Wednesday, 4th May 2022 Rigging

Everything You Need to Know About Chain Slings

Chain Slings

Chain slings are highly versatile and are incredibly durable, commonly used to lift heavy or awkward items on construction sites such as: skip bins, concrete slabs, pipes, dense materials, pre-fabricated structures, plus so much more. Made from lengths of high tensile chain, with a range of fixtures attached, the chain and it’s mechanisms in Australia are classified as either Grade 80 (T), Grade 100 (V), or Grade 120.

Today we wanted to discuss everything you need to know about this type of sling and how it can be used, so you can make an informed decision on whether this type of sling would suit your requirements.

Load Size

When selecting a chain sling, it is critical to assess the load it will be required to lift. Most chain slings are durable and are made for lifting dense loads of various material types, and due to this can be used in most settings. Alloy steel chain loads are highly adaptable to the shape and size of many loads and can be adjusted onsite to suit various loading types. It is of high significance that you assess each load individually to determine whether the load bearing capacity is fit for the chain sling so as to not risk damaging the sling and therefore compromising the safe lifting of materials or a structure, as well as the safety for the handler and surrounds.

Durability in Various Temperatures and Conditions

Lifting Chain slings are favoured for their durability and performance in extreme temperatures and for tough jobs. They can withstand temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius (approx.), being the ideal choice for metal fabrication works, steel factories, heavy machinery manufacturing and transportation, and various other environments which face extreme temperature conditions.

A chain sling will not melt, break or weaken in these conditions, which provides comfort to the purchasers and handlers of this operation. Chain slings are abrasion-resistant, which is essential as they are less likely to cause heat-induced damage. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions when using your chain sling to ensure you’re following best advice and practice.

Sling Ratings

Most chain slings in today’s market have industrial ratings listed on their tags which details their specific conditions of use. These specified conditions may include max. environmental or temperature exposure conditions, operational requirements, and assembly instructions for attaching the sling to the load. Ensure that these directions are followed as stipulated to avoid any potential risk of damage to the sling, it’s load, and to avoid compromising the safety of the handler and surrounds.

Lifting Points

It is essential that correct lifting points be a critical consideration, otherwise you will be left to assess and determine another sufficient lifting point, which can delay your project. Does your chain sling have threaded holes? Ensure the holes are big enough to support the total weight of the load. Where the lifting points are non-existent, it is reasonable to select a chain sling that can pass through an opening in the load. You can also opt for a chain sling which can safely and securely wrap around the load.

Inspection Before Use

It is wise to perform a pre-inspection of the sling before each use, and this should include checking that the following aspects meet complete safety guidelines and standards: cleaning the sling before each inspection, confirming the sling is appropriately tagged and certified, ensuring that each chain link is individually examined for any signs of wear, twisting, stretching, scratches or markings, heat damage, chemical burns, or extreme corrosion. Note: any natural wear of the sling can be tolerated until the breadth of any section has been reduced by 10% of the nominal section of any aspect.

If you’re unsure on how to carry out this pre-inspection or are unsure of which aspects to assess, be in touch with us today to book an appointment with one of our technical and engineering team members to have your sling certified for safe and efficient use.

Chain Slings FAQs:

What type of sling is best for lifting hot materials?

Chain slings, and in particularly, alloy steel chain slings are regarded as the most durable when lifting hot materials. They are abrasion resistant, and can conform to the shape of the hot material with ease and without incurring damage beyond natural wear.

Is cable stronger than chain?

Wire rope and chain slings each serve different purposes, and therefore each perform exceptionally well for various applications. Wire rope slings for a rigging and lifting application where an abrasion-resistant, but still highly flexible and heavy-duty lifting performance is required, wire rope is the ideal choice. These types of slings are usually very heavy, and are not advised to be bent over sharp edges. Chain slings are designed to handle awkward-shaped and hard to position loads, as well as hot materials. Chain slings are often used in high-temperature environments, and are not a pliable material.

How should you use chain slings safely?

When using any type of sling, it is advised that you ensure you are meeting all manufacturing requirements stipulated in the certified tagging attached to the sling. Do not deviate from these instructions or cautions, as you can risk a malfunction of the sling, as well as risk injury to the handler or it’s surrounds.

When should you inspect a chain sling?

A chain sling should be inspected before each use to ensure it meets safety requirements as well as to ensure that you continue to get the best performance out of your chain sling.

What is the safety factor of a chain sling?

There are many potential hazards you can experience when operating a chain sling. These include: lack of proper training on the use of the sling, not complying with certified tagging advice and instructions, incorrectly assessing load weight, avoiding periodic testing to your sling and avoiding necessary repairs to your sling. If you are unsure about any aspect of using or inspecting your chain sling, give us a call today for an in-depth discussion and tailored advice.

How is chain strength calculated?

The safe working load (SWL) is dependent on many factors including, the type of sling used and it’s load capacity, the type of load being lifted, the shape of the load, and the load’s material. Please give us a call to discuss your requirements and we will be able to provide you more tailored advice for your specifications.