ALLOY STEEL CHAING SLINGS

Warning, Selection, Use
& Maintenance Information

• Loads may disengage from sling if proper rigging procedures and inspection are not followed.
• A falling load may cause serious injury or death.
• Inspect sling for damage before each use.
• Do not attempt to use sling above rated load and angle upon which it is based.
• Consult sling load chart for capacity reduction due to sling angle or type of hitch used.
• Read and understand these instructions, before using sling.

Important Safety Information -
Read and Follow

These warnings and instructions are applicable to alloy chain slings produced from Crosby Grade 8 (80) and Grade 10 (100) chain and components.

• Only alloy chain, grade 80 (Crosby Spectrum 8), or grade 100 (Crosby Specturm 10), should be used for overhead lifting applications.
• Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum load in pounds which should ever be applied to chain, when the chain is new or in "as new" condition, and when the load is uniformly applied in direct tension to a straight length of chain.
• Working Load Limit (WLL) is the maximum working load for a specific minimum sling angle, measured from the horizontal plane.  The minimum sling alnge and Working Load Limit is identified on the sling.
• The Working Load Limit or Design factor may be affected by wear, misuse, overloading, corrosion, deformation, intentional alterations, sharp corner cutting action and other use conditions.
• Shock loading and extraordinary conditions must be taken into account when selecting alloy chain slings.
• See OSHA Regulation for Slings 1910.184, ANSI/ASME B30.9-"SLINGS", ANSI/ASME B30.10-"HOOKS" and  ANSI/AMSE B30.26 "RIGGING HARDWARE"  for additional information.

ASME B30.9 requires a designated person inspect each new sling and attachments prior to initial use, as well as the user or other designated person perform a visual inspection on a sling each day it is used.  In addition, a periodic inspection shall be performed by a designated person at least annually,and shall maintain a record of the last inspection.  For further inspection information, see Chain Inspection section of this document, or refer to ASME B30.9-1.9.

CAUSE FOR REMOVAL FROM SERVICE

A sling shall be removed from services if any of the following are visible on chain or attachments:

• Wear, nicks, cracks, breaks, gouges, stretch, bend, weld splatter, discoloration from excessive temperature, and throat openings of hooks.
• Chain links and attachments that do not hinge freely to adjacent links.
• Latches on hooks, if present, that do not hinge freely, seat properly or show evidence of permanent distortion.
• Excessive pitting or corrosion.
• Missing or illegible sling identification.
• Makeshift fasteners, hooks, or links formed from bolts, rods, etc.
• Mechanical coupling links in the body of the chain.
• Other damage that would cause a doubt as to the strength of the chain.

OPERATING PRACTICES

• The weight of the load must be known, calculated, estimated or measured.  The loading on the slings will depend on where the center of gravity is located.
• Select sling having suitable characteristics for the type of load, hitch and environment.
• Slings shall not be loaded in excess of the rated capacity.  Consideration shall be given to the sling load angle which affects rated capacity.  (See load chart in Table 4 for Grade 100 (SPECTRUM 10) and Table 5 for Grade 80 (SPECTRUM 8).
• Never rig a sling with an angle less than 30 degrees to horizontal.
• Slings in a basket hitch should have the load balanced to prevent slippage.
• The sling shall be hitched in a manner providing control of the load.
• Never side load, back load, or tip load a hook.
• Always make sure the hook supports the load.  The latch must never support the load.
• Read and understand Crosby hook and hook latch Warnings and Application Instructions.
• For two legged slings with angles greater than 90 degrees, use an intermediate link such as a master link or bolt type shackle to collect the legs of the slings.  The intermediate link can be placed over the hook to provide an in-line load on the hook.  This approach must also be used when using slings with three or more legs.
• When using chain slings in choker applications, the Working Load Limist must be reduced by 20%.  Crosby recommends a minimum angle of choke of 120 degrees (see Figure 1).  Consult the manufacturer when planning to use an angle of choke less than 120 degrees.  If Crosby A-1338 Cradle Grab hooks are used at the minimum angle of choke of 120 degrees, the full sling rated WLL can be utilized.
• In shortening applications, a 20% reduction of the Working Load Limit is required except when using the Crosby A-1338 Cradle Grab Hooks or S-1311 Chain Shortener Link or the Crosby ELIMINATOR shortener link.  They can be used without any reduction to the Working Load Limit.
• Slings should always be protected from being damaged by sharp corners.
• Slings should not be dragged on the floor or over abrasive surface.
• Chain sling links should not be twisted or kinked.