There is a reason why industrial lifting slings are popular for lifting heavy loads in industries like construction, oil and gas, steel mills, and automobile. Don't let their simple design fool you. They offer unparallel safety, flexibility, and longevity. From giant windmills to containers, chain slings can be used to lift just about anything.
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However, you will need to choose the right type of industrial chain slings to ensure safety and efficiency. Before we get into what you should consider when selecting alloy chains, let's see what type of slings you can use.
Unlike synthetic slings, chain slings are made from high-quality metal alloys, usually steel. They can withstand extreme temperatures, impact, chemicals, and UV light. Thanks to their durability and flexibility, you can use industrial lifting slings in manufacturing, foundries, oil and gas extraction, steel mills, and other severe work environments.
There are three common types of slings, based on the number of alloy chain legs.
As the name suggests, single-leg alloy chain slings consist of only one chain supporting the load. That's why these chains are more suitable for lifting evenly distributed loads. They are commonly used in foundries and manufacturing plants.
Double-leg alloy chain slings come with two strands of chains. The two separate links provide better support to the attached load. Some sling manufacturers also offer adjustable double-leg slings. They render more flexibility when lifting heavy loads.
Multi-leg alloy chain slings have three or four links. They are the strongest of alloy chains, having the capacity to lift extremely heavy loads. You can find them in all types of heavy industries.
The flexibility and durability allow you to use chain slings for vertical, choker, or basket hitches. You can use different variations of master links, slings, and hooks, to build lifting and rigging assemblies as required.
But, as strong as they come, these slings do have limitations. Moreover, lifting heavy loads is a dangerous task that can lead to serious injuries should things go south. So, you have to be very careful when selecting a chain sling.
Here's what you mustn't forget.
First, you need to understand what the intended load is and how you want to lift it. It'll help you plan the entire lifting and rigging operation to a tee. So, start digging into the shape, size, strength, and weight of the load. The more details you can get, the better.
The center of gravity of the load is a crucial factor. If you know the center of gravity, arranging the slings and other lifting devices becomes a lot easier.
As a cardinal rule, the master link or the hook (connected to the crane or hoist) should be directly over the center of gravity. Otherwise, the load will be out of balance, resulting in accidents and/or injuries. Most likely, you will have to adjust the load repeatedly until you can find its center of gravity.
In addition to the center of gravity, you need to know how to attach the load to the lifting devices. Most heavy loads, such as containers, come with lifting points.
But, when lifting points are absent, you have to consider where you can attach the slings. Firstly, the lifting points you select must be strong enough to bear the weight of the load.
Secondly, if the load is delicate, choosing synthetic slings that you can wrap around it is a good idea. It's the best way to protect the load from excruciating pressure alloy chains would put on it during the lift.
Make sure to choose suitable slings depending on your load, lifting environment, and the type of chains you are using.
Selecting the right grade is equally important. Carbon steel chains have lower grades (usually 30, 40, and 70), which are not suited for overhead lifting and rigging. But, you can use them for tying down and bundling loads.
However, steel alloy chains have higher grades, most common being 80, 100, 120. Both OSHA and ASME recommend these grades for overhead lifting applications.
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Moreover, selecting the right grade can increase your lifting efficiency and reduce the risk of accidents. While you can use a thicker Grade 80 chain, a Grade 100 but thinner chain will be easy to use. In other words, you need to get a grip on alloy chain grades.
You can use alloy chain slings for lifting loads at high temperatures. They can withstand temperatures up to ° Fahrenheit. However, continuously exposing these chains to high temperatures (more than 400° Fahrenheit) will affect their strength.
Sling manufacturers often recommend decreasing the working load limits in such conditions. Make sure to check the user manual for manufacturer's instructions in this regard.
You will need to check the working load limit (WLL) of each chain sling. You must never exceed the recommended WLL. Different factors will affect the WLL of a chain sling. These include but are not limited to:
Lastly, you must inspect each alloy chain daily or before using it. Usually, a visual inspection is enough to know whether the chain is safe to use. Assign a qualified person for the same.
During the daily inspection, look for:
Furthermore, check the identification tag, which bears the serial number, manufacturer's details, size, grade, and working load limit. It should be legible. If the tag is missing or illegible, either replace it or stop using the chain slings.
In addition to the regular inspection, you also need to perform documented periodic chain sling inspections by an expert. Depending on the frequency of use and work environment, you can check the chains:
Alloy chains are an integral part of lifting heavy loads. However, as your safety and efficiency are at stake, you will have to consider a few things before using them. With these tips, you will be able to choose the right chains for your project.
If you are looking for industrial lifting devices, HHI can help. We offer a wide range of rigging and lifting hardware for clients across industries. Feel free to reach out to us or check out our online store today!
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a body in the United States that plays a critical role in enhancing workplace safety around the country. If you operate a manufacturing company, you must be OSHA compliant so that you can avoid being on the wrong side of the law and so that your employees will be protected from harm. One of the main safety issues that you need to prevent in your manufacturing entity is injuries associated with falls.
Several fall protection measures, which have been in place since , govern workplace safety practices. To prevent falls and associated injuries, you must use the right types of lifting slings in your lifting operations. Given that there are several types of lifting slings, some people find it hard to select the best chain sling. This article highlights some of the factors that you need to consider when it comes time to buy chain slings for your company.
Every time you evaluate different types of lifting slings for your operations, consider the weight and strength of the load. It's common to see a load falling and breaking, especially it isn't well-supported from the sides. Use strong rigging when dealing with a heavy load and provide support from all directions. Providing support from the sides will prevent falling, thereby preventing injuries to the workers on site.
It's common knowledge that alloy chain slings are flexible enough and can easily be stretched by a heavy load. There are other types of lifting slings that can be stretched as well. Although this is not a very attractive property of lifting slings, it's useful in adjusting the load's center of gravity. This flexibility prevents the load from leaning on one side, which is extremely dangerous in the workplace.
When choosing lifting slings, make sure that you pay attention to their temperature limits. Lifting slings have been made to accommodate temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything beyond these temperatures could be catastrophic. If you're buying chain slings to lift heavy machinery and equipment in harsh conditions, make sure that you check the temperature standards. The chain sling you choose should be able to withstand excessive temperatures without stretching or melting.
Most of the slings available have industrial ratings, which indicate specific conditions of use. Some of the specific details that will be indicated include temperature, load, operational conditions, and how they are attached to the load. Make sure that the chain sling that you will be getting meets the sling ratings consistent with your needs. If sling ratings and your needs don't align, this could spell disaster for your workers.
Chain slings are exposed to heavy stretching and lifting of very heavy loads. Therefore, signs of fatigue, wear, and tear is a very common problem encountered when using lifting string. When buying a lifting sling, try and find a sling that can withstand fatigue. You should get a chain sling that does not crack when bent by a small radius. Get a lifting sling that can withstand wear and tear to serve you for several years.
Before making a purchase, make sure that your lifting sling has proper lifting points on the load. There should be a mechanism which allows your slings to be attached to the load. Otherwise, you will have to come up with methods of attaching the chain slings to your loads. Check that the holes are big enough to accommodate the entire weight of the load and prevent falls.
There are many different types of lifting slings available to you. Therefore, you have to conduct an exhaustive analysis before deciding on which lifting sling you need to use. After a careful analysis of your needs, you will easily come up with a lifting sling that meets your needs.
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