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Safety Focus of the Week: Basic Rigging – Chain Slings
Chain slings are another common rigging sling that we use for lifting. For us, the single biggest advantage of a chain sling is that it is adjustable in length, unlike wire rope or synthetic slings. The adjustment is available since our basic chain slings have both a grab and a sling hook which allows for the sling length to be adjusted by setting the grab hook on different links. Another of our common chain sling assemblies is the adjustable bridle set with four legs.
The other major advantages are that chain can be used in temperatures up to 1,000 deg F (although there are some considerations for these conditions) and they are more durable than synthetic and wire rope slings.
As with all slings, daily inspection prior to use is required. Things to look for on chain slings include:
- Missing or illegible tag
- Stretched, deformed, damaged, corroded, gouged, pitted, cracked, or abnormal links and fittings
- Weld splatter
- Hook wear
- Properly matched attachments
- Proper fittings
