BRITISH STANDARD |

| BS EN
|
|
|
818-6:2000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Short link chain for |
|
|
|
|
|
lifting purposes Ð |
|
|
|
|
|
Safety Ð |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Part 6: Chain slings Ð Specification for |
|
|
information for use and maintenance to |
|
|
be provided by the manufacturer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The European Standard EN 818-6:2000 has the status of a |
British Standard |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ICS 53.020.30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
|
|
|
|
BS EN 818-6:2000

National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version of EN 818-6:2000.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
MHE/1, Chains and fittings, which has the responsibility to:

Ð aid enquirers to understand the text;

Ð present to the responsible European committee any enquiries on the
interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the UK interests informed;
Ð monitor related international and European developments and promulgate
them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on request to

its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European publications
referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Standards Catalogue under the
section entitled ªInternational Standards Correspondence Indexº, or by using the
ªFindº facility of the BSI Standards Electronic Catalogue.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
National annex NA (informative)
In the UK, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
require that accessories for lifting such as chain and chain slings, are thoroughly
examined by a competent person at either 6 month intervals, or in accordance with
a scheme of examination drawn up by a competent person.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 13 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document
was last issued.

This British Standard, having Amendments issued since publication

been prepared under the
direction of the Engineering Amd. No. Date Comments
Sector Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Committee and comes
into effect on 15 April 2000

 BSI 04-2000

ISBN 0 580 35183 1

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 818-6
NORME EUROPEÂENNE
EUROPAÈISCHE NORM January 2000

ICS 53.020.30

English version

Short link chain for lifting purposes Ð Safety Ð Part 6: Chain

slings Ð Specification for information for use and maintenance to
be provided by the manufacturer

ChaõÃnes de levage aÁ maillons courts Ð SeÂcurite РKurzgliedrige Rundstahlketten fuÈr Hebezwecke Ð

Partie 6: Elingues en chaõÃnes Ð SpeÂcification pour Sicherheit Ð Teil 6: Anschlagketten Ð Festlegungen
l'information sur l'utilisation et la maintenance qui zu Informationen uÈber Gebrauch und
doit eÃtre fourni par le fabricant Instandhaltung, die vorn Hersteller zur VerfuÈgung zu
stellen sind

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 May 1999.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical
references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to
the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German).
A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a
CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comite EuropeÂen de Normalisation
EuropaÈisches Komitee fuÈr Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

 2000 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national
Members.
Ref. No. EN 818-6:2000 E
Page 2
EN 818-6:2000

Foreword Contents
This European Standard has been prepared by Page
Technical Committee CEN/TC 168, Chains, ropes,
webbing, slings and accessories Ð Safety, the Foreword 2
Secretariat of which is held by BSI. Introduction 3
This European Standard shall be given the status of a 1 Scope 3
national standard, either by publication of an identical 2 Normative references 3
text or by endorsement, at the latest by July 2000, and
conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at 3 Terms and definitions 3
the latest by July 2000. 4 Hazards 3
This European Standard has been prepared under a 5 Safety requirements 4
mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
Annex A (informative) Guidance to assist
and the European Free Trade Association, and
the manufacturer to prepare documented
supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
information for the use and maintenance of
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative chain slings 5
annex ZA, which is an integral part of this standard.
Annex B (informative) Bibliography 13
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations,
the national standards organizations of the following Annex ZA (informative) Relationship of this
countries are bound to implement this European European Standard with EU Directives 13
Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The other parts of EN 818 are:
Ð Part 1: General conditions of acceptance;
Ð Part 2: Medium tolerance chain for chain
slings Ð Grade 8;
Ð Part 3: Medium tolerance chain for chain
slings Ð Grade 4;
Ð Part 4: Chain slings Ð Grade 8;
Ð Part 5: Chain slings Ð Grade 4;
Ð Part 7: Fine tolerance chain for hoists, Grade T
(Types T, DT and DAT).
Annexes A and B of this European Standard are for
information only.

