WAC 296-24-29423   Alloy steel chain slings.  (1) Sling identification. Alloy steel chain slings shall have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and reach.

     (2) Attachments.

     (a) Hooks, rings, oblong links, pear shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links or other attachments shall have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain with which they are used or the sling shall not be used in excess of the rated capacity of the weakest component.

     (b) Makeshift links or fasteners formed from bolts or rods, or other such attachments, shall not be used.

     (3) Inspections.

     (a) In addition to the inspection required by WAC 296-24-29421, a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use shall be made on a regular basis, to be determined on the basis of:

     (i) Frequency of sling use;

     (ii) Severity of service conditions;

     (iii) Nature of lifts being made; and

     (iv) Experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar circumstances. Such inspections shall in no event be at intervals greater than once every 12 months.

     (b) The employer shall make and maintain a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, and shall make such record available for examination.

     (c) The thorough inspection of alloy steel chain slings shall be performed by a competent person designated by the employer, and shall include a thorough inspection for wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length. Where such defects or deterioration are present, the sling shall be immediately removed from service.

     (4) Proof testing. The employer shall ensure that before use, each new, repaired, or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components in the sling assembly, shall be proof tested by the sling manufacturer or equivalent entity, in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of the American Society of Testing and Materials Specification A391-65 (ANSI G61.1-1968). The employer shall retain a certificate of the proof test and shall make it available for examination.

     (5) Sling use. Alloy steel chain slings shall not be used with loads in excess of the rated capacities prescribed in Table D-1. Slings not included in this table shall be used only in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

     (6) Safe operating temperatures. Alloy steel chain slings shall be permanently removed from service if they are heated above 1000°F. When exposed to service temperatures in excess of 600°F maximum working load limits permitted in Table D-1 shall be reduced in accordance with the chain or sling manufacturer's recommendations.

     (7) Repairing and reconditioning alloy steel chain slings.

     (a) Worn or damaged alloy steel chain slings or attachments shall not be used until repaired. When welding or heat testing is performed, slings shall not be used unless repaired, reconditioned and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity.

     (b) Mechanical coupling links or low carbon steel repair links shall not be used to repair broken lengths of chain.

     (8) Effects of wear. If the chain size at any point of any links is less than that stated in Table D-2, the sling shall be removed from service.

     (9) Deformed attachments.

     (a) Alloy steel chain sling with cracked or deformed master links, coupling links or other components shall be removed from service.

     (b) Slings shall be removed from service if hooks are cracked, have been opened more than 15 percent of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest point or twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.



[Order 76-29, § 296-24-29423, filed 9/30/76; Order 76-6, § 296-24-29423, filed 3/1/76.]