The life span and strength of alloy chain slings depends on proper inspection, maintenance and use.

Care

Chain requires careful storage and regular maintenance

• Store chain slings by hanging
• Oil chains to avoid corrosion before prolonged storage
• Do not heat alloy chain as this will alter its molecular structure and strength

Use

To protect both operators and materials, observe these precautions when using chain slings:

• Before each use, inspect chain and attachments for damage.
• Do not exceed working load limit. Any of the following factors can reduce the working load limit of the sling:
• Shock loading can produce dangerous overloading.
• Angle of inclination of sling in relation to the load will affect the working load limit of the sling. As the angle decreases the force exerted by the load increases.
• Twisting, knots or kinks subject links to unusual stress decreasing the strength of the sling.
• Using slings for purposes other than that which they are designed for can reduce the strength of the sling.
• Free chain of all twists, knots and kinks
• Properly load hoos so that point loading of hook does not occurr.
• Hook latches must never support load.
• Aviod sudden jerks when lifting or lowering loads
• Balance all loads: avoid off center loading that could cause load to shift during lift.
• Pad around sharp and square corners.
• Do not drop loads on chain or attachements.
• Block under all loads to avoid crushing chain.
• Match all attachments (hooks, rings, etc.) to working load limit of chain.
• Never force or hammer hooks or chain into position.
• Do not use in acid solutions
• Clean chain slings regularly as dirt and grit can cause wear at link bearing points
• For overhead lifting use only grade 80 or higher alloy chain.

Inspection

It is important both to inspect chain slings regularly and to keep written records of chain sling inspections. The usage the slings are subjected to determines the frequency of written inspections. A company that uses slings on a continuouse basis probably should consider a monthly inspection while a company that only occasionally uses slings may only need a yearly inspection. A minimum of once a year required by OSHA with more frequent inspections required by OSHA if deemed necessary.

• Clean chains before inspecting so that damge will be visible.
• Inspect each link for the following conditions:
• Twists, bends
• Nicks, gouges
• Excessive wear, especially at bearing points.
• Stretch
• Excessive heating, charring or melting.
• Inspect master links, loc a loys, and attachments for distortion on damage.
• Inspect throat openings of hooks for proper opening size. If latches are present they must be in proper working condition.