Industrial manual handling guide
A safer interface for two-person pipe handling
Understand how the HSF LoadGrab® Double Handle Manual Lifting Sling helps workers handle suitable pipes, tubes and iron sections through two defined handles instead of relying on the load surface as the gripping point.
HSF LoadGrab Double Handle Sling: quick overview
HSF LoadGrab Manual Lifting Slings/Aids/Tools (Double Handle) – Heavy Duty Safe Pipe Lifting Slings provide a defined carrying interface for suitable manual-handling tasks. Two workers hold purpose-designed handles connected by industrial webbing while the sling cradles the component.
Pipes and metal sections can remain difficult to control even when their weight appears manageable. Their round shape, length, surface condition and lack of natural handholds can make a two-person lift awkward or uneven.
Direct gripping may place fingers around or beneath a pipe and can force workers to adjust their hand position during movement. HSF LoadGrab changes the interface: the workers hold the handles while the webbing supports the component.
The pipe should not become the gripping point. The lifting handles should.
What is the HSF LoadGrab Double Handle Manual Lifting Sling?
The HSF LoadGrab Double Handle Sling is an industrial manual-handling aid for suitable pipe sections, tube sections, iron sections and similar long or awkward components.
Product construction
- Two purpose-designed lifting handles
- Industrial webbing connecting the handles
- A wrap-around arrangement that cradles a suitable component
Handling purpose
- Creates a defined grip for each operator
- Reduces dependence on the pipe surface as a handhold
- Supports an organised two-person handling method
To fit the sling, one handle is passed beneath the component so the webbing wraps around the pipe section. One operator then holds each handle on opposite sides of the load.
The published model number is HSF-DH-100. The product is intended for manual handling only and must not be used in mechanical lifting or rigging.
Why is manual pipe handling difficult?
Pipe-handling risk is affected by more than the load weight.
Load-related challenges
- Round surfaces that can roll or rotate
- Long or unevenly balanced components
- Oily, dirty or slippery surfaces
- Rough or uncomfortable gripping areas
Task-related challenges
- Loads positioned close to floor level
- Unequal gripping heights for two workers
- Restricted workshop or maintenance spaces
- Repeated movement during fabrication or shutdown work
A worker may be capable of supporting part of the weight and still struggle to maintain a stable, repeatable grip. The assessment must consider the task, load, environment and operator capability—not weight alone.
How does the Double Handle Pipe Lifting Sling improve the method?
Without a defined lifting aid
- Workers grip directly around the pipe
- Fingers may be positioned beneath the load
- Operators may use different gripping heights
- Grip adjustments may occur during movement
- Control depends on the pipe surface
With the HSF LoadGrab sling
- Each operator receives a defined handle
- The handling arrangement is clear before movement
- Direct dependence on the pipe surface is reduced
- Lift and lower commands can be standardised
- The method is easier to train and observe
The tool does not eliminate every manual-handling risk. It improves the interface between the workers and a suitable load.
HSF-DH-100 technical specifications
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| Product | HSF LoadGrab Double Handle Manual Lifting Sling |
| Part number | HSF-DH-100 |
| Working Load Limit | 100 kg WLL |
| Minimum Breaking Load | 1,000 kg |
| Factor of Safety | More than 10:1 |
| Webbing | 50 mm simplex webbing |
| Standard webbing length | 1,500 mm |
| Intended operation | Manual handling only |
| Mechanical lifting or rigging | Not permitted |
What does 100 kg WLL mean?
WLL means Working Load Limit. It is the rated capacity of the sling when it is used correctly within its intended conditions.
The rating does not mean:
- One worker may lift 100 kg
- Every two-person 100 kg task is safe
- The load can be suspended
- The sling may be connected to a crane, hoist or forklift
- A manual-handling assessment is unnecessary
Main benefits of the HSF LoadGrab Double Handle Sling
Defined lifting points
Each operator receives an established handle instead of searching for a hold on the pipe.
Less direct surface contact
The workers hold the tool instead of depending entirely on oily, dirty or rough pipe surfaces.
Coordinated two-person handling
Defined handles support an agreed lift, carry and lowering method.
