OSHA Guidance on Safe Use of Alloy Steel Chain Slings

Alloy Steel Chain Slings:

Alloy steel chains are often used because of their strength, durability, abrasion resistance and ability to conform to the shape of the loads on which they are used. In addition, these slings are able to lift hot materials.

Alloy steel chain slings are made from various grades of alloy, but the most common grades in use are grades 80 and 100. These chains are manufactured and tested in accordance with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Maintenance) guidelines. If other grades of chain are used, use them in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and guidance.

Identification:

New slings are marked by the manufacture to show:

Size,
Grade,
The rated load, and
Length (reach).

In addition, slings may be marked to show:

Number of legs,
Individual sling identification (i.e., serial number), and
The name or trademark of the manufacturer.

Rated Loads:

Rated loads (capacities) for single-, double-, triple- and quadruple-leg slings and single- and double-basket slings used in vertical, bridle, or basket hitches are given in Tables 1 and 2 for the horizontal angles listed.

For angles not shown, use the next lower angle or have a qualified person calculate the rated load for the new angle. Rated loads are based on:

Material strength,
Design factor,
Type of hitch,
Angle of loading,
Diameter of curvature over which the sling is used (D/d) (see Fig. 4), and
Fabrication efficiency.

Do not use horizontal angles less than 30 degrees except as recommended by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person.

Rated loads for single-, double-, triple-, and quadruple-leg slings used in a choker hitch are given in Tables 3 and 4 for the horizontal angles listed provided that the angle of choke is greater than 120 degrees (see Fig.1). For angles of choke less than 120 degrees, use the rated loads provided by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person.

For other materials and for configurations not shown, use the rated loads according to the sling manufacturer or a qualified person.

Attachments:

Only use attachments, such as hooks, rings, oblong links, pear-shaped links, or welded or mechanical coupling links that have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain with which they are used. If attachments with rated capacities lower than the chain are used, ensure that the sling is rated to the weakest component used on the sling.

Inspections:

Designate a qualified person^[1] to inspect slings and all fastenings and attachments each day before use for damage or defects.

This qualified person also performs additional periodic inspections where service conditions warrant, as determined on the basis of:

Frequency of sling use,
Severity of service conditions,
Nature of the lifts being made, and
Experience gained during the service life of slings used in similar circumstances.

Make periodic inspections of alloy steel chains slings at intervals no greater than 12 months. A good guide to follow includes:

Yearly for normal service use,
Monthly to quarterly for severe service use, and
As recommended by a qualified person for special and infrequent service use.

Develop a system to make sure that these inspections are conducted. To do this, you can use a recordkeeping system, such as logs or marking the inspection date on a tag attached to the sling.^[2]

Make a thorough inspection of slings and attachments. Items to look for include:

Wear;
Defective welds,
Nicks, cracks, breaks, gouges, stretch, bends, discoloration due to excessive heat,
Excessive pitting or corrosion,
Throat opening of hooks,
Missing or illegible sling identifications, and
Other conditions that cause doubt as to continued safe use of the sling.

Where any such defect or deterioration is present, remove the sling or attachment from service immediately.

Repairing/Reconditioning:

Do not use worn or damaged alloy steel chain slings or attachments. Discard or repair them. Use damaged slings only after they are repaired, reconditioned, and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person using the following criteria:

Ensure that slings and attachments conform to the original strength requirements,
Mark those slings or attachments to identify who made the repairs,
Replace rather than repair cracked, broken, or bent links, and
Do not use mechanical coupling links or carbon steel repair links to repair broken lengths of alloy chain.

Operating practices:

Do not use alloy steel slings with loads exceeding the rated loads (capacities) described in Tables 1 and 3 for grade 80 or Tables 2 and 4 for grade 100. Ensure that alloy steel chain slings not included in these tables are used only in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Follow other safe operating practices, including:

Sling Selection

For multiple-leg slings used with nonsymmetrical loads, ensure that an analysis by a qualified person is performed to prevent overloading of any leg,
Ensure that multiple-leg slings are selected according to Table 1 or 2 when used at the specific angles given in the tables. Ensure that operations at other angles are limited to the rated load of the next lower angle given in the tables or calculated by a qualified person, and
Do not use a component unless it is the proper shape and size to ensure that it is properly seated in the hook or lifting device.

Cautions to Personnel

Ensure that all portions of the human body are kept away from the areas between the sling and the load and between the sling and the crane or hoist hook,
Ensure that personnel never stand in line with or next to the legs of a sling that is under tension,
Ensure that personnel do not stand or pass under a suspended load, and
Ensure that personnel do not ride the sling or the load, unless the load is specifically designed and tested for carrying personnel.

Effects of Environment

Store slings in an area where they will not be subjected to mechanical damage, corrosive action, moisture, extreme temperatures, or to kinking, and
When slings are exposed to extreme temperatures, follow the guidance provided by the sling manufacturer or qualified person.

Rigging Practices

Ensure that slings are hitched in a manner providing control of the load,
Ensure that sharp edges in contact with slings are padded with material of sufficient strength to protect the sling,
Ensure that slings are shortened or adjusted only by methods approved by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person,
Ensure that, during lifting with or without a load, personnel are alert for possible snagging,
Ensure that, in a basket hitch, the load is balanced to prevent slippage,
When using a basket hitch, ensure that the legs of the sling contain or support the load from the sides, above the center of gravity, so that the load remains under control,
Ensure that, in a choker hitch, the choke point is only on the sling body, never on a fitting,
Ensure that, in a choker hitch, an angle of choke less than 120 degrees is not used without reducing the rated load,
Ensure that slings are not constricted, bunched, or pinched by the load, hook, or any fitting,
Ensure that the load applied to the hook is centered in the base (bowl) of the hook to prevent point loading on the hook, unless the hook is designed for point loading,
Do not shorten or lengthen a sling by knotting or twisting,
Do not rest loads on the sling,
Do not pull a sling from under a load when the load is resting on the sling,
Do not drag slings on the floor or over abrasive surfaces,
Do not allow shock loading, and
Avoid twisting and kinking.

Proof testing:

Before initial use of a sling, ensure that every component of a new, repaired, or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling has been proof tested by the sling manufacturer or a qualified person and meets the requirements of the American Society of Testing and Materials Specification A391-65.

Retain the certificates of proof test and make them available for examination.^[2]

Environmental Effects:

Do not use alloy steel chains that have been heated above 1,000 degrees F (538 degrees C). Remove them from service.

Alloy chain slings exposed to temperatures above 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) have reduced load ratings. Reductions in rated load for Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain slings used at and after exposure to elevated temperatures are given in Table 5.

If chain slings are to be used at temperatures below minus 40 degrees F (minus 40 degrees C), consult the chain manufacturer.

The strength of alloy steel chain slings can be affected by chemically active environments. Consult the manufacturer before the sling is to be used in chemically active environments.

Effects of wear:

Do not use chains if the size at any point of a link is less than that stated in Table 6. Remove the sling from service.