Instructions to take care of your chain sling and fittings

There are some aspects that are to be considered when it comes to proper care of chain slings and fittings. They are always to be stored correctly and inspected before use and storage placement. Chain sling and fittings are also to follow safe slinging practices. Chain slings are to be fitted carefully, with protection from sharp edges and position hooks facing outward from loads.

It is also important to remember to apply the correct mode factor for the slinging arrangement, in addition to always back hooking free legs onto the master link.

However, there are some considerations to ensure that certain actions are not to be taken to ensure suitable care of chain slings and fittings.

Slings are not to be shortened by any means apart from an appropriate integral chain clutch or free shortened designed specifically for slings. Additionally, chain slings or their fittings and never to be hammered, forced, or wedged into position. One must never lift on the point of a hook; this can lead to structural damage. Chain slings are also never to be exposed to chemicals, acidic conditions. Chain slings are not to be used at temperatures above 200 degrees Celsius, or below minus 40 degrees Celsius. Moreover, chain slings are not to be shocked loaded as well.

Correct slings are to be selected, for use, to plan the lift taking the following aspects into account:

1. Type of Sling: Endless, single, two, three or four leg, reeved, choked or basket
2. Capacity of Sling: the sling must be long and strong enough for the load, and slinging method too. 
3. Mode factor can be applied for the slinging method. 
4. If leg adjustment is necessary, a sling can be selected with chain shorteners.
5. For multi-leg slings, the angles between the legs must be between the range of 30° to 120°.
6. Multi-leg slings tend to exert gripping forces on the load, increasing as the angle between the legs increases. This factor must be taken into consideration.

Chain slings must not be returned to storage in damaged or contaminated conditions. Chain slings must be dry, clean & protected from cushion. They are to be stored on a rack and not on the ground. Storage area must be dry, clean, and free of harmful contaminants that could cause damage to the chain sling.

Safe use of Chain Slings & fittings:

Lifting operations are not to be attempted without suitable understanding of the equipment. Proper slinging procedures and more factors must be considered. Moreover, defect accessories or slings must not be used. The chain slings and fittings must fit freely and not hammered or wedged into position. Multiple leg chain slings facing outwards from the load must be positioned as such. Lifts must not be executed on the point of the hook. It is to be ensured that the sling chain is not twisted or knotted prior to use.

Back hooks free legs to the master link to avoid lashing legs that could accidentally get engaged or become a hazard otherwise. The load is to be steadily taken to mitigate shock loads. Moreover, suspended loads are not to be left unattended.

Maintenance requirements are minimal. Chain slings should be kept clean and protected from corrosion. Chain slings should be regularly inspected, and thorough examination is to be executed in case of any defects. These include bent or twisted links, ineffective safety catches, cuts, nicks, gouges, cracks, corrosion, heat discoloration or any defect apparent to the chain or fittings.

Saudi Dutest provides a wide range of highest-grade lifting supplies in Saudi Arabia. Lifting equipment includes a wide range of chain slings, wire rope slings, general lifting gears, shackles, webbing slings and force measuring equipment.

Categorised in: Chain Slings & fittings

This post was written by Admin