March 2016

Original operating manual for

KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings
Standard chain sling types:

I-leg chain sling II-leg chain sling IV-leg chain sling

Working load limit for Super Alloy G80 standard sling chains:

Maximum working load limit for sling chains

Chain Ø Single Leg Double Legs 3-4-Legs Endless sling chains

0°<ß_<45° 45°<ß_<60° 0°<ß_<45° 45°<ß_<60°

mm kg kg kg kg kg kg
6 1,120 1,600 1,120 2,360 1,700 1,800
7 1,500 2,120 1,500 3,150 2,240 2,500
8 2,000 2,800 2,000 4,250 3,000 3,150
10 3,150 4,250 3,150 6,700 4,750 5,000
13 5,300 7,500 5,300 11,200 8,000 8,500
16 8,000 11,200 8,000 17,000 11,800 12,500
18 10,000 14,000 10,000 21,200 15,000 16,000
20 12,500 17,000 12,500 26,500 19,000 20,000
22 15,000 21,200 15,000 31,500 22,400 23,600
26 21,200 30,000 21,200 45,000 31,500 33,500
32 31,500 45,000 31,500 67,000 47,500 50,000
If the chains are used in more demanding conditions (e.g. high temperature, asymmetric load distribution edge loads, impacts) the maximum load capacities in
the table must be reduced. Please use the load factors below and refer to the specification in the user information.

have a long service life and offer a high degree of

General description safety. Personal injury and material damage can only be
prevented by proper use. It is therefore of vital importance
that the operating manual has been read and understood
KWB standard chain slings are composed of KWB lifting before this product is put into service. However, this does
chains, connecting links and other KWB accessories. not exclude a responsible and attentive use of the chain
They are designed for the attachment between a load and sling when lifting the load. The operating manual must
a crane hook in order to transport and lift the load. always be available to the user until the chain slings are
The working load limit, the angle of inclination for multi- discarded. It is updated continuously and is only valid
leg chain slings, the number of chain legs and the nominal in its latest version, which can be downloaded from the
diameter of the chain, are given on the identification tag of following link www.kwb-ketten.at.
the chain sling.
KWB standard chain slings are not designed to be used
with food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products, and
must not be subjected to severe corrosive influences Conditions of use
(e.g. acids, chemical substances, sewage, ...).
KWB standard chain slings are only to be used by Use purposes: slinging, lifting and transporting loads.
competent personnel. If properly used, KWB chain slings Working load limit: the working load limit of a chain

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 1
March 2016

sling depends on the chain dimension (d), number Shortening of the chain: the available chain shorteners
of chain legs, angle of inclination (β) and the type of (type P, PK, VKL) can be used to vary the length of the
the sling – see table with working load limit values. chain. Chain shorteners are also used in order to modify
The working load limit is given by the marking on the the angle of inclination and to compensate asymmetries
identification tag. The given working load limit is only in the distribution of the lifting points to a large extent,
valid for applications according to regulations. so that the load can be lifted horizontally and the weight
of the load is equally shared among all chain legs. In this
Admissible operating temperature: -40 °C to 200 °C. process, the desired length between the lifting point and
the shortening hook is set up and the nearest chain link
Angle of inclination: the angle of inclination is the is hooked into the slot of the hook. After this process, a
angle defined by the chain leg and the imaginary vertical readjustment of the chain may be required. Please, take
line. When using multi-leg chain slings, the angles of following figures also into account.
inclination must be in the range 0-45° or 45-60° and must
not differ more than 15° from each other. Avoid angles of
inclination of less than 15°.
The weight of the load to be lifted must be equally shared
among all chain legs. This is the case when chain legs are
symmetrical to each other.

