Is a knot allowed in a synthetic sling if it does not cause permanent damage?

A synthetic sling should not be knotted during use due to several important safety reasons. Knots can create concentrated stress points that are not present in the sling’s design, which can lead to failure. Even if a knot does not cause permanent damage, it may reduce the sling's load-bearing capacity and alter the way the load is distributed across the sling.

Additionally, knots can make it more difficult to inspect the sling for signs of wear and damage, as they can conceal issues that might otherwise be visible. Proper handling and usage of synthetic slings are critical for ensuring safe lifting operations. Therefore, maintaining the integrity of a synthetic sling without any knots is necessary to comply with safety standards and best practices in crane operations.

In contrast, while certain situations might seem to allow for the use of knots when they are deemed temporary or supervisor-approved, these practices may still introduce risks and complications that are counterproductive to ensuring safety.