Lifting Equipment LTD News

SAFE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF CHAIN SLINGS

INSPECTION, SAFE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF CHAIN SLINGS

Chain slings which are properly used and maintained should give a long life and will allow you to carry out your lifting operations efficiently and safely.

LIMITATIONS ON USE:

Chain slings should not be used in acid or caustic solutions, nor in caustic laden or heavily acidic atmospheres due to the risk of embrittlement. If unsure consult the distributor.

Chain slings must not be heat treated, galvanized, plated, coated or subject to any process involving heating or pickling. Each of these processes can have a dangerous effect and will invalidate the manufacturers certificate.

Chain slings may be used at temperatures down to -40degrees centigrade with no reduction in the WLL.The use of our chain slings within the acceptable temperature range (see table) shown does not require any permanent reduction in WLL when the chain sling is returned to normal temperatures. A sling accidentally exposed to temperatures in excess of the allowed should be withdrawn from service and inspected by authorized personnel immediately.

When using chain slings in hazardous conditions the degree of hazard should be accessed by a competent person and WLL adjusted accordingly. Examples include the lifting of persons and potentionally dangerous loads such as molten metals, corrosive materials or fissile material and certain offshore activities.

BEFORE FIRST USE:

No chain sling should be used until a valid manufacturers certificate and EC declaration of conformity is at hand.

Check that the chain sling is precisely as ordered and all chain and components are stamped.

Check all identification references and WLL marked on the sling correspond to the information on the manufacturers cert.

An instruction leaflet should be supplied with each new sling.

Enter details of sling into the register of lifting equipment.

Ensure that personnel who are to use the chain sling have received appropriate training.

BEFORE EACH USE:

Before each subsequent use the chain sling should be visually inspected to identify obvious damage or deterioration which may affect its lifting ability, if in doubt do not use the sling.

IN USE:NEVER exceed the WLL marked on the sling

Strictly observe the marked restriction on the angle of the chain sling legs.

Take into consideration the cumulative effect of de-rating depending on the method of slinging to be used to ensure that the chain sling selected has a WLL equal to or greater than the load to be lifted.

Ensure that the masterlink articulates freely on the hook of the lifting appliance.

The craqne hook should be positioned over the centre of gravity of the load and the sling rigged from that point, using shortening clutches for leg adjustment where necessary.

Make sure that the load is free to move and is not bolted or held down in any way. Check  also there are no obstructions in the way.

DO NOT leave a suspended load unattended.

When a chain is used in a choke hitch the WLL of the chain should be no more than 80% of that marked.

The WLL stated in EN 818-4 have been determined on the basis that the loading of the chain sling is symmetrical. This is when the legs are symmetrically disposed in plan and all have the same angle to the vertical. For unequally loaded chain slings the lift should be referred to a competent person to establish a safe rating for the chain sling. Alternatively in the case of asymmetric loading, the chain sling should be rated at half the marked WLL.

INSPECTION:

Chain slings should always be checked before each period of use and the sling withdrawn from service and referred to a competent person if any of the following can be seen:

• 1. Distortion of the links, connectore or hooks.
• 2. Stretch in any of the links
• 3. Wear in the chain, especially between adjoining links. The mean diameter at any point should be no less than 90% of the nominal chain diameter.
• 4. Cuts, nicks, gouges, cracks, excessive corrosion, heat discolouration or any other defects.
• 5. Signs of any increase in the throat opening of hooks. This should not exceed 10% of the nominal value or be such as to allow the safety latch, if fitted, to become disengaged.

THOROUGH EXAMINATION

It is a requirement of the European standards for grade 8 chain slings that a thorough examination should be carried out by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months. This maximum interval may be less where legal requirements differ throughout the European Union. e.g In the UK the majority of industry sectors apply a maximum interval of 6 months.

Where chain slings are in constant use, or the conditions of use are severe, it is advisable to carry out more regular inspections.

NEVER attempt on-site repair

Your distributor will carry out the examination and any necessary repair, and provide a record for you to enter in your register of lifting equipment.

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