Warnings, Cautions, Inspection and Proper Use of Chain 

Chain products and components are designed and built for rugged lasting service. As with any quality product certain precautions and standards of treatment should be observed. Proper care will extend the useful life of the product. 

INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING COMPONENTS AND FITTINGS 

Components, such as hooks or shackles, should have at least the same working load limit (rated capacity) as the chain with which they are used. If not, the assembly shall be rated to the capacity of the weakest component. 

WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS 

• The use of chain is subject to certain hazards that cannot be met by mechanical or manufacturing means, but only by the exercise of intelligence, care, and common sense 
• Do not exceed the working load limit of the chain or any component 
• Chemically active environments may adversely affect chain and components. Do not use in highly acidic or caustic environments. Contact your Lift Solutions Service Department if the chain will be exposed to chemically active environments during use 
• High and low temperatures will affect chain and components. Your Lift Solutions Partner should be contacted if temperatures below -20°F (-29°C) or above 400°F (200°C) will be experienced 
• Chains used in certain applications are subject to governmental regulations. Please follow all Federal, State and/or Local Department of Transportation, OSHA, or other applicable standards and regulations when using ASC provided products 
• Never field weld or repair chain 
• See other specific information under “Inspection and Proper Use” sections 

INSPECTION 

• Regular inspections should be conducted on chain to detect damage or deterioration from use. The chain should be inspected for any of the below conditions. If present, the chain should immediately be removed from service. 
• Cracks in the chain or any component 
• Excessive nicks or gouges 
• Excessive wear. Chain should be removed from service if the thickness at any point on the link is below the value shown in the Chain Minimum Allowable Thickness chart. All other components should be removed from service if any dimension is worn by more than 10% from the original dimension 
• Stretched, bent, twisted, or distorted chain links or components 
• Excessive corrosion 
• Evidence of heat damage 
• Evidence of field welding or weld splatter 
• Any other condition which questions the integrity of the chain 

PROPER USE 

• To protect the users and to prevent damage to the chain, the following safe practices should be followed: 
• Select a chain suitable for the application and environment 
• The hooks or other components should be of a size to fit the intended connections 
• Avoid shock loading 
• Pad all sharp edges or corners in contact with the chain 
• Rig so that the load is properly seated in the hooks or other components. Avoid tip loading of hooks and side loading of chain and components 
• Avoid twisting or kinking the chain 
• Never knot chain