Final answer:
Upon finding seven broken wires in one strand of a wire rope sling, it must be removed from service immediately for safety reasons. Repairs should only be made by qualified professionals, and it's critical to follow strict safety regulations for lifting equipment to avoid accidents.
Step-by-step explanation:
When inspecting a wire rope sling and finding that seven wires in one strand are broken, the correct course of action is to remove it from service immediately. Using a wire rope sling with this level of damage could lead to dangerous equipment failure, potentially causing injury or property damage. The integrity and safety of lifting equipment are paramount, and there are strict standards in place that detail when equipment like wire rope slings should be deemed unfit for use.
According to most safety standards and regulations for lifting equipment, including OSHA guidelines, any wire rope sling with such a significant number of broken wires would be considered damaged and should not be used under any circumstances. The wire rope should be removed from service and either be properly disposed of or accurately assessed and repaired by a qualified professional, depending on the severity of the damage and the potential for safe repair.
It is not advisable to attempt repairs such as replacing broken wires by yourself, as this requires specialized knowledge and skills to ensure that the sling can be safely returned to service. The importance of proper inspection and maintenance of lifting equipment cannot be overstated, as compromise in these areas could result in severe consequences.