 BSI 04-2000
 Page 3
EN 818-6:2000

Introduction 3 Terms and definitions

This European Standard has been prepared to be a For the purposes of this part of EN 818 the definitions
harmonized standard to provide one means of given in EN 818-1, EN 818-4 and EN 818-5 apply
complying with the essential safety requirements of the together with the following.
Machinery Directive and associated EFTA regulations.
3.1
The extent to which the hazards are covered is
indicated in the scope. inspection
a visual check on the condition of the chain sling to
identify obvious damage or deterioration which might
1 Scope affect its fitness for use
This part of EN 818 specifies the information on use
and maintenance to be provided by the manufacturer 3.2
with chain slings conforming to EN 818-4 and EN 818-5. thorough examination
NOTE Certain clauses are relevant to component parts of chains a visual examination carried out by a competent
and accessories conforming to EN 818-2, EN 818-3 and EN 1677. person, and where necessary, supplemented by other
Annex A is informative, and provides some of the means, such as non-destructive testing, in order to
detailed information for use and maintenance which detect damage or deterioration which might affect the
may be appropriate. fitness for use of the chain sling
The hazards covered by this part of EN 818 are
identified in clause 4.
4 Hazards
The release of a load due to failure of lifting
2 Normative references accessories such as chain slings or their component
This European Standard incorporates by dated or parts puts at risk either directly or indirectly the safety
undated reference, provisions from other publications. or health of those persons within the danger zone of
These normative references are cited at appropriate lifting equipment.
places in the text and the publications are listed This part of EN 818 lays down those aspects of safe
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent use associated with good practice.
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications apply to this European Standard only Table 1 contains those hazards which require action to
when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For reduce risk identified by risk assessment as being
undated references the latest edition of the publication specific or significant.
referred to applies.
EN 292-2:1991/A1:1995, Safety of machinery Ð Basic
concepts Ð General principles for design Ð
Part 2: Technical principles and specifications
(Amendment 1:1995).
EN 818-1, Short link chain for lifting purposes Ð
Safety Ð Part 1: General conditions of acceptance.
EN 818-2, Short link chain for lifting purposes Ð
Safety Ð Part 2: Medium tolerance chain for chain
slings Ð Grade 8.
EN 818-3, Short link chain for lifting purposes Ð
Safety Ð Part 3: Medium tolerance chain for chain
slings Ð Grade 4.
EN 818-4, Short link chain for lifting purposes Ð
Safety Ð Part 4: Chain slings Ð Grade 8.
EN 818-5, Short link chain for lifting purposes Ð
Safety Ð Part 5: Chain slings Ð Grade 4.
EN 1050:1996, Safety of machinery Ð Principles of
risk assessment.

Table 1 Ð Hazards and associated requirements

Hazards identified in annex A of EN 1050:1996 Relevant clause of annex A of Relevant clause/subclause of this
EN 292-2:1991/A1:1995 part of EN 818
26 Insufficient instructions 1.7.4 5 and informative annex A
for the driver/operator 3.6.3b) 5 and informative annex A
4.4.1 5 and informative annex A

 BSI 04-2000
Page 4
EN 818-6:2000

5 Safety requirements 5.5 Instructions regarding correct use of the

chain sling
5.1 General
Instructions regarding the following shall be provided:
Documented information shall be provided by the
a) determination of the mass of the load, its centre
manufacturer covering the subjects listed in 5.2 to 5.6.
of gravity, attachment points and the method of
Informative annex A contains guidance to assist in the
attachment;
preparation of this information.
b) checking of the conformity of the method of
5.2 Restriction on altering the finished lifting and mass of the load to the working load limit
condition on the chain sling specified by the manufacturer for the working
Any restrictions on alteration of the following shall be configuration;
given: c) attachment of chain sling to hook of lifting
a) heat treatment; machine;
b) galvanizing (see also A.1.1.2.2.1); d) attachment of chain sling to load: direct
c) plating; attachment, choke hitch, basket hitch, special
components;
d) coating.
e) protection of chain sling and load;
5.3 Limitations on the use of the chain sling due f) controlling rotation of load;
to adverse environmental conditions or
hazardous conditions g) ensuring even balance of the load;
Any limitations on the use of the chain sling due to the h) correct use of shortening devices;
following shall be given: i) avoidance of shock loading;
a) adverse environments (see also A.1.1.2); j) ensuring safety of personnel;
b) hazardous conditions (see also A.1.1.3). k) correct fitting of load bearing pins in components
according to the series of prEN 1677, if appropriate;
5.4 Actions to be taken before putting the chain
sling into first use l) correct use of clamping forces;
Instructions shall be given regarding the following m) use of less than the full number of legs;
(see also A.1.2.1): n) preparation of landing site;
a) the need to ensure the availability of the o) detachment of chain sling from load;
manufacturer's certificate; p) correct storage of chain sling.
b) the need to enter full details of the chain sling in
5.6 Periodic thorough examination and
a record of lifting equipment;
maintenance
c) availability of instructions for use of the chain
Information shall be given regarding the following:
sling and information about adequate training of
staff. a) withdrawal criteria;
b) repairs, renewals, re-testing, certification;
c) records of examination and maintenance.