Potential posture improvement
The interface may reduce unnecessary bending where the load position and handle height permit.
More consistent load control
A repeatable gripping point can support control of suitable long or round components.
A standardised work method
The sling can form part of a defined process covering inspection, commands and placement.
How to use the Double Handle Manual Lifting Sling
The following sequence is a general overview. Manufacturer instructions and the approved site procedure must always take priority.
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Assess the load and route
Confirm the weight, dimensions, centre of gravity, surface, start point, route and final placement.
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Inspect the sling
Check the model, identification, handles, webbing and overall condition before use.
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Position the webbing
Pass one handle beneath the component and wrap the sling as directed by the manufacturer.
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Prepare both operators
Assign one handle per operator and agree on lift, move, stop and lowering commands.
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Lift and carry together
Move in a coordinated manner without sudden pulling, twisting or unplanned direction changes.
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Lower onto a prepared surface
Keep hands and feet away from trapping areas and remove the sling only after the load is stable.
Suitable industrial applications
Pipe fabrication
Movement between storage, preparation, cutting, inspection and assembly areas.
Oil and gas maintenance
Suitable tubular components during workshop, maintenance and shutdown activities.
Steel and metal processing
Controlled handling of suitable iron sections, tubes and fabricated parts.
Mechanical workshops
Movement between workstations, benches and staging areas.
Warehouses and stores
Long or round components that are difficult to carry like packaged materials.
Shutdown operations
A repeatable method for suitable component movement during planned maintenance.
Suitability must be assessed for each task. Differences in weight, dimensions, surfaces, distance, floor condition and available space can change the handling method.
Critical limitation: manual handling only
Never use the HSF-DH-100 as mechanical lifting or rigging equipment
The HSF LoadGrab Double Handle Sling is a manual-handling aid. It is not a crane sling, rigging sling, hoisting accessory, forklift lifting attachment or load-suspension device.
Do not connect the product to:
- Cranes or overhead lifting equipment
- Chain blocks or hoists
- Winches
- Forklifts
- Powered lifting systems
- Mechanical rigging arrangements
This restriction should be reinforced through product identification, training, toolbox talks, inspection procedures and separate storage from certified rigging equipment.
How to select the correct manual pipe lifting aid
Component details
- Verified weight
- Length and diameter
- Centre of gravity
- Surface and temperature condition
- Potential to roll or rotate
Task details
- Carrying distance
- Starting and final heights
- Task frequency
- Route and floor condition
- Available space for two workers
Operator details
- Suitable workers available
- Training completed
- Secure footing possible
- Commands agreed before movement
Product suitability
- Correct sling model
- Load within the published rating
- Task appropriate for manual handling
- Manufacturer guidance confirmed when required
Product capacity is one selection factor. It is not a replacement for the complete manual-handling assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HSF LoadGrab Double Handle Sling?
It is a two-handle manual lifting aid for suitable pipes, iron sections, tube sections and similar industrial components.
What is the product number?
The published part number is HSF-DH-100.
What is the Working Load Limit?
The published rating is 100 kg WLL.
Can the sling be used with a crane?
No. It is intended for manual handling only and must not be used for mechanical lifting, suspension or rigging.
Does 100 kg WLL mean that two workers can safely lift 100 kg?
No. The WLL is the product rating. Task suitability depends on the complete load, posture, distance, frequency, environment and operator capability.
Is it a hands-free lifting tool?
It helps keep hands off the pipe surface by providing separate handles. Workers still use their hands to operate the sling, so “hands-off-load manual-handling aid” is a more accurate description.
Does it replace PPE?
No. Required PPE must still be selected through the workplace risk assessment.
Can it be used for every pipe size?
No universal pipe-size suitability should be assumed. Confirm compatibility from the dimensions, weight, surface, centre of gravity and manufacturer instructions.
Discuss your pipe-handling application
Share the component weight, dimensions, surface condition, starting position and handling route for product-selection and application support.
Important: HSF LoadGrab Manual Lifting Slings are for manual handling only. Never use them for mechanical lifting or rigging.
HSF LoadGrab® Double Handle Manual Lifting Sling · HSF-DH-100 · Manual handling only