With a three-leg chain sling, it is assumed that the

lower attachment points are at the same distance to each
incorrect! correct!
other, that means that the chain legs form an equilateral
triangle and, viewed in plan, are at 120° to each other –
see figures. Incorrect Correct
suspended chain suspended chain
With a four-leg chain sling, the lower attachment
points make the corners of a rectangle or a square and
pu
ll d

the angles, viewed in plan, are by pairs the same – see

ire

figures.
cti
on

pull direction

Impacts: the load must be applied without any impact or

The load can still be considered symmetrical when the shock loading.
following conditions are met:
• The weight of the load is less than 80 % of the marked Load: chain legs must be twist-free and straightly aligned
working load limit on the identification tag (not knotted), or redirected free of bending influences
• The angles of inclination of all chain legs are not less (edges). Master links and hooks, as well as other
than 15° accessories like linking elements attached to the load or
• The angles of inclination of all chain legs are the same the crane hook, must be free to move and be aligned in
or differ a maximum of 15° from each other the direction of the load.
• In the case of 3- and 4-leg chain slings, the angles,
viewed in plan, differ a maximum of 15° from each other Types of chain slings: chain slings may be attached to
the load in several ways:

Straight leg: in this case lower fittings are connected

directly to the load by means of lifting points (eyes or
hooks). The selection of the hooks and lifting points must
be such that the load is carried in the seat of the hook
and tip loading of the hook is avoided. The safety catch or
safety latch must be closed.

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 2
March 2016

In the case of multi-leg chain slings, hook tips must point Restrictions of use
outwards unless the hooks are specifically designed to be
used otherwise (e.g. BH/S Sheet Metal Plate Hook – from
Star Alloy program). The orientation of the hook tips can Special chain sling types: there are some types of chain
be changed by rotating the master link – the bottom side slings that are very common but when used, a reduction
to the top. of the working load limit must be applied.

Choke hitch: in this case chain sling legs are passed

through or under the load and the lower fitting (.e.g. a
hook or a master link) is hooked back directly onto the
chain. This method can, therefore, be used where no
suitable attachment points are available and has the
additional advantage that the chain sling legs bind the
load together. If a choke hitch is used, it must be possible
to adjust the angle of inclination without the use of force,
and the working load limit (WLL) of the chain sling shall
be no more than 80 % of the working load limit marked
on the identification tag (see table above).

Basket hitch: the chain sling is passed through or under Wrap and choke hitch: this method is designed to provide
the load. In this case, the lower fittings are connected extra security of loose bundles and involves taking an extra
directly to the master link or to the hook of the crane or loop of chain completely around the load (see figure). If a
hoist. Generally this method requires two sling chains wrap and choke hitch is used, the working load limit (WLL) of
and must not be used for the chain sling must not be more than 80 % of the working
lifting loose bundles since load limit on the identification tag (see table above).
some parts of the load could If two or more chain legs are used in a choke hitch or in a
fall when decelerating in wrap and choke hitch, attention must be paid to following
the direction of the lifting criteria:
process. Where the load • If it is important to avoid imparting a torque to the load, a
geometry permits, a single choke hitch in the same direction is to be used (see figure)
leg chain sling can be used • If it is important to avoid the load rolling when first lifted,
provided that the chain sling a reverse choke hitch is to be used (see figure)
passes through the load
directly above the centre of If more than two chain legs are used in a choke hitch or in
Basket hitch
gravity of the load, so that it a wrap and choke hitch, the weight of the load will not be
cannot swing. equally shared among all chain legs.

Wrap and basket hitch: this method is designed to provide

extra security of loose bundles and means taking an extra
loop of chain completely around the load.
Pay special attention to the determination of the working
load limit when using a basket hitch or a wrap and basket
hitch. For example, the working load limit of a single-
leg chain sling continues to be valid if, after the chain
has been passed under or through the load, the hook is
attached into the master link. Conversely, the working
load limit of a single-leg chain sling with a master link
as lower fitting will be
calculated as the working
Choke hitch in the same direction Wrap and choke hitch in the
load limit of a two-leg same direction
chain sling if, after the
chain has been passed
through or under the
load, the master link is
attached into the crane
hook (see figures).

