Chain Sling
Inspection

The inspection should follow a formal written inspection procedure to ensure complete examination:

  1. When performing an alloy chain sling inspection, it is suggested that appropriate PPE (hard hat, steel toe shoes, safety glasses with side shields, and gloves) be worn during the inspection. 
  2. Clean each chain sling prior to inspection. Chain that is coated with paint, dirt, or oil may hide nicks, gouges, or other damage. Do not use chemicals, acids, or harsh cleaners.
  3. Check the identification tag legibility. Ensure that the serial number, name of manufacturer, size, grade, working load limit, number of branches or legs, and reach correspond to the original Chain Sling Certification provided when the sling was manufactured.
  4. Check the chain grade to verify it is Grade 80 or 100 alloy and that all components used to manufacture the sling assembly are properly identified with manufacturer name or logo, grade, and chain size.   
  5. Measure the reach of sling legs to make sure they correspond to the values stamped on the chain sling identification tag. If one or more legs are longer, there is a possibility that the sling has been subjected to overloading or excessive wear.
  6. Make a link-by-link inspection of the chain slings for:
    • Excessive wear.  If the wear on any portion of any link exceeds the allowable wear shown on this table remove from service.
    • Twisted, bent, or cut links.
    • Cracks in the weld area or any portion of the link.
    • Nicks or gouges.
    • Stretched links.
    • High heat exposure damage. If the chain sling has been exposed to temperatures in excess of 400°F up to 1000°F, refer to this table for capacity reductions or removal criteria.
    • Weld splatter or weld arc burns.
    • Severe corrosion.
    • Any deformation or degradation of components.
  7. Inspect the master and joiner coupling links for wear or damage.
  8. Inspect mechanical coupling links for damage or wear. Verify that they are not seized and they hinge freely at the load pin. Confirm there is not more than one leg of chain attached per mechanical coupling link.
  9. If hooks have been opened more than 5% of the normal throat openings (measured at the narrowest point) or twisted more than 0 degrees from the plane of unbent hook, the sling shall be removed from service.
  10. Any damaged or worn chain sling found meeting the criteria mentioned above must be immediately removed from service, identified, and quarantined for evaluation to determine if the sling can be repaired or replacement is required.
  11. Attach “Danger – Do Not Use” warning tag to each sling removed from service. Record the removal of the sling on chain sling inspection report form.
  12. The chain sling should then be returned to an authorized Peerless Chain Repair Service Center for further evaluation and inspection by a qualified inspector to determine if repairs can be performed or replacement is required. The repaired or new sing will be certified with a new Chain Sling Certification when returned.