This European Standard specifies the requirements related to safety, including methods of rating and testing single-, two-, three-, four-leg and endless slings, with or without fittings, made of sisal, hemp and manila 3- and 4-strand laid construction natural fibre ropes and polyamide, polyester and polypropylene 3- and 4-strand laid construction and 8-strand plaited construction man-made fibre ropes having a reference number in the range of 16 to 48 inclusive. The fibre rope slings covered by this part of EN 1492 are intended for general purpose lifting operations, i.e. when used for lifting objects, materials or goods which require no deviations from the requirements, safety factors or working load limits specified. Lifting operations not covered by this standard would include the lifting of persons, potentially dangerous materials such as molten metal and acids, glass sheets, fissile materials, nuclear reactors and where special conditions apply. Fibre rope slings conforming to this European Standard are suitable for use and storage in the following temperature ranges: a) polyester and polyamide -40oC to 100oC, b) manila, sisal, hemp and polypropylene -40oC to 80oC. This European Standard does not apply to fibre rope sling assemblies rated by the trigonometric method. This European Standard deals with the technical requirements to minimize the hazards listed in clause 4 which can arise during the use of fibre rope slings when carried out in accordance with the instructions and specification given by the manufacturer or authorized representative.