Below are practical, safety-focused guidelines for storing and maintaining slings (web, round, synthetic rope), chains (grade alloy load‑bearing chain), and wire rope. Use these as a workplace standard — adapt to the manufacturer’s instructions and any site-specific rules.

General storage principles (applies to all types)

• Store in a clean, dry, well‑ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, moisture, chemicals, and corrosive atmospheres. UV, ozone, acids, alkalis and solvents degrade materials.
• Keep off the floor on racks, shelves, or hangers. Avoid contact with standing water or concrete floors that retain moisture.
• Segregate by type, capacity, and length; label clearly (ID tag showing capacity, length, inspection date, owner).
• Protect from mechanical damage and sharp edges — use padded racks or dedicated bins. Don’t pile or crush.
• Keep storage area organized so items can be lifted and removed without dragging, bending, or stepping on other items.
• Maintain a written inventory, inspection records and retirement history for each sling/rope/chain.

Web and synthetic slings (nylon, polyester, round slings, braided slings) Storage

• Hang slings on rounded pegs or in racks so they are not folded tightly or kinked. Avoid sharp bends that can crush fibers.
• Shield from sunlight/UV and ozone (store inside or in a covered container).
• Keep away from solvents, paints, acids, alkalis, rough surfaces and high heat sources.

Inspection & maintenance

• Inspect before each use and perform periodic formal inspections (frequency depends on use — daily/weekly for frequent use; monthly/quarterly for light use).
• Look for: cuts, tears, punctures, holes, pulled threads, broken or worn stitching, melted or charred areas, abrasive wear, chemical staining, excessive soiling, distortion of fittings, or any condition that could affect strength.
• Remove from service if you find: cuts or tears through load-bearing fibers; broken or missing stitches on round slings; melted/singed or burned areas; discoloration from chemical attack; distortion of fittings; or other damage per manufacturer criteria.
• Clean with mild detergent and water, rinse thoroughly, dry away from heat and sunlight. Do not use bleach, solvents, or harsh cleaners.
• Store with end protection (sleeves) where slings contact hooks or edges.
• Mark slings with ID and rated capacity; if marking fades, re‑tag per manufacturer standards rather than writing on fibers.

Chain slings (alloy load chain) Storage

• Hang on racks or pegs so links are not resting on sharp edges; coat lightly with oil for corrosion protection if stored long‑term.
• Keep out of corrosive atmospheres and away from electrochemical contact with dissimilar metals.

Inspection & maintenance

• Inspect before each use and perform periodic thorough inspections by a competent person (frequency based on usage).
• Look for: nicks, gouges, corrosion pitting, elongation/stretching, bent/twisted/flattened links, cracked links, worn attachments, excessive wear at contact points, heat damage (discoloration/tempering colors).
• Measure chain wear: if link thickness or pin diameter is reduced beyond manufacturer allowable limits (commonly 10%–15% wear) or chain has stretched/elongated beyond limits, remove from service.
• Check hooks and components for deformation, cracks, throat opening increase, or damaged safety latches. Replace rather than try to re‑bend or repair bent hooks.
• Lubricate pivot points lightly if specified by manufacturer; do not over‑oil where it could attract dirt or compromise connections.
• Never weld, hammer, or heat treat load‑bearing chain or hooks in the field — this can ruin temper and strength.

Wire rope Storage

• Store coiled or on drums/reels with the original end secured to prevent uncoiling. Avoid kinking, birdcaging or crushing.
• Keep covered to protect from moisture and contaminants; if long‑term, apply light corrosion preventive coating as manufacturer recommends.
• Keep coils on their flats or supported so shape is not distorted.

Inspection & maintenance

• Inspect before each use and at regular intervals (frequency based on duty cycle, environment, and manufacturer guidance).
• Look for: broken wires, birdcaging, kinking, crushing, corrosion, flat spots, core protrusion, core separation, evidence of heat damage, severe wear at drum/groove/roller contact points, or reduction in diameter beyond allowable limits.
• Broken wire criteria: remove from service if number of broken wires in a certain length (e.g., 6 x diameter or specified reference length) exceeds manufacturer limits, or any single broken wire is of critical location. (Follow manufacturer or company policy for exact counts.)
• Lubricate wire rope as required — use rope‑compatible lubricants that penetrate to the core; apply after cleaning to displace moisture and reduce abrasion.
• Clean with a brush and solvent that will not harm the lubricant or rope. Replace rope showing birdcaging, kinks, severe corrosion, or broken wires beyond allowed counts.
• Use correct spooling/reeving methods; avoid crossing layers improperly that can cause crushing or core damage.

Handling practices (all types)

• Do not drag slings, chains or wire rope across abrasive surfaces. Use protective sleeves or edge protection when lifting around sharp edges.
• Avoid shock loading and side loading unless equipment is designed for it.
• Don’t shorten by tying knots — use approved fittings or shackles rated for the application.
• Use proper sized hooks, shackles, thimbles, and fittings; never force incompatible components together.
• Train personnel in correct rigging, inspection and storage procedures.

Retirement and removal criteria (practical signs)

• Visible deformation, cracking, or extensive corrosion.
• For synthetic slings: broken stitching, severe cuts, melted or chemically attacked fibers.
• For chains: bent, cracked, or elongated links; missing or damaged components; wear beyond allowable limits.
• For wire rope: birdcaging, kinking, core protrusion, excessive broken wires, diameter reduction from corrosion/wear beyond limits.
• Any sling, chain or rope involved in an overload, shock load, or suspected damage event — remove and tag for inspection by a qualified person.

Recordkeeping & labeling

• Tag each item with ID, rated capacity, date of purchase, and last inspection date.
• Keep inspection records for each item and a documented retirement history.
• Use color coding or tagging systems to indicate condition (OK, restricted, condemned).

Manufacturer & standards

• Follow manufacturer instructions and rated capacity exactly.
• Adopt recognized industry standards/best practice (inspection intervals, retirement criteria, measurement tolerances) as your company policy — e.g., rigging and lifting standards and sling manufacturer guidance.

Quick checklist to store and maintain

• Store dry, out of sunlight, off the floor, protected from chemicals.
• Hang synthetic slings; reel or coil wire rope; hang chain.
• Inspect before use and keep scheduled formal inspections.
• Clean appropriately; lubricate chain/wire rope per manufacturer.
• Tag, log, and retire damaged items immediately.
• Train users and limit repairs to manufacturer/qualified person recommendations.

If you want, I can give:

• A printable pre‑use inspection checklist for each type (web/chain/wire rope), or
• Typical inspection frequency guidelines and example retirement measurement limits (note: exact numeric limits are manufacturer/standard dependent).