Reverse choke hitch Reverse wrap and choke hitch

Wrap and basket hitch direction

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 3
March 2016

Temperature: chain slings can also be used with no chain leg is overloaded. In the extreme case, the leg
temperatures above normal values by taking into which is vertically disposed will carry the entire load.
consideration the reduction factors. When used with high Angles of inclination of less than 15° must be avoided,
temperatures, the working load limit must be reduced. since this constitutes a bigger risk factor to the stability
The table below describes the allowed operating of the load. Chain legs could be overloaded if the load
temperatures with their corresponding reduction factors. swings.
Safe working load values with high temperatures are In the case of doubt, it should be assumed that only one
calculated by multiplying the working load limit defined chain leg is carrying the load. In such a case, the working
on the identification tag with the reduction factor defined load limit of the chain sling must be reduced accordingly.
in the table. In practice, it is difficult to estimate which Alternatively, the chain sling can be rated at half of the
temperature the chain sling could support. Choose, marked WLL.
therefore, the highest one.
The reduction of the working load limit with high Example of asymmetry:
temperatures must be taken into consideration until the
chain and other components reach room temperature
again.
Chain slings must not be used with temperature ranges
other than the ones mentioned below. If the chain sling is
accidentally used with higher temperatures than the ones
allowed, it has to be discarded.

Impact loading: when loads are accelerated or

decelerated suddenly, high dynamic forces occur which All the load is carried by All the load is carried by
increase the stresses on the chain. Such situations, which one chain leg two chain legs

must be avoided, arise from snatch or impact loading.

Impact loading is categorized in 3 types. The table below
describes the three types of impact loading with their The greatest tension will be in the
corresponding reduction factors. Safe working load leg with the smallest angle to the
vertical (ß2).
values when impact loading or the equivalent occurs are
calculated by multiplying the working load limit on the
identification tag with the reduction factor defined in the
table.

Vibrations: KWB chain slings and accessories are rated Edge load: packing may be required when a chain comes
for 20.000 load cycles. At high dynamic forces there into contact with a load in order to protect either the chain
may nevertheless be a risk of damage to the chain and or the load or both, since sharp corners of hard material
accessories. According to the Berufsgenossenschaft Metall may bend or damage the chain links or, conversely, the
Nord Süd, this risk may be prevented if the stress at load chain may damage the load due to high contact pressure.
capacity is reduced by using a chain of a larger nominal Edge protectors, such as wooden blocks, may be used to
dimension. prevent such damage. For correct and incorrect use, see
following figures:
Symmetrical loading: if the chain sling legs are not
symmetrically disposed and do not have the same angles
to the vertical – as described under angle of inclination
and conditions of use – the load must be considered
asymmetrical and the weight will not be equally shared
among all chain legs. The determination of the working
load limit and lifting procedure in this case is to be assessed
by a competent person. Following criteria are applied:

If there is a lack of symmetry within the chain legs and

unequal angles to the vertical, the two effects could
combine or negate each other. In the case of two-, three-
and four- leg chain slings, if the legs have different angles
to the vertical, the greatest tension will be in the leg with
the smallest angle to the vertical (see figure). The working
load limit on the identification tag must be accordingly
reduced by the WLL of one or more chain legs so that

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 4
March 2016

When lifting with chains directly on lugs, it is size and same grade at the same time. If this is not the
recommended that a lug diameter of at least 3 x the pitch case, the working load limit of the chain sling of the
of the chain (inside length of the chain link) is used. If a smaller nominal size must be used.
lug diameter of less than stipulated above is used, the
WLL needs to be reduced by 50 %. Type of chain sling Number of chain Factor to be applied
legs in use to the marked WLL

If chains are in contact with the edges without edge 2-leg chain sling 1 1/2

protectors, the working load limits of the chains must be 3- and 4-leg chain sling 2 2/3
reduced. The criteria for correct edge protection and for 3- and 4-leg chain sling 1 1/3
the extent of the reduction when incorrect or missing edge
2 x 1-leg chain sling 2 1.4
protection occurs, depends on the radius of the edge.
2 x 2-leg chain sling 3 or 4 1.5
It does not matter whether the edges of the load or the
edges of the edge protectors are concerned, this is applied
in both cases. The table below describes certain criteria Extremely dangerous conditions: all instructions given
with their corresponding reduction factors. Safe working in this operating manual assume the absence of extremely
load values are calculated by multiplying the working dangerous conditions. Such extremely dangerous
load limit on the identification tag with the corresponding conditions include offshore activities, lifting of people
reduction factor. and potentially dangerous loads, such as liquid metals
or nuclear material. In these cases, the admissibility and
extent of the risks are to be assessed by KWB.

