SpanSet, a company renowned for its unwavering dedication to global safety and quality, has invested heavily in state-of-the-art testing equipment over the years at its purpose-built manufacturing facility in Emu Plains, Western Sydney.
The centrepiece of this investment is the installation of a groundbreaking 600-tonne 45m long tensile test bed. This heavy piece of equipment ( weighing in at 65 tonnes itself ) has a 30-meter working length, thus allowing SpanSet to test up to 60 meters in a basket configuration.
The size of the test bed gives SpanSet unparalleled scope to proof test high- tonnage lifting slings at exceptionally long lengths. This investment not only underscores SpanSet’s commitment to safety and compliance under the rigorous testing standards of AS4497:2018 but also positions them as the only synthetic sling manufacturer that can manufacture up to 300t round slings and proof test them to two times their Working Load Limit in accordance with AS4497:2018 “and all under one roof”, thus closing the circle of complete in-house quality control and compliance.
“Regrettably, it is not uncommon for manufacturers to outsource their high- tonnage compliance-proof testing due to limited in-house testing capabilities. In some cases, they may even choose to forgo this mandatory testing altogether,” said SpanSet Managing Director Kristian Pritchett. During a joint sling destruction exercise conducted with The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA), significant discrepancies were discovered between manufacturers’ claimed break strengths and actual performance.
This highlighted the critical importance of purchasing synthetic slings from reputable manufacturers that maintain robust quality control systems. Additionally, it underscores the necessity of ensuring these facilities have NATA certification and the slings undergo rigorous in-house testing (CICA spotlights soft sling compliance issues).
“SpanSet stands out with its dedication to comprehensive quality control by keeping everything under one roof in Western Sydney. All SpanSet synthetic Australian Made slings are tested in the factory which is NATA certified, giving our customers certainty and confidence. SpanSet is also certified to ISO 9001:2015 ISO 45001: 2018 and ISO 14001: 2015.
COMPLIANCE VERIFICATION CONCERNS
“When compliance testing is outsourced to an unrelated third-party, the purchaser or end user faces significant challenges in easily verifying the compliance status of the testing house and ensuring that their testing equipment is properly calibrated in accordance with the relevant standard requirements AS2193 and further supported via NATA accreditation,” said Kristian.
“In the context of the chain of responsibility, it is highly recommended that users of synthetic slings identify the manufacturer of the slings they are purchasing and validate the claims made on the test certificates. Purchasers or end users can verify NATA testing accreditation by searching for the supplier on the NATA website,” he said. This is also highlighted in a recent CICA / Incolink Safety Bulletin titled “Top Tips for Soft Sling Procurement and Usage,” he said, Unlike others, SpanSet maintains complete control over the entire manufacturing and compliance testing process.
This meticulous approach is not only a cornerstone of their operational philosophy but also a crucial factor that matters greatly to purchasers of SpanSet products. Crane companies globally trust in SpanSet products for safety and compliance manufactured to in-country standards.
When undertaking any lifting operation, especially in a heavy lift, there is no room for “risk”.
By managing every aspect internally, SpanSet ensures that each product meets rigorous safety and quality standards, providing unmatched assurance to its customers.
For SpanSet, the ability to oversee and execute every stage of production and testing is essential. It exemplifies their commitment to excellence and exceeds the benchmark in this country.
“In my professional opinion, it is crucial for purchasers of high-tonnage lifting slings, or lifting slings in general, to conduct thorough due diligence. This includes verifying whether the brand indicated on the compliance tag is a legitimate manufacturer or merely a trader, as well as ensuring the authenticity of the supplied test certificate,” said Kristian.
“Don’t take risks with unknown brands; opt for a SpanSet Australian Made and Tested Synthetic Slings, ensuring peace of mind and reliability.
“Our objective is to educate customers and users about our products and the supplied test certificates, providing guidance on how to interpret and understand the information contained. Furthermore, we extend an open invitation to our users to visit our facility, offering them the opportunity to observe firsthand our meticulous manufacturing processes and rigorous testing procedures for every SpanSet sling,” he said.
When purchasing a crane, selecting a brand with a history of manufacturing safe and reliable machines is essential. A brand with a proven track record in the industry offers assurance of quality and dependability.
The same principle applies to purchasing synthetic lifting slings. It is crucial to choose a manufacturer that specializes in its field and has full circle quality assurance and understands the complexities of the technical aspects of textile lifting slings says Kristian.
The size of the test bed gives SpanSet unparalleled scope to proof test high- tonnage lifting slings at exceptionally long lengths.
“At SpanSet, we have over 50 years of global experience in synthetic lifting sling manufacturing. As a result, we provide all the technical information relevant to heavy lifts, including details about sling thickness under load, sling width under load, and the appropriate sling for various shackles.
SpanSet Australia manufactures lifting slings that meet the highest safety and performance standards, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of your lifting operations. With decades of experience, SpanSet has honed its expertise in producing high-quality lifting slings designed to handle the most demanding tasks.
Moreover, SpanSet’s dedication to quality is evident in its comprehensive range of lifting solutions, which cater to various industries and applications Lifting, Load Restrain and Height Safetey.
By choosing SpanSet, you are investing in a product backed by extensive global research, advanced manufacturing techniques, and a deep understanding of the industry’s needs. This translates to greater peace of mind, knowing that your SpanSet product is built to perform as intended under the AS Standards.
“In addition, SpanSet offers excellent customer support and training resources, helping you maximize the use and longevity of their products. Their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures that you receive high quality products fully backed by the manufacturer,” said Kristian