TOW STRAPS VS. RECOVERY STRAPS

Not sure whether you need a tow strap or a recovery strap? Not sure you know the difference between the two? Learn the difference and get what you need with Olsen Chain & Cable. 

TOW STRAPS

  • Designed for the sole purpose of towing

  • Are made of Dacron or polypropylene that does not stretch
  • 
Comes with shackles or hooks made for connecting to tow hooks on a truck 

When using tow straps...

    • Do not use for recovery as shackles or hooks may become dangerous projectiles

    • Before ever using the strap, make sure it’s in good condition (no cuts, frays, or broken stitching.)
    • Keep away from excessive heat

    • Never exceed rated capacity for a heavy-duty tow/recovery

    • Clean with water, never use chemicals

RECOVERY STRAPS

  • Are often flat with sewn loops and never have shackles or hooks
  • Are made of nylon - which allows them to stretch

  • Are safer than chains, not nearly as heavy, and are easy to use 

When using recovery straps...

    • Always keep safety in mind. Stay at least the length of the strap away from vehicles when tow/recovery is in process
    • Drive slowly when pulling a vehicle out, as sudden tugs may lead to damage
    • 
Before ever using the strap, make sure it is in good condition (no cuts, frays, or broken stitching.)
    • Keep away from excessive heat

    • Never exceed rated capacity for a heavy-duty tow/recovery strap

    • Clean with water. Never use chemicals!

Inspections & Maintenance

OSHA requires that regular inspections maintain the function and safety of any of your lifting, rigging, and load securement equipment. At Olsen Chain & Cable, we can conduct and document these necessary inspections.

Call Olsen's Inspection Service

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PERSONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

Safety is an investment in the right equipment and the right training. Keep your people safe with Fall Arrest Systems from Olsen Chain & Cable.  

Personal Fall Arrest Systems

A personal fall arrest system is a system used to safely stop (arrest) a worker who is falling from a working level. It consists of an anchorage, connectors, and a body harness. It also may include a lanyard, deceleration device, lifeline, or suitable combinations of these. Under Subpart M, body belts (safety belts) are prohibited for use as part of a personal fall arrest system.*

*Note: Limited use of body belts (safety belts) can still be used as part of a positioning device system or fall restraint system.
See more information under Fall Protection Systems below.


OSHA 1926.502 Regulations for Construction
 and OSHA 1910.66 Standards, in addition to 
OSHA the ANSI A10.32-2012 Standard and
 ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code, are used when

Olsen Chain & Cable provides inspection services with documentation on your fall protection equipment and systems.

Worker Fall Protection - Safety Equipment Guidelines

When using a fall arrest system, workers must...

  • Limit the maximum arresting force on a worker to 1,800 pounds when used with a body harness. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(ii)
  • Be rigged so that a worker can neither free fall more than 6 feet nor contact any lower level. 29 CFR 926.502(d)(16)(iii)
  • Bring a worker to a complete stop and limit the maximum deceleration distance a worker travels to 3.5 feet. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(iv)
  • Have sufficient strength to withstand twice the potential impact energy of a worker free falling a distance of 6 feet or the free fall distance permitted by the system, whichever is less. 
29 CFR 1926.502(d)(16)(v)
  • Be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration. Defective components must be removed from service. 29 CFR 1926.502(d)(21)

** The above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of requirements. Please consult with your local OSHA consultation office to ensure your site meets all requirements.

Free On-site Safety and Health Consultation Services for Small Business

OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers free and confidential advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites.

Visit www.osha.gov/consultation or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

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from Olsen Chain & Cable

Perform in high-demand lifting scenarios with the ability to safely grip and lift various hot materials and to tolerate high-stress, abrasive wear.  


Wire Mesh Slings are widely used in metal working and in other industries where loads are abrasive, hot, or tend to cut or damage web slings. Unlike nylon and wire rope slings, metal mesh slings resist abrasion and cutting. Metal mesh slings also easily manage loads by firmly gripping loads without extensive stretching or wear.

Be sure to regularly, thoroughly inspect wire mesh slings. 

Items to look for include...

