Alloy steel chain sling inspection checklist

Before you use it

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.184(d) requires each sling and all fastenings and attachments to be inspected for damage or defects each day before use by a competent person designated by the employer, with additional inspections during use where service conditions warrant. Damaged or defective slings are removed from service immediately.
• For alloy steel chain slings, 1910.184(e)(3) adds a thorough periodic inspection on a regular basis set by the frequency of use, the severity of service conditions, the nature of the lifts and experience with similar slings, and in no event at intervals greater than once every 12 months. The employer makes and maintains a record of the most recent month in which each sling was thoroughly inspected and makes it available for examination. The thorough inspection covers wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length.
• A sling comes out of service when the chain size at any point of a link is less than the minimum in Table N-184-1, when a hook is cracked, opened more than 15 percent of its normal throat opening or twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook, or when a master link, coupling link or other component is cracked or deformed (1910.184(e)(8) and (e)(9)). A sling heated above 1000 °F is removed permanently (1910.184(e)(6)).
• Each sling carries permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and reach (1910.184(e)(1)); makeshift links or fasteners formed from bolts or rods are not used (1910.184(e)(2)); and the proof-test certificate for each new, repaired or reconditioned sling is retained (1910.184(e)(4)). Add the manufacturer’s inspection criteria for your grade of chain.