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INSPECTION/SAFE USE AND MAINTENANCE OF CHAIN SLINGS
Posted : Thu 17th Sep 2009 @ 12:19INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND SAFE USE OF CHAIN SLINGS.
INSPECTIONS:
Chain slings should be checked before each use and referred to a suitable person if any of the following are detected:
- I. Stretch in any links
- II. Distortion of any links, connectors or hooks
- III. 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.
- IV. Heat discolouration, nicks, cuts, gouges, corrosion or any other defects
- V. Signs of 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,, yto become disengaged.
THOROUGH INSPECTIONS;
The European Standards agency requires that all grade 8 chain slings are thoroughly inspected by a competent person at intervals not exceeding twelve months, this maximum interval may be less where legal requirements differ throughout the EU. For example in the UK most industry sectors apply a maximum interval of six months.
Where chain slings are in constant use, or the conditions of use are severe, it is advisable to carry out more frequent inspections.
NEVER try to carry out on-site repairs, your distributor will carry out the examination and do any necessary repoairs, and provide you with a record to enter into your lifting gear register.
BEFORE FIRST USE;
- No sling should be used until a valid manufacturers certificate and EC declaration of conformity is available.
- Check that the sling is as ordered and WLL marked on sling corresponds to the certificate.
- An instruction leaflet should be supplied with each new sling,
- Enter sling details into your lifting gear register.
- Ensure personnel to use the chain sling is appropriately trained.
BEFORE EACH USE:
A chain sling should undergo a visual check before each use to identify any obvious damage, Always withdraw a sling if in doubt.
IN USE:
- Never exceed the working load limit (WLL) marked on the sling.
- Make sure the load is free to move and not held down in any way, and area is clear of obstructions.
- Strictly observe marked restriction on the angle of the sling legs.
- Ensure master link moves freely on the hook of the crane or other lifting appliance.
- NEVER leave a suspended load unattended.
- When chain sling is used in a choke hitch, the WLL should be no more than 80% of the WLL marked
- The crane 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 if necessary.
- Take into consideration the cumulative effect of de-rating depending on the method of slinging to ensure that the chain sling selected has a WLL equal to or greater than the mass to be lifted.
- The WLL stated in EN818-4 have been determined on the basis that the loading of the chain sling is symmetrical. For unequally loaded slings the lift should be referred to a competent person to establish a safe rating for the chain sling, or in the case of asymmetric loading, the chain sling should be rated at half the marked WLL.
LIMITATIONS ON USE:
Chain slings should not be heat treated, galvanized, plated, coated, or any process involving heating or pickling. All of these processes can have a dangerous effect on the chain and will invalidate the manufacturers certificate.
Due to risk of chain becoming brittle chain slings should not be used in acid or caustic solutions nor in heavily acidic or caustic laden environments. In uncertain conditions consult your distributor.
Chain slings may be used at temperatures down to - 40 degrees c. with no reduction in the WLL. Using chain slings within the permissible temperature range as shown does not require any permanent reduction in the WLL when the chain is returned to normal temperatures. A sling which is accidentally exposed to extreme temperatures in excess of the allowed range should be withdrawn immediately for a thorough inspection.
When using chain slings in hazardous conditions the degree of hazard should be assessed by a competent person and the WLL adjusted accordingly.
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