What is the Color Identification of Round Lifting Slings?
Round lifting slings use color to signal their working load limit, but the system is not universal. This guide explains what each color means, why it matters when labels wear out, and how to verify the rating before use.
What the Colors on Round Lifting Slings Actually Mean
The color of a round lifting sling's outer cover indicates its rated working load limit, according to common industry practice. Purple means 1 ton, green is 2 tons, yellow is 3 tons, gray is 4 tons, red is 5 tons, brown is 6 tons, blue is 8 tons, and orange covers 10 to 100 tons. This system helps users quickly identify the capacity without reading a label. However, the color is not a standalone rating. It is meant to support the label and marking on the sling. If the label is missing or worn, the color provides a visual reference, but it must be confirmed with the documented working load limit and traceability marking.
Why Color Coding Matters When Labels Wear Out
Labels on round slings can degrade from UV exposure, abrasion, chemicals, or repeated use. After months of service, the printed tonnage may become illegible. At that point, the color of the outer cover becomes the only visible indicator of capacity. Relying on color alone is risky if the system is not standardised across suppliers. A sling marked with a green cover may be 2 tons in one factory, but 3 tons in another. The only reliable way to confirm the rating is to check the stamped working load limit and the material test certificate supplied with the order.
1T Endless Webbing Sling/Endless Polyester lifting slings
How to Verify the Actual Working Load Limit
Never assume a sling's capacity based on color alone. The stamped working load limit (WLL) on the sling's end fitting or tag is the official rating. For orders, request a Material Test Certificate to EN 10204 3.1, which confirms the material grade, breaking strength, and WLL. The certificate should match the stamped WLL. If the color does not match the stamped rating, the sling is mislabeled. Always verify the WLL before use, especially when replacing a worn sling or when sourcing from a new supplier.
1T Endless Webbing Sling/Endless Polyester lifting slings
What to Do If the Color and the Label Disagree
If the color of the sling does not match the stamped WLL or the label, treat the sling as unverified. Do not use it until the rating is confirmed. Contact the supplier for the batch certificate and traceability data. If the supplier cannot provide the test certificate, do not accept the sling. A mismatch between color and WLL is a red flag for inconsistent manufacturing or labeling. In a safety-critical environment, it is better to err on the side of caution and reject the item.
2T Endless Webbing Sling/Endless Polyester lifting slings
How to Use Color Coding as a Field Check
Color coding is a useful first check during pre-use inspection. If a sling has a red cover, you know it is rated for 5 tons. If it has a blue cover, it is 8 tons. But this is only a starting point. Always confirm the stamped WLL and check for any signs of damage. If the color is faded or inconsistent with the marking, stop using the sling. Use color as a visual aid, not a substitute for documentation. Keep a reference chart in the warehouse to train staff on the standard color-to-tonnage mapping.
2T Endless Webbing Sling/Endless Polyester lifting slings
How to Stock and Manage Round Slings by Color
For distributors, color coding helps with visual sorting and inventory control. Stock slings by color and tonnage, but keep the WLL stamped on the tag visible. Use color-coded bins or labels to group by capacity. When a customer asks for a 3-ton sling, the yellow cover is a quick visual match. But before shipping, verify the WLL and certificate. If you are sourcing from multiple suppliers, confirm that all slings follow the same color standard. Otherwise, the color becomes misleading.
2T Endless Webbing Sling/Endless Polyester lifting slings
What to Ask a Supplier Before You Order
Ask whether the color coding follows the standard 1 ton purple, 2 tons green, etc. Request the WLL stamped on the sling and confirm it matches the color. Ask for the Material Test Certificate to EN 10204 3.1 with the batch. Confirm that the sling is made from polyester and meets EN 1492-1 or EN 1492-2. Ask whether the color is applied with UV-resistant dye and whether the outer cover is abrasion-resistant. A supplier who can provide all this data is more reliable than one who only shows a color chart.
3T Endless Webbing Sling/Endless Polyester lifting slings
Ordering note. Purple means 1 ton, green 2 tons, yellow 3 tons, gray 4 tons, red 5 tons, brown 6 tons, blue 8 tons, orange 10 to 100 tons Color is a visual aid, not a substitute for the stamped WLL and Material Test Certificate Always verify the WLL stamped on the sling and match it to the certificate before use If color and label disagree, do not use the sling until the rating is confirmed Use color coding in t