If a sling's label is illegible, what should be done?

When a sling's label is illegible, the only safe and appropriate action is to remove it from service. The label contains critical information such as the sling's load capacity, safety standards, and usage instructions, which ensure the equipment is used correctly and safely. If this information is unclear or unreadable, it poses a risk of using the sling beyond its safe limits, potentially leading to accidents and injuries.

Removing the sling from service protects personnel and ensures that no one unknowingly uses equipment that might be compromised or insufficiently rated due to the lack of identifiable information. Safety protocols always emphasize the importance of known specifications and operational guidelines, which are essential for maintaining safety in the workplace.

The other actions, such as cleaning, reusing, or repairing the sling without proper identification, do not address the fundamental issue of safety posed by the illegibility of the label. These options might result in using a sling that could be dangerous or inappropriate for the load it was meant to carry.