 BSI 04-2000
 Page 5
EN 818-6:2000

Annex A (informative) For the same reasons, chain slings should not be
galvanized or subjected to any plating processes
Guidance to assist the manufacturer to without the approval of the manufacturer.
prepare documented information for the A.1.1.2.2.2 Chain slings of Grade 4
use and maintenance of chain slings Chain slings of Grade 4 may be used in acidic
A.1 Use of chain slings conditions. The following precautions should be
adopted:
A.1.1 Chain sling selection
a) the working load of such a chain sling should not
A.1.1.1 General be greater than 50 % of the working load limit;
The relevant parts of EN 818 and EN 1677 define b) the chain sling should be thoroughly washed in
working load limit using the term General Lifting clean water immediately after use;
Service. This reflects the fact that lifting accessories c) the chain sling should be given an inspection by a
can be and are used in a wide variety of circumstances competent person each day before use.
in terms of configuration, types of load, methods of
attachment. Design considerations and working load A.1.1.2.3 Conditions in which the chain sling is
limit ratings are given in the relevant parts of EN 818 likely to be subjected to attack (chemical,
and EN 1677 take account of these circumstances. abrasive etc.)
EN 818-4 and EN 818-5 permit an alternative method of The manufacturer of the chain sling should be
rating where a chain sling is to be used exclusively for consulted, particularly if the chain sling is to be
a single specific lifting application where all of the exposed to highly concentrated chemicals combined
circumstances of use are known. with high temperatures.
A.1.1.2 Use in adverse environments A.1.1.3 Use in exceptionally hazardous
conditions
A.1.1.2.1 High and low temperature conditions
The rating of lifting accessories in European Standards
Care should be taken to take account of the maximum assumes the absence of exceptionally hazardous
temperature which can be reached by the chain sling conditions. Exceptionally hazardous conditions include
in service. This is difficult in practice but offshore activities, the lifting of persons and lifting of
underestimation of the temperature involved should be potentially dangerous loads such as molten metals,
avoided. Table A.1 summarizes the necessary variation corrosive materials or fissile materials. In such cases
in WLL due to temperature. the degree of hazard should be assessed by a
Chain slings of Grades 4 and 8 will not be adversely competent person and the working load limit adjusted
affected by temperatures down to 240 8C and no accordingly.
reduction from the working load limit is therefore
necessary on this account. Where chain slings are to
be used at temperatures below 240 8C, the
manufacturer should be consulted.
A.1.1.2.2 Acidic conditions
A.1.1.2.2.1 Chain slings of Grade 8
Chain slings of Grade 8 should not be used either
immersed in acid solutions or exposed to acid fumes.
Attention is drawn to the fact that certain production
processes involve acidic solutions and fumes and in
these circumstances the manufacturer's advice should
be sought.

Table A.1 Ð Variation in working load limit due to temperature1)

Grade Working load expressed as a percentage of working load limit
Temperature, t, ÊC
240 < t # 200 200 < t # 300 300 < t # 400 400 < t # 475 t $ 475
4 100 100 75 50 Not permissible
8 100 90 75 Not permissible
1)The use of chain slings within the permissible temperature ranges given in the table does not require any permanent reduction in
working load limit when the chain is returned to normal temperatures. If chain slings reach temperatures in excess of the maximum
permissible temperatures indicated in the table, they should be withdrawn from service and referred to the manufacturer.

