Care, use and inspection of alloy chain slings

Find out how to look after, inspect and when to discard alloy chain slings.

Always inspect, repair and test alloy chain slings to AS3775.

Storage

Store alloy chain slings on A frames or wall racks in a clean, dry place.

Storage rack for alloy chain slings

Care

Corrosion (hydrogen embrittlement) can occur in certain environments. For example, where acid pickling or catholic cleaning is carried out.

Avoid corrosive environments

Alloy chain and fittings should never be welded.

Never heat treat alloy chain slings.

When using a Grade 80/100/120 chain sling, be aware of the temperatures they are exposed to. High temperatures may result in reducing the Working Load Limit (WLL) or not using the chain sling at all. Refer to these temperature guides:

• -40 to +200 degrees Celsius: no change
• +200 to +300 degrees Celsius: 10% reduction in WLL
• +300 to +400 degrees Celsius: 25% reduction in WLL
• over 400 degrees Celsius: do not use.

Use

Always ensure all lifting chains have an approved WLL Tag attached.

Before use:

• always visually inspect that a chain sling is free from damage or wear
• make sure the weight of load is known and is evenly distributed on the sling legs
• never point load hooks
• ensure that the chain is free of twists and is protected from any sharp corners on the load.

During use:

• start the lift slowly, taking up the slack gradually. Avoid shock loads.
• when lowering, avoid the possibility of crushing the chain by making sure the load does not land on it. Use packing, timber, or similar.

How many legs of this 4 leg sling are lifting the load?

Four leg chain sling

There are only 2 legs actually lifting the load at any one time. The other two legs support the load. This is because leg lengths can vary as alloy chain is not calibrated. Other factors include:

• load deflection, and
• centre of gravity issues.

For these reasons, do not add any more WLL to a sling after 2 legs. This is because only 2 legs will be taking the majority of the load.

Inspection

It is important to inspect chain slings regularly and to keep a record for each chain sling.

See below inspection table from AS3775.2

AS3775.2 inspection table

The above table is a guide. The inspection schedule has to be determined by the end user based on the duty cycle (of M3 as specified in AS1418.1) and the environmental conditions of use.

How to inspect chain slings

When inspecting chain slings, you should:

• check Working Load Limit tag is fitted and marked with manufacturer, grade of steel, size, test certificate number and WLL in tonnes
• clean the chain thoroughly
• lay the chain out on a clean surface or hang it up in a well-lit area
• individually inspect every chain link
• look for any signs of wear, twisting, stretching, nicks or gouging
• measure any worn link with Vernier Callipers to determine the degree of wear. Maximum allowable wear is 10%.

Master links and hooks should be inspected for any signs of wear at their bearing points. Check for any signs of distortion such as widening of hook throat opening.

Discard criteria

The Australian Standard states that: if any load bearing component is replaced from a sling, or the Working Load Limit tag is replaced to repair a sling, then the assembly should be retested to ensure compliance with AS3775.

Discard chain, chain slings and link fittings with the following features:

• missing tag or traceability information
• corrosion
• rust
• pitting
• wear maximum to 10%
• abrasion up to 10%
• permanent kinks
• heat damage
• stretching (zero)
• twists
• bends
• gouges
• missing safety latch
• seized fittings (couplers)
• any obvious damage that will effect the intended WLL.