• In order to avoid that a load swings in a dangerous manner, it is recommended to use a holding rope.
• Do not shock-load chain slings or jerk loads.
• In indicating the safe working load, it is assumed that the individual legs of the chain sling are loaded
symmetrically. Symmetrical loading can be assumed if all of the following conditions are met:
u
the load is less than 80 % of the rated safe working load and
u
the angle of inclination for each chain leg is not less then 15° and
u
the angles of inclination of the chain legs do not deviate by more than 15° from each other and
u
the sling attachment points for 3- and 4-legged chain slings are located in a sling
plane of not more than 15°.
• For unsymmetrical loading, the classification of the lifting operation as well as the determination
of the safe working load is to be entrusted to a competent person. Alternatively in the case of
unsymmetrical loading, the safe working load should be reduced to 50 % of the rated value.
• When using multi-legged chain slings, the following is to be observed if not all of the legs
are required for lifting:
u
Individual legs which are not being used should be hooked back onto the master link.
u
In such cases, the following load factors apply:
• All influencing factors are to be taken into account when determining a sling type and choosing
the appropriate chain sling, with the safe working load to be greater than the load to be lifted.
• Safety during lifting operations:
u
ISO 12480-1 is to be observed in the planning and carrying out of lifting operations.
u
Hands and other body parts are to be kept clear when tautening the chain sling.
u
No other persons must be put in danger.
• The place where the load is to be put down should be prepared and made sufficiently accessible.
• The ground must have sufficient load-bearing capacity.
• It may be necessary to stabilise the load by using wooden blocks or the like.
• In order to prevent damage, the sling chain must not be wedged, nor pulled out by means of the lifting gear.
• Storage of chain slings that are not in use:
u
In order to minimise corrosion attacks on chain slings that have been used in acids or alkalis
or in acid or alkaline vapours, those chain slings should be cleaned thoroughly also before removing
them from operation temporarily.
u
Chain slings should be stored on specially designed and provided racks.
If chain slings are lying on the floor, there is a risk that they might get damaged.
u
Chain slings remaining on the crane hook should be hooked back onto the master link.
u
If chain slings are not to be used in the foreseeable future, they are to be cleaned and protected against corrosion.
Inspections should be performed by a competent person at intervals of no more than 12 months.
If necessary, these intervals should be shortened in dependence of the circumstances of use.
• Prior to inspection, the chain slings are to be cleaned thoroughly.
• Any cleaning method that does not attack the basic material is admissible, whereas any
processes or procedures that may cause hydrogen embrittlement, overheating or material abrasion
or which may hide surface damage are to be avoided.
• Sufficient lighting is to be provided during inspections, and all components of the chain sling
are to be examined.
• By means of visual inspections, the chain slings are to be checked for unmistakable
identification (tags) as well as for any visually noticeable defects.
If any of the following defects are found, the chain sling has to be removed from
operation and inspected by a competent person or serviced/repaired:
u
Marking/identification illegible or missing.
u
Deformation of suspension or sling parts.
u
Inadmissible elongation of chain links, differences in leg lengths.
6. When putting
the load down,
the following is
to be observed:
7. Maintenance:
Safety Notes
4
d
Type of chain sling
Number of
Factor to be applied with
individual legs used
respect to the rated SWL
1
1/2
2
2/3
1
1/3
2-leged
3- and 4-legged
3- and 4-legged