 BSI 04-2000
Page 6
EN 818-6:2000

A.1.2 Chain sling verification before first use When using two-, three- and four-leg chain slings the
and in service attachment points and chain sling configuration should
be selected to achieve angles between the chain sling
A.1.2.1 Before first use
legs and the vertical within the range marked on the
Before first use of the chain sling it should be ensured chain sling. Preferably all angles to the vertical
that: (angle b in Figure A.1) should be equal (but
a) the chain sling is precisely as ordered; see A.1.3.5). Angles to the vertical of less than 158
b) the manufacturer's certificate is to hand; should be avoided if possible as they present a
significantly greater risk of load imbalance.
c) the identification and working load limit marking
on the chain sling correspond to the information on All multi-leg chain slings exert a horizontal component
the certificate; of force (see Figure A.1) which increases as the angle
between the chain sling legs is increased. Where hooks
d) full details of the chain sling are recorded. or other fittings are threaded on a loop of chain,
A.1.2.2 Before each use e.g. case chain slings and drum chain slings, the
Before each use the chain sling should be inspected horizontal component of force is much greater and
for obvious damage or deterioration (see A.2.1). If consequently the angle of such legs should not exceed
faults are found during this inspection, the procedure 308 to the vertical. Care should always be taken to
given in A.2.1 should be followed. ensure that the load to be moved is able to resist the
horizontal component of force without being damaged.
A.1.3 Handling the load The hook to which the chain sling is attached should
A.1.3.1 Preparation be directly above the centre of gravity.
Attention should be given to any specific instructions A.1.3.4 Method of connection
provided for the handling of the load. Before starting A chain sling is usually attached to the load and the
the lift, it should be ensured that the load is free to lifting machine by means of terminal fittings such as
move and is not bolted down or otherwise obstructed. hooks and links. Chains should be without twists or
A.1.3.2 Mass of the load knots. The lifting point should be seated well down in
a hook, never on the point or wedged in the opening;
It is essential that the mass of the load to be lifted is
the hook should be free to incline in any direction so
known. If the mass is not marked the information
as to avoid bending. For the same reason, the master
should be obtained from the consignment notes,
link should be free to incline in any direction on the
manuals, plans etc. If such information is not available
hook to which it is fitted.
the mass should be assessed by calculation.
The chain may be passed under or through the load to
A.1.3.3 Centre of gravity form a choke hitch (see Figure A.2) or basket hitch
The position of the centre of gravity of the load should (see Figure A.3). Where it is necessary, due to the
be established in relation to the possible points of danger of the load tilting, to use more than one chain
attachment of the chain sling. To lift the load without it sling leg in a basket hitch, this should preferably be
tilting or toppling the following conditions should be done in conjunction with a lifting beam.
met. When a chain sling is used in a choke hitch, the chain
a) For single leg and endless chain slings the should be allowed to assume its natural angle and
attachment point should be vertically above the should not be hammered down.
centre of gravity.
b) For two leg chain slings the attachment points
should be either side of and above the centre of
gravity.
c) For three and four leg chain slings the attachment
points should be distributed in plan around the
centre of gravity. It is preferable that the distribution
should be equal (but see A.1.3.5) and that the
attachment points should be above the centre of
gravity.

 BSI 04-2000
 Page 7
EN 818-6:2000

1. Loading of leg
2. Horizontal component of force
3. Load 10 t
The hatched area indicates angles greater than 608 to the vertical at which chain slings should never be
used.
Figure A.1 Ð Variation of chain sling leg loading with leg angle
for a load of 10 t

Chain sling legs may be attached to the load in several Where choke hitch is employed the working load
ways. limit (WLL) of the chain sling should be no more
a) Straight leg than 80 % of that marked.
In this case, lower terminals are connected directly c) Basket hitch
to the attachment points. Selection of hooks and The chain sling is passed through or under the load
attachment points should be such that the load is as in b) but in this case the lower terminals are
carried in the seat of the hook and tip loading of the connected directly to the master link or to the hook
hook is avoided. In the case of multi-leg chain slings of the lifting machine. Generally this method
hook tips should point outwards unless the hooks requires two or more chain sling legs and should not
are specifically designed to be used otherwise. be used for lifting loads which are not held together.
b) Choke hitch Where the load geometry permits, a single leg chain
sling can be used provided that the chain sling
In this case, chain sling legs are passed through or
passes through the load directly above the centre of
under the load and the lower terminal back hooked
gravity of the load. Examples of basket hitches are
or reeved onto the chain (see Figure A.2).
given in Figure A.3.
This method can, therefore be used where no
d) Wrap and choke or wrap and basket hitch
suitable attachment points are available and has the
additional advantage that the chain sling legs tend to These methods are adaptations of b) and c),
bind the load together. designed to provide extra security of loose bundles
and involve taking an extra loop of chain completely
around the load.

