to avoid overloading.