Reduction factors
Safe working load values are calculated by multiplying the working load limit on the identification tag with ALL corresponding reduction factors defined in the table.

Temperature* -40 °C to 200 °C above 200 °C to 300 °C above 300 °C to 400 °C

Reduction factor 1 0.9 0.75
Impact Load Slight impacts Medium impacts Strong impacts
created, for example, when created, for example, when the created, for example, when the
accelerating during the lifting or chain is loaded but it slips while load falls onto an unloaded chain
lowering movement adjusting to the shape of the load
Reduction factor 1 0.7 Impermissible
Edge load R = larger than 2 x chain Ø R = larger than chain Ø R = chain Ø or smaller

Reduction factor 1 0.7 0.5

*The use at temperatures below -40 °C and above 400 °C is forbidden!

Multi-chain legs with more legs than the ones in

use: in practice, situations arise where not all individual
Reasonably foreseeable misuse
chain legs of a chain sling can be used simultaneously
or where several chain slings are to be used at the same Condition on delivery: a modification of the original
time. The working load limit (WLL) on the identification condition of the product is not permitted. It is especially
tag is not valid in these cases. Allowable working load important that no welding processes are carried out
limits are given in the working load limit table according on KWB chain slings and that they are not exposed to
to the dimension of the chain and the number of chain temperature influences over the permitted temperature
legs in use. In the case of doubt or as an alternative, the ranges (see temperature loading and restrictions of use).
working load limit given on the identification tag must
be multiplied with the corresponding factor. Under no The shape of the chain sling must be not modified – e.g.
circumstances must a chain sling be loaded with a higher by bending, grinding, dividing parts, boring etc.
WLL than the one on the identification tag.
Individual chain legs that will not be used must be hooked For safety reasons, it is not permitted to remove safety
back into the master link in order to prevent hazards devices like triggers, safety pins, safety catches, safety
caused by free swinging or accidental unhooking of the bushes etc.
load. Before using several chain slings at the same time,
make sure that the master links are free to move when Surface coating procedures are only permitted if it is
attached to the crane hook and cannot unhook during the guaranteed that no reaction in or on the material of the
lifting process. Angles of inclination of more than 45° are chain sling will appear during or after the coating process.
not permitted. Only use chain slings of the same nominal Hot dip galvanizing or electrogalvanizing are, therefore,

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 5
March 2016

not permitted. Stripping and pickling are also dangerous the load could fall causing injuries or fatalities among the
processes and must not be carried out without the workers who operate and work in the danger zone of the
approval of the manufacturer. lifting equipment.
When using four-leg chain slings for lifting rigid loads, the
Food, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics and largest mass portion will only be lifted by three or two of
chemical substances: KWB standard chain slings the chain legs; the remaining chain legs will serve only
are not designed to be used with food, cosmetics or to stabilize the load. This is the case when the chain legs
pharmaceutical products, and must not be subjected to are not correctly shortened, they do not have the same
severe corrosive influences (e.g. acids, sewage, ...). They length and/or the lifting points are not correctly disposed.
must not be used in explosion-protected areas or exposed This could also lead to the overloading or breaking of
to the fumes released by acids or chemicals. the chain sling. When the angle between the chain sling
legs is increased, apart from the force acting in the chain
Other: chain legs must not be knotted or twisted. leg, the clamping force acting on the load (horizontal
component of force) will also increase. This could lead to
Tip loading of the hooks is not allowed. damage or to the breaking of the load or lifting points.
When the centre of gravity of the load acts on the lifting
points, the load could become unstable and tilt. Tilting risk
increases by using inclination angles of less than 15° or
Replacement parts when the load swings.

Spare parts are only to be replaced by a qualified person.