 BSI 04-2000
Page 8
EN 818-6:2000

Figure A.2 Ð Choke hitches

Figure A.3 Ð Basket hitches

 BSI 04-2000
 Page 9
EN 818-6:2000

If two or more chain sling legs are used in a choke In the case of two-, three- and four-leg chain slings, if
hitch or a wrap and choke hitch care should be taken: the legs subtend different angles to the vertical the
a) if it is important to avoid imparting a torque to greatest tension will be in the leg with the smallest
the load, to align the chokes; or angle to the vertical. In the extreme case, if one leg is
vertical, it will carry all the load (see Figure A.5).
b) if it is important to avoid the load rolling or
moving laterally when first lifted, to ensure that If there is both a lack of symmetry in plan and unequal
(at least) one leg passes either side of the load. angles to the vertical the two effects will combine and
may either be cumulative or tend to negate each other
Packing may be required where a chain comes into
(see Figure A.5).
contact with a load in order to protect either the chain
or the load or both, since sharp corners of hard The loading can be assumed to be symmetric if all of
material may bend or damage the chain links or, the following conditions are satisfied:
conversely, the chain may damage the load because of a) the load is less than 80 % of marked WLL; and
high contact pressure. Packing, such as wooden b) chain sling leg angles to the vertical are all not
blocks, may be used to prevent such damage. less than 158; and
In order to prevent dangerous swaying of the load and c) chain sling leg angles to the vertical are all within
to position it for loading, a tag line is recommended. 158 to each other; and
When loads are accelerated or decelerated suddenly, d) in the case of three- and four-leg chain slings, the
high dynamic forces occur which increase the stresses plan angles are within 158 of each other.
in the chain. Such situations, which should be avoided,
arise from snatch or shock loading e.g. from not taking If all of the above parameters are not satisfied then the
up the slack chain before starting to lift or by the loading should be considered as asymmetric and the
impact of arresting falling loads. lift referred to a competent person to establish the safe
rating for the chain sling. Alternatively, in the case of
A.1.3.5 Symmetry of loading asymmetric loading, the chain sling should be rated at
In EN 818-4 and prEN 818-5 working load limits are half the marked WLL (see Figure A.5).
given for chains slings of Grades 8 and 4 in a range of If the load tends to tilt, it should be lowered and the
sizes and for different configurations. These WLL attachments changed. This can be accomplished by
values have been determined on the basis that the re-positioning the attachment points or by using
loading of the chain sling is symmetrical. This means compatible shortening devices in one or more of the
that when the load is lifted the chain sling legs are legs. Such shortening devices should be used in
symmetrically disposed in plan and subtend the same accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
angles to the vertical (see Figure A.4).
A.1.3.6 Safety of lift
In the case of three leg chain slings, if the legs are not
symmetrically disposed in plan the greatest tension will Hands and other parts of the body should be kept
be in the leg where the sum of the plan angles to the away from the chain to prevent injury as the slack is
adjacent legs is greatest. The same effect will occur in taken up. When ready to lift, the slack should be taken
4 leg chain slings except that the rigidity of the load up until the chain is taut. The load should be raised
should also be taken into account, with a rigid load the slightly and a check made that it is secure and
majority of the mass may be taken by only three or assumes the position intended. This is especially
even two legs with the remaining leg or legs serving important with basket or other loose hitches where
only to balance the load (see Figure A.5). friction retains the load. Reference should also be
made to ISO 12480-1 for planning and management of
the lifting operation and the adoption of safe systems
of working.

