Lifting Chains

Lifting chains (or 'chain slings') are used for heavy lifting, dragging, pulling, winching, or just about anywhere else that involves the movement of heavy items.

Cromwell stocks an extensive range of high-quality lifting chains, used and trusted by professionals around the globe.

What are lifting chains?

Lifting chains are a length of durable chain, or a series of chains, that can aid machine lifting. They are commonly used to balance and secure heavy loads that are moved via crane, lift, hoist, or other machinery.

They are available in a range of strengths, sizes, and thicknesses to suit any lifting requirement.

Why lifting chains?

Lifting chains are incredibly durable, and are designed for balancing and moving large, heavy, and bulky loads. They help balance items during lifting, and can enable cranes and other machines to safely move heavy, precious loads.

A key part of preventing damage to objects during heavy lifting, lifting chains can ensure the mass of an object is controlled and spread in a safe manner. This prevents item damage, and also helps keep workers safe.

When are lifting chains used?

Lifting chains are used wherever heavy items need to be moved. This means they are used across a wide variety of sectors - virtually anywhere where the size, weight, location, or position of the item is a challenge that must be conquered.

Highly versatile in nature, chain slings can be used for lifting, pulling, winching, or dragging items with machinery.

If you're looking for the ideal type of lifting chain for your usage, feel free to ask our experts for professional, personalised advice.

Considerations when choosing a lifting chain

• Load capacity - The maximum load capacity of your lifting chain is the most important factors to check. Using a lifting chain that cannot handle the mass of your item will inevitably lead to disaster.
Always check the weight of the items you're lifting and ensure the chain sling can exceed that limit.

• Hook type - There are a few different types of hooks that can be connected to the end of a lifting chain's legs. The hooks are what attaches the lifting chain to the item. With safety, safety grab, self-locking, and self-locking grab hooks available, take a look at the available options and decide which one is most appropriate for your needs.

• Chain legs - A lifting chain may come in a range of configurations, with a number of 'legs' that grab and secure the item. Different chain leg configurations are better suited for different items, with more chain legs providing greater balance and stability.

• Resistances - Some items you may need to lift can stain your lifting chain with acid or other perishables that may degrade the integrity of the lifting chain over time. This can affect site safety, and ultimately lead to item damage or staff injury. Ensure the lifting chains you buy are resistant to your items and any liquids they're likely to be exposed to.

Lifting chain jargon buster

When it comes to using lifting chains in the workplace, there are a few notable terms and expressions that are important to know.
• BF = Breaking force. This is the maximum force achieved by the lifting equipment before breaking.
• WLL = Working load limit. This determines the total mass the equipment can sustain whilst lifting.
• SF = Safety factor. This is the relationship between the breaking force and the working load limit.
• MPF = Manufacturers proof force. This is the maximum working force, as tested by the manufacturer prior to the product leaving the factory.
• EWL = Effective working length. This is the total length between two load bearing points on the lifting equipment.

FAQs

When do lifting chains need to be tested?

Legally, workplaces are required to test and inspect lifting chains at least every 6 months. This includes checking for chain cracks, warping, corrosion, and other breakages.

Regulation Information

LOLER applies to ALL lifting equipment used for work purposes, even if it was manufactured and put into use before LOLER came into force in 1998. The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 1998 applies to all work equipment, including lifting equipment, and requires workplaces to provide suitable and safe equipment for the task, along with proper training. Work equipment must be maintained and inspected and related risks prevented or controlled.

Pre-use checks must be carried out on lifting equipment. The purpose of these pre-use checks is to identify faulty equipment; this is not the same as routine thorough examination and inspections but in addition to them at each use. All lifting equipment requires to be thoroughly examined by a qualified competent person at various points, as required by PUWER, to maintain efficient working order.

Regulation Jargon Buster

LOLER - Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations
PUWER - Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
HASWA - Health and Safety at Work Act
WAH - Work / Working at Height

Please note that the products in this category are not suitable for lifting people; please consult the manufacturer's data sheet for more information.

For the further information and full details of your legal responsibilities:
Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment (LOLER) Regulations 1998 - AcoP - L113