Alloy Steel Chain Sling Inspection and Safety
The Problem
Alloy steel chain slings are essential tools used for lifting and moving heavy loads on Canadian worksites. However, if damaged or improperly inspected, they can fail—causing dropped loads, serious injuries, or fatalities. The good news? Most of these failures are preventable. Today, we’ll cover how to properly inspect chain slings, identify hazards, and take appropriate action to ensure everyone's safety.
Identify the Hazards
- Dropped Loads: Sling failure under stress due to cracks, stretching, or corrosion.
- Structural Damage: Twisted or bent links, weakened hooks, or heat damage.
- Improvised Repairs: Use of incorrect bolts or missing identification tags.
- Environmental Effects: Exposure to heat, rust, or overloading reduces sling strength.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Visual Inspection for Damage
- Look for cracks, nicks, gouges, or deformities along the chain assembly.
- Pay special attention to master and coupling links.
Rust and Corrosion
- Identify any visible corrosion which weakens the sling.
- Action: Remove from service and have it assessed before reuse.
Twisted or Bent Links
- Spot even slight twists or bends.
- Action: Do not use—tag and report for removal.
Heat or Flame Damage
- Look for discolouration, melting, or any signs of heat exposure.
- Action: Remove immediately from service.
Elongation or Stretching
- Elongation is a sign of previous overloading or internal fatigue.
- Action: Remove the sling from service immediately.
Hooks and Rings
- Check for stretching, twisting, or deformities.
- Replace immediately if damaged.
Improvised Repairs
- Look for repairs using non-manufacturer approved methods (e.g., bolts or shackles).
- Action: Tag out and remove from service.
Sling Identification Tag
- Ensure the tag is legible and includes serial number, rated capacity, and length.
- Action: Do not use if tag is missing or unreadable.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines
- Always inspect and maintain chain slings according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remove Damaged Slings from Service
- Tag and isolate any damaged slings.
- Inform your supervisor and follow your organisation's removal/replacement procedures.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
On a construction site in Toronto, a chain sling with a visibly twisted link was used to lift a heavy steel beam. The sling failed mid-lift, dropping the load. Luckily, no one was injured, but the incident caused costly delays. This could have been prevented with a basic pre-use inspection.
Employee Responsibilities
- Inspect alloy steel chain slings before every use.
- Report damaged slings immediately.
- Never use slings with missing tags, makeshift repairs, or visible damage.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide training on safe inspection and handling of chain slings.
- Ensure only qualified repairs are completed.
- Replace and tag out defective equipment immediately.
Discussion & Questions
- What types of chain damage have you seen during inspections?
- What’s your process when you find a damaged sling on-site?
Encourage workers to share past experiences and near misses.
Commitment/Action Plan
Let’s commit to inspecting each alloy steel chain sling before every use. If you find damage, tag it, report it, and do not use it. A quick inspection could prevent a serious incident.
Wrap-Up
Safe sling use is everyone’s responsibility. Inspections, maintenance, and proper use ensure loads are lifted safely and workers stay protected. Thank you for staying vigilant and committed to safety.
Standards Overview
Under applicable Canadian workplace health and safety regulations:
- Lifting equipment must be inspected regularly and kept in safe working condition.
- All damaged or defective slings must be removed from service immediately.
- Employers and workers must ensure lifting gear is suitable for the task and safe to use.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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