 BSI 04-2000
Page 10
EN 818-6:2000

Figure A.4 Ð Multi-leg chain slings Ð Load distribution

1. Centre of gravity
2. High tension in this leg
3. Load P
Figure A.5 Ð Asymmetric loading

 BSI 04-2000
 Page 11
EN 818-6:2000

A.1.3.7 Multi-legs chain slings with less than the full If the chain slings are to be left suspended from a
number of legs in use crane hook, the chain sling hooks should be engaged
As a general principle, chain slings should be used only in an upper link to reduce the risk of chain sling legs
for the purpose for which they have been designed. In swinging freely or snagging.
practice, however, occasions may arise when a lift If it is likely that chain slings will be out of use for
needs to be made using a smaller number of legs than some time they should be cleaned, dried and protected
the number of legs in the chain sling. In such cases the from corrosion, e.g. lightly oiled.
WLL should be reduced from that marked on the chain
sling by applying the relevant factor given in Table A.2. A.2 Maintenance
Legs that are not in use should be hooked back to A.2.1 Inspection
reduce the risk of such legs swinging freely, or During service, chain slings are subjected to conditions
snagging when the load is moved. which affect their safety. It is necessary therefore to
ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that the
Table A.2 Ð Working load limit (WLL) factors chain sling should be safe for continued use.
Types of chain sling Number of Factor to apply If the tag or label identifying the chain sling and its
legs used to marked WLL working load limit becomes detached and the
two-leg 1 1/2 necessary information is not marked on the master
link itself, or by some other means, the chain slings
three- and four-leg 2 2/3 should be withdrawn from service.
three- and four-leg 1 1/3 The chain sling should be withdrawn from service and
referred to a competent person for thorough
A.1.3.8 Working load limit (WLL) examination if any of the following are observed:
Taking into consideration A.1.3.1 to A.1.3.7 and the a) the chain sling markings are illegible,
cumulative effects of de-rating, the method of chain i.e. information on the chain sling identification
slinging should be decided and a suitable chain sling or and/or the working load limit;
chain slings selected, having a WLL equal to or greater
b) distortion of the upper or lower terminals;
than the mass to be lifted.
c) chain stretch;
A.1.3.9 Landing the load
If the chain links are elongated or if there is any lack
The landing site should be prepared. It should be of free articulation between the links or noticeable
ensured that the ground or floor is of adequate difference in the leg length of multi-leg chain slings,
strength to take the weight taking account of any the chain may have been stretched.
voids, ducts, pipes etc. which may be damaged or
d) wear;
collapse. It should also be ensured that there is
adequate access to the site and that it is clear of any Wear by contact with other objects usually occurs on
unnecessary obstacles and people. It may be necessary the outside of the straight portions of the links where
to provide timber bearers or similar material to avoid it is easily seen and measured. Wear between adjoining
trapping the chain sling or to protect the floor or load links is hidden. The chain should be slack and
or to ensure the stability of the load when landed. adjoining links rotated to expose the inner end of each
link. Inter-link wear, as measured by taking the
The load should be landed carefully. Care should be
diameter indicated (d1) and one at right angles, (d2)
taken to avoid trapping the chain sling beneath the may be tolerated until the mean of these diameters has
load as this may damage it. Before allowing the chain been reduced to 90 % of the nominal diameter (dn)
to become slack, the load should be checked to ensure (see Figure A.6) provided .
that it is properly supported and stable. This is
especially important when several loose objects are in d1 + d2
$ 0,9 dn
basket hitch and choke hitch. When the load is safely 2
landed the chain sling should be removed by hand. e) cuts, nicks, gouges, cracks, excessive corrosion,
The chain sling should not be dragged out with the heat discoloration, bent or distorted links or any
lifting machine since it may thereby be damaged or it other defects;
may snag and cause the load to topple over. The load f) signs of ªopening outº of hooks, i.e. any noticeable
should not be rolled off the chain sling as this may increase in the throat openings or any other form of
damage the chain sling. distortion in the lower terminal.
A.1.3.10 Storage of chain slings The increase in throat opening should not exceed 10 %
When not in use, chain, slings should normally be kept of the nominal value or be such as to allow the safety
on a properly designed rack. They should not be left hatch, if fitted, to become disengaged.
lying on the ground where they may be damaged.

