Chains, Slings and Towing

Slings and chains must be only used for the specific application for which they were designed, and must be storage correctly and inspected and tagged regularly to ensure that they remain safe to use.

When using chains or slings, they should be confirmed as fit for use prior to commencement.  This process may include checking that:

• Chains and/or slings have been inspected by a competent person and clearly state the SWL, manufacturer, grade and test date
• Doggers and riggers are certified
• Operators of lifting equipment to be used in conjunction with chains and/or slings are trained and certified
• Items to be lifted do not exceed the capacity of chains and/or slings
• Only lifting attachments specifically designed to lift the load are used

When conducting lifting operations, the following is a guide to practices that should be applied:

• No loads to be lifted simultaneously by more than one piece of plant or other lifting device
• Loads remain under control
• No loads to be suspended or traveled over people

All inspections of chains and slings should be by a competent person.  The inspection should include checks such as:

• Elongation or wear in the links or hook of a chain
• Damage to the protective sleeve of a sling, the sling itself or the label, tag or marking
• Contact between a sling and a corrosive substance (including paint) which may damage the structure of the sling

Towing and recovery should only be carried out with specifically designed slings - never with lifting slings or with chains.  The use of chains and slings that store energy has resulted in many workplace injuries and deaths.  Only towing slings that do not store energy (will not whip / recoil) should be used.

Please refer to the Safety@Work documents listed below for additional details.