Which defect would condemn a synthetic sling?

A missing Safe Working Load (SWL) tag is a critical defect that would condemn a synthetic sling. The SWL tag provides essential information regarding the maximum load the sling is designed to safely carry. Without this information, there is no way to determine if the sling can be used safely for the intended lifting operation. Using a sling without knowing its load capacity poses a significant risk of failure, which could lead to accidents and injuries during lifting activities.

While other factors, such as minor scratches, surface dirt, or an old manufacturing date, can indicate wear or degradation, they do not immediately render a sling unsafe or unusable in the same way that the absence of an SWL tag does. Understanding the importance of the SWL tag is crucial for ensuring safety in lifting operations, making it clear why its absence is such a serious defect.