14.9.3 Maintenance and Repair

Routine preventive maintenance should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions in addition to any requirements of the particular site due to the conditions of service. The chain sling should be thoroughly cleaned, and components lubricated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Repairs may be carried out to chain slings with the following (but not limited to) considered:

  • Repairs should be carried out by a suitably qualified competent person

  • It is advisable to check the root cause of the damage, to determine if the chain sling is suitable for its intended purpose.

  • Check the Manufacturers Certificate/Declaration of Conformity for the components used damaged components should be replaced with only those that are on the list.

  • Check the manufacturer’s instructions for component assembly instructions

  • If any chain link within the leg of a chain sling is required to be replaced then the whole of the chain within that leg should be renewed

  • Mechanical coupling links or low carbon steel repair links shall not be used to repair broken lengths of chain

  • Chain should be cut to length using appropriate methods e.g. chain cutters either hydraulic or mechanical, Cutting discs and heat sources should be avoided

  • Components that are cracked, visibly distorted or twisted, severely corroded or have deposits which cannot be removed should be discarded and replaced

  • Minor damage such as nicks and gouges may be removed by careful grinding or filing. The surface should blend smoothly into the adjacent material without abrupt change of section. The complete removal of the damage should not reduce the thickness of the section at that point to less than the manufacturers specified minimum dimensions or by more than 10% of nominal thickness of the section

  • When exchanging chains or components use new load and retaining pins only

  • Details of the repair should be made in the chain maintenance log

  • Where components are used from other system manufacturer’s the chain sling should be assembled as above, in addition referred to a competent person to be thoroughly examined before returning to service