Natural fiber rope slings are acceptable for overhead lifting.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if reinforced
• D. Only with a slip-knot hitch

Answer: (B)

Overhead lifting requires slings that have a certified load rating and are designed for lifting with proper inspection and markings. Natural fiber rope slings don’t provide reliable, standardized ratings and are highly susceptible to moisture, oils, rot, abrasion, and damage that isn’t always visible. Their strength can degrade unpredictably, making them prone to sudden failure under load. For safety, only slings that are rated and marked for overhead use should be employed, such as synthetic fiber slings or wire rope slings, with pre-use inspections.