What Is Chain Slings Inspection Guide? (Grade 80 and Grade 100 round link chain slings, with master links, shorteners, connecting links, sling hooks)

The well trained and competent person shall be responsible for chain slings inspection.

All chain slings (new, altered, modified, or repaired) should be inspected by a competent person before they are used in the workplace to make sure they are built to specifications (such as DIN EN 818-4), not damaged, and will be appropriate for the lifting work. For record keeping purposes it is useful if each chain sling has a metal tag with an identification number and work load limit information. Information about the sling chain length and other characteristics and an inspection schedule should be recorded in a log book.

A competent person must also inspect chain slings periodically, and at least once a year. Inspection frequency is based on how often the chain sling is used, the types of lifts being performed, the conditions in which the chain sling is being used, and past experience with service life of similar chain slings and usage. If the chain sling is used in more severe conditions, then the inspection should be performed every 3 months. Inspections must be recorded. 

In addition to the inspections by a competent person, the user should inspect chain slings and rigging accessories before each use and before placing into storage. Check for visible faults in chain links (incl. master links), connecting links and sling hooks and distortion of fittings.

• Clean chain sling before inspection. 

• Check sling identification tag.

• Hang the chain sling up or stretch the chain sling out on a level floor in a well-lighted area. Remove all chain links twists. Measure the chain sling length. Discard if a chain sling has been stretched.

• Make a link-by-link inspection and discard if: 

a) Wear exceeds 15% of a link diameter.

b) Cut, nicked, cracked, gouged, burned, weld splattered, or corrosion pitted.

c) Deformed, twisted or bent chain links or components. 

d) Stretched. Chain Links tend to close up and get longer.

• Check master link, load pins and sling hooks for any of the above faults. Sling Hooks should be removed from service if they have been opened more than 15% of the normal throat opening, measured at the narrowest point, or twisted more than 10° from the plane of the unbent hook.

• Manufacturers' reference charts show chain sling and hitch capacities. Record manufacturer, type, work load limit and inspection dates.

•  Always know how to properly use the equipment, slinging procedures before attempting the lift operation.

•  Inspect the chain slings and accessories before use for any defects.

•  Replace broken safety latches of sling hook.

•  Find out load weight before lifting. Do not exceed rated load of the chain sling. 

•  Check whether chain slings fit freely. Do not force, hammer or wedge chain slings or fittings into position. 

•  Keep hands and fingers from between load and chain when tensioning slings and when landing loads. 

•  Ensure the load is free to be lifted. 

•  Make a trial lift and trial lower to ensure the load is balanced, stable and secure. 

•  Balance the load to avoid overstress on one chain sling arm (sling leg) or the load slipping free. 

•  Lower the working load limit if severe impact may occur.

•  Pad sharp corners to prevent bending chain links and to protect the load. 

•  Position sling hooks of multi-leg slings facing outward from the load. 

•  Cordon off the area. 

•  Reduce the load limit when using chain sling in temperatures above 425°C (800°F).

•  Store chain sling arms on racks in assigned areas and not lying on the ground. The storage area should be dry, clean and free of any contaminants which may harm the chain slings.

•  Avoid impact loading: do not jerk the load when lifting or lowering the chain sling. This motion increases the actual stress on the sling.

•  Do not leave suspended loads unattended. 

•  Do not drag chains over floors or attempt to drag a trapped chain sling from under a load. Do not use a chain sling to drag a load.

•  Do not use worn-out or damaged chain slings. 

•  Do not lift on the point of the sling hook (clevis hook or eye hook). 

•  Do not overload or shock load a chain sling. 

•  Do not trap chain slings when landing the load. 

•  Do not splice a chain by inserting a bolt between two links. 

•  Do not shorten a sling chain with knots or by twisting other than by means of an integral chain clutch. 

•  Do not force or hammer sling hooks into place. 

•  Do not use homemade connections. Use only attachments designed for the chain links. 

•  Do not heat treat or weld chain links: the lifting capacity will be reduced drastically. 

•  Do not expose chain links to chemicals without the manufacturer's approval.

•  Do not stand in line with or next to the leg(s) of the sling that is under tension.

•  Do not stand or pass under a suspended load.

•  Do not ride on chain sling.