For the replacement process, use only the original spare How to act in case of accidents
parts provided by KWB. Only new bolts, pins and other
safety parts are to be used. or damages

After an accident or when extraordinary events occur

Safety precautions to be taken (e.g. overheating, overloading, collision, influence of acids
or chemical substances etc.), take the chain sling out of
by the user service. In this process, pay attention when removing
the chain sling so that the load is not damaged and the
workers in the danger zone area are not injured (e.g.
Gloves must always be worn during the slinging and because the load becomes unstable when being set down
lifting process. When using chain slings under conditions and falls over). If necessary, before removing the chain
with restrictions of use, working load limit values must be sling, an additional chain can be attached. Afterwards,
reduced by the above reduction factors in order to assure this chain must be removed and the chain sling must be
the required security level. inspected by a competent person.

Residual risks Maintenance, Inspections and

Repairs
Residual risks occur mainly as a result of not paying
attention to this operating manual or to other chain sling
techniques. That is why, it is essential that the lifting When used, chain slings are subjected to conditions which
process is evaluated and carried out only by qualified influence their degree of safety. Therefore, it is necessary
personnel. to maintain chain slings in a safe working condition by
Overloading because of exceeding the working load limit subjecting them to maintenance, inspection and repair
or not reducing the working load limit when influences processes.
under severe conditions such as temperature, asymmetry,
edge load or impact occur, can also lead to failure on the Maintenance: KWB chain slings shall always be clean,
chain sling. Other factors are the application of non- dry and protected from corrosion, e.g. lightly oiled.
genuine spare parts, transgression of the permitted angle Especially when using accessories with movable parts,
of inclination, strong vibrations with high load or the use bolts or bearings must be oiled in order to protect them
of uninspected, knotted or twisted chains. In such cases, from corrosion, wear or seizing.

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 6
March 2016

Inspections: chain slings need to be in a clean condition Load test: it is recommended to subject chain slings to a
when inspected – they must not contain oil, dirt or load test at least every two years. The load test is followed
rust. Painting is only permissible if an evaluation of the by a visual and functional check. However, this period
chain sling condition is possible. When cleaning, do not must be shortened up in view of the conditions of use –
subject chain slings to processes which cause material e.g. because of frequent use with maximum load capacity
embrittlement (e.g. pickling), overheating (e.g. flame or under conditions with restrictions of use. The load
cleaning), material abrasion (e.g. sand blasting), etc. test is carried out by subjecting the chain to 2 times the
Surface cracks or other defects must not be covered. permitted working load limit. It can also be replaced by
Adequate lighting has to be provided when inspecting. a crack detection test – e.g. by a magnetic crack test or a
Chain slings shall be examined throughout its length. In dye-penetration method. In this case, the chain sling must
the case of doubt, they must be sent to the manufacturer be checked throughout its length.
for further inspection.
Withdrawal: the chain sling must be taken out of service if
Inspection before the first use: before the first use, one or more of the following criteria are met:
following criteria must be applied: • Broken parts
• the delivered chain sling corresponds to the ordered • Missing or illegible identification tag
chain sling • Unrecognizable identification marking of the parts
• test certificate, certificate of compliance and declaration • Deformation of suspension parts, accessories or the
of conformity are provided chain itself
• the information given by the marking and the working
load limit coincide with the information given by the test Elongation of the chain: when chain links are provided
certificate and the certificate of compliance with different lengths, there is a lack of space between
• when necessary, all the details about the chain sling them, or there is an appreciable difference between
must be saved in a file the lengths of the chain legs in multi-leg chain slings,
• this operating manual has to always be available to elongation of the chain could have occurred.
the user and must be read and understood by the The chain must be discarded if the inside pitch of the link
corresponding personnel t > 1,05 tn, whereas tn is the nominal pitch from the chain
link (see figure).
Inspection before each use: the safe working condition
of the chain sling must be visually checked before each Wear: wear by contact with other objects occurs normally
use. During the inspection, pay attention to visible on the outside surface of the chain links. This type of
signs of damage. In the case of doubt or when one or wear is easily determined and measured. The other type
more withdrawal criteria are met (see below), the chain of wear appears between the chain links and is hidden.
sling must be removed from service and inspected by a When inspected, the chain must be slack and chain links
competent person. rotated in a way so that the cross section that must be
measured (e.g. one of the inner contact surfaces of the
Inspection after extraordinary events: extraordinary link) is exposed. The mean diameter dm is permitted to
events – e.g. accidents, overheating, overloading, be 90 % of the nominal size dn. dm is determined as the
collision, influences of acids or chemical substances – mean value of the diameters d1 and d2 measured at right
affect the safe working condition of the chain sling. In angles on the corresponding cross section. The chain must
these cases, the chain sling must immediately be taken be discarded if:
out of service and inspected by a qualified person.