 BSI 04-2000
Page 12
EN 818-6:2000

A.2.2 Thorough examination Components that are cracked, visibly distorted or

A thorough examination should be carried out by a twisted, severely corroded or have deposits which
competent person at intervals not exceeding twelve cannot be removed should be discarded and replaced.
months. This interval should be less where deemed Minor damage such as nicks and gouges may be
necessary in the light of service conditions. removed by careful grinding or filing. The surface
Records of such examinations should be maintained. should blend smoothly into the adjacent material
without abrupt change of section. The complete
Chains slings should be thoroughly cleaned so as to be
removal of the damage should not reduce the
free from oil, dirt and rust prior to examination. Any
thickness of the section at that point to less than the
cleaning method which does not damage the parent
manufacturers specified minimum dimensions or by
metal is acceptable. Methods to avoid are those using
more than 10 % of nominal thickness of the section.
acids, overheating, removal of metal or movement of
metal which may cover cracks or surface defects. In the case of chain slings on which repair work has
involved welding, each repaired chain sling should be
Adequate lighting should be provided and the chain
proof-tested following heat treatment using a force
sling should be examined throughout its length to
equivalent to twice the working load limit and
detect any evidence of wear, distortion or external
thoroughly examined before it is returned to use.
damage.
However, where repair is carried out by inserting a
A.2.3 Repair mechanically assembled component, proof-testing is
Any replacement component or part of the chain sling not required providing that the component has already
should be in accordance with the appropriate been tested by the manufacturer in accordance with
European Standard for that component or part. the relevant European Standard.
With Grade 8 or Grade 4 chain slings, if any chain link The accuracy of the tensile test equipment should be
within the leg of a chain sling is required to be of class 2 as given in EN 10002-2.
replaced then the whole of the chain within that leg
should be renewed.
The repair of chain in a welded chain slings should
only be carried out by the manufacturer using a
resistance butt or flash butt welding process.

Figure A.6 Ð Inter-link wear on links

 BSI 04-2000
 Page 13
EN 818-6:2000

Annex B (informative) Annex ZA (informative)

Bibliography Relationship of this European Standard
prEN 1677-1, Components for slings Ð Safety Ð with EU Directives
Part 1: Forged steel components Ð Grade 8. This European Standard has been prepared under a
prEN 1677-2, Components for slings Ð Safety Ð mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
Part 2: Forged steel lifting hooks with latch Ð and the European Free Trade Association, and
Grade 8. supports the essential requirements of EU Directives.
prEN 1677-3, Components for slings ÐSafety Ð Machinery Directive 98/37/EC.
Part 3: Forged steel self-locking hooks Ð Grade 8. WARNING. Other requirements and other EU
prEN 1677-4, Components for slings Ð Safety Ð Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling
Part 4: Links Ð Grade 8. within the scope of this standard.
prEN 1677-5, Components for slings Ð Safety Ð Compliance with this standard provides one means of
Part 5: Forged steel lifting hooks with latch Ð conforming with the specific essential requirements of
Grade 4. the Directive concerned and associated with EFTA
prEN 1677-6, Components for slings Ð Safety Ð requirements.
Part 6: Links Ð Grade 4.
EN 10002-2:1991, Metallic materials Ð Tensile
testing Ð Part 2: Verification of the forces measuring
system of the tensile testing machine.
ISO 12480-1, Cranes Ð Safe use Ð Part 1: General.

 BSI 04-2000
BS EN |
|
818-6:2000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
BSI Ð British Standards Institution
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British Standards. It
|
| presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the international level. It is
| incorporated by Royal Charter.
|
|
| Revisions
|
|
| British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British Standards
|
| should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or editions.
|
|
| It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services. We
|
| would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this
| British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee responsible,
|
| the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover. Tel: 020 8996 9000.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7400.
|
|
| BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures that
|
| subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
|
|
| Buying standards
|
| Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
|
| addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.
|
|
| In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the BSI
|
| implementation of those that have been published as British Standards, unless
|
| otherwise requested.
|
|
| Information on standards
|
| BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and international
|
| standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters Service. Various
|
| BSI electronic information services are also available which give details on all its
|
| products and services. Contact the Information Centre. Tel: 020 8996 7111.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7048.
|
|
| Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments and
| receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details of
|
| these and other benefits contact Membership Administration. Tel: 020 8996 7002.
|
| Fax: 020 8996 7001.
|
|
| Copyright
|
|
| Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the UK, of
|
| the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as permitted
| under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be reproduced,
|
| stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means ± electronic,
|
| photocopying, recording or otherwise ± without prior written permission from BSI.
|
|
| This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
|
| necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
|
| details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
| written permission of BSI must be obtained.
|
|
| If permission is granted, the terms may include royalty payments or a licensing
|
| agreement. Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright Manager.
|
| Tel: 020 8996 7070.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BSI |
|
389 Chiswick High Road |
|
London |
|
W4 4AL |
|
|
|
|
|
|