Important Chain Information: 

• Other grade chains and components can be appropriate for specific applications with unusual requirements. It is critical that the fittings used for sling assembly be of like material. A sling identification tag with the size, grade, rated capacity, and reach is required by OSHA regulation. Per ANSI/ASME B30.9. Some things you need to keep in mind: 
• Safe Working Loads 

• Determine the safe working load of slings, chains, accessories, and rigging equipment before use. The safe working loads of slings must not exceed the rated capacities. For types of slings not included in these tables, follow the manufacturer’s recommended safe working load for the specific angle of loading, provided that you maintain a safety factor of five. 

• Job-Fabricated Rigging Hardware.  

• A professional engineer must design and certify use of any job-fabricated rigging hardware and test it at twice the rated safe working load or in accordance with applicable standards. 

• Use, Repair and Maintenance.  

• The use, repair, and maintenance of ropes, chains, slings, and rigging accessories must conform to the manufacturer’s written instructions. Test repaired slings and accessories at twice their rated load before use. 

• Inspection.  

• Make frequent and periodic inspections. Immediately remove defective equipment from service. 
• Frequent Inspections.  

• The user must inspect rigging equipment before each shift. 

• Thorough Periodic Inspections.  

• A designated person must thoroughly inspect rigging equipment and maintain a written record. The field location must determine the frequency of the periodic inspection on the basis of use, severity of service conditions, nature of the lifts, and experience on the service life of slings used in similar circumstances. Conduct inspections periodically and at least once every 12 months. 

• Special or Infrequent Service. 

• For slings that are used infrequently, inspect before each use. At the time of use, document the inspection. 

• Removal From Service.  

• Routinely inspect chain, wire rope, fiber, synthetic webbing, and sling hooks. Remove from service if any are deformed, damaged, or otherwise do not meet inspection criteria and are not safe for use. Cut up and discard slings removed from service due to defects or plainly mark them as being unfit for load-bearing service. Do not repair cracked, broken, or bent end attachments. Replace them. 

• Protection.  

• Appropriately protect slings from sharp, rough, or square corners to prevent damage to the strands, wires, or links. Properly store slings when not in use to protect them from damage.