Inspection by a qualified person: an inspection

according to national regulations must be carried out in
regular intervals by a competent person. Except when
otherwise specified, this inspection must be carried out at
least once a year. However, this period must be shortened
up in view of the conditions of use – e.g. because of
frequent use with maximum load capacity or under
conditions with restrictions of use, wear or corrosion. The
inspection includes a visual and functional check. When
the chain sling has been stored for a long period and the
regular inspections has not been made, or it has been Elongation Wear
stored incorrectly (see below), an inspection must also be
carried out before the first use.

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 7
March 2016

Maximal dimensional change permitted: missing identification tags must be replaced by new ones
as long as the working load limit can be clearly determined
Designation Dimensions Max. Change due to the marking of every individual part and the type of
Permitted chain sling.
Chain D -10 %
P +5 % Welding processes must only be carried out by KWB.
Rings d -10 %
t +10 % Documentation: Inspections and repairs have to be
Hooks *) e +5 % documented on the file and must be retained during
h, d2 -10 % the entire service life of the chain sling. Records of
g, g1 +10 % inspections and repairs, as well as the test certificate or
V, RSK Both halves must be free No change the manufacturer’s certificate of compliance must always
to move permitted
be available so that they can be shown upon request to
e +5 %
the corresponding national authority.
c -10 %
Connecting link VU Bolts must be free to No change
move permitted
e +5 %
d and M -10 % Storage, transport
Clevis Bolts and Bolts for d -10 %
Connecting Links +
Webbing Coupling Links
HSB, HKSB, WSB Tip opening 2 x s max.
When not in use, chain slings should be kept on a
*) HS, GH, P, HKS, PK, VHKS, VKL
properly designed rack. They must not be left lying on the
ground where they may be damaged. If chain slings are
to be left suspended from a crane hook in an unloaded
• Cuts, nicks, gouges, cracks etc.: these faults, especially condition, chain sling hooks must be attached into the
if they are transversely placed to the direction of the lift, master link or, if it is the case, the end links into the
can lead to broken parts crane hook in order to reduce the risk of chain sling legs
• Excessive corrosion, discoloration swinging freely or accidentally unhooking. If it is likely that
caused by heat, coating-burned off, chain slings will be out of use for some time, they shall be
signs of welding processes stored clean, dry and protected from corrosion, e.g. lightly
• If the safety latch is missing or not oiled. When the chain sling has been stored for a long
working correctly, as well as signs period and the regular inspections have not been made,
of „opening out“ of hooks. The or it has been stored incorrectly (see also inspections), an
enlargement of the hook opening must inspection must also be carried out before the first use.
not exceed 10 % of the nominal size.
A swing-out safety latch indicates the
overloading of the hook
Recommendations for the lifting
Repair: chain slings are only to be repaired by a qualified process
person. If any leg of a chain sling is required to be replaced
then the whole chain within that leg must be replaced.
Components that are cracked, visibly deformed or twisted, Following recommendations are to help the user for the
severely corroded, or have deposits which cannot be preparation and lifting process. However, they do not
removed (e.g. welding spatter), deep cuts, nicks, gouges or substitute the chain sling training course. References to
cracks must be discarded and replaced. Components that this matter can also be found on the ISO 12480-1.
were overheated must also be discarded and replaced.
Missing safety devices like safety catches, triggers and Before starting the lift, ensure that the load is free to move
safety pins, as well as damaged, broken or missing springs and is not bolted down or otherwise obstructed.
are to be replaced. When replacing, only use the original
spare parts and accessories of the same nominal size and It is essential that the mass of the load to be lifted is
grade provided by KWB. When repairing KWB Super Alloy known. If the mass is not marked, the information is to
chain slings, KWB Star Alloy accessories can also be used. be obtained from the consignment notes, manuals, plans
Only new bolts, pins and other safety devices are to be etc. If such information is not available, the mass will be
used during the repair or replacement process. assessed by calculation.
After inspection and possible repair of the chain sling,

