Lifting Chains SB121

Care of Chains

Chain slings play a very important part in performing lifting operations safely. A chain sling is made up of chains, clevis or oblong ring, shorteners and lugs. A certified chain sling has had each component individually tested and then the whole sling is tested and certified. Note these important points about chain slings:

• Only use chain slings that have been tested and certified.
• Never weld any part of a chain sling.
• If a chain sling shows any signs of distortion, excessive wear or damage send it to an approved testing facility, for replacement of all damaged parts and to be re-certified. Alternatively replace the chain sling with a new certified chain sling.

Chains should be proof tested annually. Steelbro recommends that all inspection certificates be retained.

Hammerlocks

Hammerlocks have a stress pin linkage. If a hammerlock will not fully fold then it is likely that chain sling has been over-stressed. Send over-stressed chain slings to an approved testing facility for replacement of all damaged parts and to be re-certified.

Chains should not be switched from one machine to another as they may vary between one unit and another in length and size.