  • Broken wires in any part of the mesh
  • 
Broken weld or broken brazed joint along the sling edge 
  • Reduction in wire diameter of 25 percent or more due to abrasion or 15 percent or more due to corrosion
  • Lack of flexibility due to distortion of the mesh
  • Distortion of the choker fitting so that the depth of the slot is increased by more than 10 percent
  • Distortion of either end fitting so that the width of the eye opening is decreased by more than 10 percent
  • A 15 percent or more reduction of the original cross-sectional area of any point around the hook opening of the end fitting
  • Visible distortion of either end fitting out of its plane
  • 
Cracked end fitting
  • Sling in which the spirals are locked or without free articulation
  • 
Fittings that are pitted, corroded, cracked, bent, twisted, gouged, or broken
  • Missing or illegible sling identifications
  • 
Other conditions that cause doubt as to the integrity of the sling

Inspections and Maintenance

OSHA requires annual inspections on lifting equipment. Olsen Chain & Cable can complete these inspections and also perform any necessary repair or refurbishment work. 

Damaged Mesh is Repairable

Return 
any damaged sling to Olsen Chain & Cable for an estimate for refurbishment and for repair services.

Schedule a Repair
with Olsen Chain & Cable

FIRE PREVENTION

Equipment, systems, and services that help you protect your operation and people from the inherent dangers in your industry. 

FIRE EXTINGUISHER GUIDELINES

    • A fire extinguisher, rated not less than 2A 10B:C, should be provided for each 3,000 square feet of the protected building area or major fraction thereof.
    • Travel distance from any point of the protected area to the nearest fire extinguisher shall not exceed 75 feet.
    • One or more fire extinguishers should be provided for each floor. In multi-story buildings, at least one fire extinguisher should be posted adjacent to the stairway. 

    • Fire extinguishers should be conspicuously located and readily accessible at all times.
    • Fire extinguishers should be periodically inspected and maintained.
    • Carbon tetrachloride and other toxic vaporizing liquid fire extinguishers are prohibited.
    • Each fire extinguisher is considered professional equipment and its effectiveness in protecting property depends on knowing: What it can and cannot do; how to use it;
      • Where to install it
      • How to maintain it
      • Knowledge of classes or types of fires
      • What class or classes of fire the extinguisher is capable of extinguishing.
    • Training should be provided for the use of fire extinguishers.

FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY CHECKLIST

    • Smoking areas designated and used
    • 'No Smoking' signs posted in hazardous areas
    • Trash removed regularly (daily is recommended)

    • Combustible inventory and materials stored away from building
    • All electrical plugs, power strips, switches, and cords meet code and in good condition
    • Cords not running across doorways or under carpets or mats where they can be tripping hazards or damaged
    • Malfunctioning electrical equipment reported immediately or removed from service
    • All work stations and areas kept clean and neat
    • Inventory and other materials properly stacked
    • Corridors and exits kept clear at all times
    • Equipment cleaned to prevent residue build-up
    • Rags with oily and/or solvent, paint, or solvent residue properly discarded in approved fire resistant containers with lids
    • Exit Signs illuminated as required and kept in working order
    • Fire doors working properly and not blocked

IMPORTANT

The above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of fire safety checks. Please consult with your insurance company and/or your local OSHA consultation office to ensure your site meets all requirements.

WIRE ROPE & CABLE

Safely lift and control even the most difficult loads. Cable and wire rope that offer strength and dependability without compromise from Olsen Chain & Cable. 

 USE & CARE

  • Wire rope slings normally require no additional lubrication other than what may be required for the prevention of corrosion or acid embrittlement when environmental conditions so dictate.
  • Fiber core wire rope slings of all grades shall be permanently removed from service if they are exposed to temperatures in excess of 200° F. Non-fiber core wire rope slings of any grade are used at temperatures above 400° F or below minus 60° F. Recommendations of the sling manufacturer regarding use at that temperature shall be followed.
  • Wire rope slings of all grades should be stored in an area where they will not be damaged by moisture, extreme heat, corrosion, being run-over, or being kinked.
  • Proper care and usage are essential for maximum service and safety. Wire rope slings should be protected from sharp bends and cutting edges by means of corner saddles, burlap padding, or wood blocking.
  • Heavy or continuous overloading should be avoided as well as sudden jerks which can build up a momentary overload sufficient to break the sling.
  • Slings should be hung up vertically when not in use.
    Inspect slings daily and according to OSHA-approved ASME guidelines.

PRE-OPERATIONAL DAILY INSPECTIONS

All slings must be checked daily by the sling operator before the first use of each shift.

Here are some items to check daily:


    • Check that ID tags are not missing
    • Check for melted or charred areas
    • Check for excessive abrasive wear or elongation 
    • Check for broken, kinked or rusted wires
    • Check for acid or caustic burns
    • Check for broken or damaged fittings

ANNUAL INSPECTIONS

OSHA 1910.184 requirements dictate a yearly complete sling inspection. Olsen can conduct and document these necessary inspections. Call Today: 800-328-1906

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