Can a metal mesh sling remain in service if only one wire is broken in the mesh?

For metal mesh slings, the integrity of the wire mesh is crucial for safe lifting operations. If even one wire is broken, it compromises the overall strength and functionality of the sling. This is because the load distribution is affected; a broken wire can lead to uneven stress on the remaining wires, increasing the risk of further failures. As a result, it is critical to remove the sling from service as soon as a break is identified to prevent potential accidents or injuries during lifting operations. Valid safety protocols and industry standards dictate that any damage that affects the structural integrity of a lifting device mandates its removal from service. Therefore, the correct understanding is that a metal mesh sling cannot remain in service with a broken wire.