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 8
March 2016

The position of the centre of gravity of the load will be

established according to the lifting points of the chain
sling so that the load can be lifted without it tilting or
toppling:
• For single-leg chain slings and endless chain slings, the
attachment point must be vertically above the centre of
gravity
• For two-leg chain slings, the attachment points must be
on both sides of and above the centre of gravity
• For three and four leg chain slings, the attachment
points shall be distributed in plan around the centre of
gravity (see angle of inclination and conditions of use)
To avoid that the load swings and to hold it in the desired
All multi-leg chain slings exert a tensioning force, position when landing it, it is recommended to use a stay
horizontal component of force (see figure), which increases rope.
as the angle β between the chain sling legs is increased.
Care has always to be taken to ensure that the load to be Hands and other parts of the body should be kept away
moved is able to resist the horizontal component of force to prevent injury as the slack chain is taken up. The load
without being damaged. The gray area of the figure below should be raised slightly to ensure that it is secure and
shows an angle of inclination of more than 60°, these assumes the desired position. This is especially important
angles of inclination must never be used. Where hooks or when using a basket hitch or other hitches where friction
other chain sling components are threaded on a loop of retains the load. In cases where the load begins to tilt, set
chain, e.g. drum chain slings, the horizontal component of down the load and use a different type of hitch – e.g. by
force is much greater and consequently the angle of such relocating the lifting points or using shortening elements
legs must not exceed 30° (see figure). (grab hooks, clevis shortening hooks or clevis connectors).

The site where the load must be landed should be

prepared. It should be ensured that the ground or floor
supports the sufficient strength to take the weight, taking
into account any voids or pipes which may be damaged. It
must also be ensured that there is plenty of access to the
site and that it is clear of people. It may be necessary to
provide lumber or similar material to ensure the stability
of the load when landed or to protect the floor or load.

The load should be set down carefully. Care should be

Horizontal component
of force taken to avoid clamping the chain sling under the load
since this may damage it. Before the chain becomes slack,
Load = 10 t the load should be checked to ensure that it is correctly
supported and stable. This is especially important when
several loose objects are in basket hitch and choke hitch.
When the load is landed, the chain sling should be
The type of chain sling and the number of chain legs must removed by hand. The chain sling should not be removed
therefore be determined in accordance to this information. with the lifting machine since it may snag and the load
could topple over. The load should not be rolled off the
Possible restrictions of use (e.g. temperature influences, chain sling since the chain sling may be damaged.
asymmetry etc.) must be established and taken into
consideration when determining the working load limit.

The hook to which the chain sling will be attached must be

directly above the centre of gravity. Afterwards, the hook
is attached to the load by means of the chain sling and,
if needed, the lengths of the chain legs in multi-leg chain
slings are shortened by means of chain shorteners in a
way so that all chain legs can be taken up at the same
time when lifting the load. The angle of inclination must
not exceed the permitted range.

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 9
March 2016

Declaration of conformity
In accordance with the requirements established in Annex
II, part A, of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and
in the Machinery Safety Regulations (MSV) 2010
for components in lifting accessories:

The person authorised to compile the technical

documentation in accordance with Annex VII part A:
DI Bernhard Oswald; Mariazeller Straße 143;
A-8605 Kapfenberg

This is to inform you that the product mentioned in this

original operating manual complies with all the essential
requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
This declaration has no legal effect if any changes to the
product are introduced without KWB’s approval.

Following Norms are applied and fulfilled: EN 818

Part 4 modified.

This product must not be put into service until this

operating manual has been read and understood.

Klagenfurt, 2011-01-24 KWB Ketten Austria GmbH

Stefan Duller

KWB Ketten Austria GmbH

A-9020 Klagenfurt, Schleppe-Platz 8
Phone: +43 (0) 463 / 48 80-355
Fax: +43 (0) 463 / 48 80-350
[email protected], www.kwb-ketten.at Subject to technical modification and printing errors.

Original operating manual for KWB Super Alloy (G80) chain slings 10