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Understanding Lifting Chains - A Guide to Safe and Efficient Lifting - Part 2

Posted 25/03/2024
Lifting & Lashing Points, RUD Group, Safety

Part 2 of the 2-part article. Click here to read Part 1.

Lifting chain safety depends on selecting the correct chain grade, ensuring proper certification and conducting regular inspections. Grade identification markings, traceability systems and electromagnetic crack testing all play an important role in preventing lifting incidents. Choosing the right lifting chain requires consideration of load weight, attachment points, operating conditions and Working Load Limit (WLL) requirements to ensure safe and efficient lifting operations.

Identifying Chain Grades

Lifting chains are stamped with their grade for easy identification. Grade 80 and Grade 100 lifting chains use the “(H)” stamp followed by the corresponding number:

  • H8 for Grade 80
  • H10 for Grade 100

Grade 120 lifting chains use the “(D)” stamp. It is important to note that hoist chains cannot be used for lifting applications. Hoist chains are stamped with letters to prevent potentially dangerous mix-ups with lifting chains.

Safety Certifications and Testing

Safety is critical in lifting operations. Lifting chains should always be approved by relevant regulatory bodies, such as DGUV in Germany. Traceability is also important for lifting chain safety and compliance. Batch codes and RFID chip tracking, offered by RUD, assist with identification and inspection management. Regular inspections and electromagnetic crack testing are essential to maintaining lifting chain integrity and operational safety. Electromagnetic crack testing should be conducted every three years as part of ongoing inspection procedures.

Choosing the Right Lifting Chain

Selecting the correct lifting chain depends on several operational and environmental factors.

RUD assists customers in selecting the appropriate chain suspension for lifting applications based on:

  • Load type and weight
  • Attachment points
  • Presence of sharp edges or rough surfaces
  • Required Working Load Limit (WLL)
  • Load centre of gravity
  • Operating temperature range
  • Ease of operational safety checks

Choosing the correct lifting chain helps improve lifting safety, operational efficiency and compliance with lifting standards.

Conclusion

Understanding the types, grades and applications of lifting chains is essential for safe and efficient lifting operations.

Safety should always remain the priority by:

  • Following lifting regulations and standards
  • Conducting regular inspections and testing
  • Selecting the appropriate lifting chain for the application
  • Ensuring traceability and compliance

Proper lifting chain selection and maintenance help reduce operational risks and improve lifting performance across industrial applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can lifting chain grades be identified?

Lifting chain grades are identified through stamped markings on the chain. Grade 80 uses H8, Grade 100 uses H10 and Grade 120 uses a D stamp.

Can hoist chains be used for lifting?

No. Hoist chains are not designed for lifting applications and are marked differently to prevent unsafe use.

Why is lifting chain certification important?

Certification ensures the lifting chain complies with recognised safety and performance standards required for lifting operations.

What inspections are required for lifting chains?

Lifting chains require regular visual inspections and electromagnetic crack testing to identify wear, damage or fatigue.

What factors should be considered when selecting a lifting chain?

Factors include load weight, attachment points, sharp edges, Working Load Limit (WLL), centre of gravity, temperature range and inspection requirements.

What is electromagnetic crack testing?

Electromagnetic crack testing is a non-destructive inspection method used to detect cracks or defects within lifting chains to improve operational safety.

Click here to download our Lifting Points and Lifting Means Catalogues.

Article copyright to RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.

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