(Technical Criteria Based on European Standards)

2021
RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
 INSPECTION
By:

Engr. Reneboy M. Lambarte

This notebook is a technical guidance / reference for all lifting inspector /

safety engineer

Any suggestions and criticism will be always welcome for further

improvement

RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021

RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
 LIFTING ACCESSORIES

Contents
Chapters Pages

1. Shackles……………………………………………… 1-8
2. Hooks and Links…..…………………………........... 9-18
3. Eyebolts………………………………………………. 19-30
4. Textile Sling – Flat Webbing Sling………….......... 31-40
5. Textile Sling – Round Sling………….……….......... 41-48
6. Wire Rope Sling……………………………….……. 49-74
7. Chain Sling………….…..…………………………... 75-98
8. Chain Hoist……………..…………………………... 99-108
9. Lifting Beam………………………………………... 109-120

Chain blocks are not lifting accessories; they are considered lifting
equipment, but I included all the details in this book since it has a minimum of
detail from BS EN Standards.

This notebook is my guide during any inspection at the site. All details are
purely based on my own understanding of European standards and my
actual experience.

Any suggestions, recommendations, errors, and criticisms will always

be welcome for further improvement. - Reneboy M. Lambarte

RML Documents, 2021

RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
 Preface
The world of today is an arena of competition. This notebook is a
technical guidance/reference for all lifting equipment inspector. This is
intended for all new engineers that wants to easily understand the
different technical standards that was set by British Standard Institution.

Any suggestions for the improvement of this notebook will be thankfully

acknowledged

RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021

RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
RML Documents, Edition 1, 2021
 1.2 STANDARD
BS EN 13889:2003+A1:2008
Forged steel shackles for general lifting purposes.
→ A lifting accessory compromising a body and pin
Dee shackles and bow shackles. Grade 6. Safety.
which are readily separable and can be used to
connect a load to a lifting machine directly or in
conjunction with other lifting accessories. 1.3 CONTENT (BS EN 13889)
The nomenclature used for parts of the shackle is

Types of Shackles 1. BOW / ANCHOR SHACKLE

Usage: use when you need 2
legs attached to the Bow
shackle pulling at an angle
to the load on the hook.

1.0 FOREWORD
There are different types of shackles nowadays, like
Dee Shackles, Bow Shackles, Grab Shackles,
Webbing Sling shackles, Grommet Shackles, Long
Dee Piling shackles and etc. Different manufacturers
follow different standards. Some of the standards
related to shackles are:
2. DEE / CHAIN SHACKLE
 ISO 2415
 ASME B30.26 Usage: designed for a single
 RR-C-271 straight-line pull
 BS EN 13889
 BS 3551
 BS 3032
Some manufacturers continue to make shackles to
old now withdrawn standards, whereas many have
now adopted to the current standards.

Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN

13889 Pin Connection
1. Type W pin
screwed pin with eye and collar and which screws into
one eye of the shackle body
1.1 SCOPE
This section covers shackles produced based on BS
EN 13889
 Forged steel shackles
 Grade 6
 Safety Factor = 5 2. Type X pin
 WLL range: 0.5 up to 25 ton only bolt type pin with hexagon head, hexagon nut and split
 Bow and Dee Shackles with Screw pin type cotter pin
(Type W) or Bolt & Nut type (Type X) pin
 Shackles with Threaded Pins

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 1

Screw thread
Screw threads shall conform either to ISO 261 class Mechanical properties
7H/8g or to ISO 263 class 1A/1B.

Pins
The collar diameter or width across the flats of the
nut shall be at least 1.2D or D+ 3 mm whichever is
greater.

The outside diameter of the thread shall be the

same as the outside diameter of the pin taking into
Based on the above data (table), safety factor of a
consideration any undercutting of the thread to
shackle is 5
allow for galvanizing or coating.
Example calculation: Taking the first row with WLL of
500 kgs and Minimum breaking force of 24500 N
The screwed portion of the pin shall be concentric
with the main portion. 𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡
In the case of type W pins, when the pin is fully
tightened the length of thread remaining visible 24,500 𝑁
between the jaws of the shackle shall not be 𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = = 4.99 = 5
500 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠2
greater than 1.5 thread pitch.
Markings
1.5 thread
Body
pitch
Each shackle shall be legibly and indelibly marked in
a manner which will not impair the mechanical
properties of the shackle. This marking shall include
In the case of type X pins, when the pin is fully
at least the following information placed on the
tightened there shall be no thread visible between
shackle by the manufacturer:
the jaws of the shackle.
No visible a) working load limit in tones e.g., WLL 4.75;
thread b) the grade number ‘6’;
c) the manufacturer's name, symbol or code;
d) traceability code (Batch No.).

Pin
Hole All shackle pins, 13 mm diameter and above, shall
The maximum diameter of the unthreaded hole or be legibly and indelibly marked with the relevant
holes in the body of the shackle shall be either 1.1D grade number, traceability code and
or D + 1.5 mm, whichever is greater, where D is the manufacturer's symbol in a manner which will not
actual pin diameter. impair the mechanical properties of the pin.

Holes in shackle bodies shall be central to the Pins below 13 mm diameter shall be marked with at
outside of the eyes. least either the grade number or the traceability
code.
Unthreaded
hole

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 2

Example Shackles Marking: 1.3 THOROUGH EXAMINATION

The shackle must regularly be thoroughly examined

to check whether it remains safe to use. This is to be
done within a maximum period of 6 months.

Reports of thorough examination should be

compliant with the legal requirements documents,
retained and cross referenced to the shackle’s
historical records for inspection by the Competent
Person or the enforcement authority.

Any defects found by the examination should be

reported to the owner of the equipment, who must
assess the root cause of the defect and implement
WORKING LOAD LIMIT 2.0 T procedures to prevent reoccurrence, e.g., training
SIZE 1/2 INCH of operators, increased inspections, etc., before
BATCH NO. / remedying the equipment and returning it to
HH
TRACEABILITY service.
CE MARKING CE
GRADE 6 The competent person may deem it necessary to
MANUFACTURING DATE 12/13 supplement their examination with testing. Such
MANUFACTURING NAME D.N.A. testing could be NDT, overload testing, etc. The
Safety Factor for (Grade 6) under BS EN 13889 is 5:1 nature and extent of testing is always at the
discretion of the competent person in support of
their thorough examination.
Manufacturer's certificate
After all the testing has been carried out, with
satisfactory results, the manufacturer shall issue a
certificate for shackles of the same nominal
dimensions, size, material, heat treatment and
method of manufacture as the shackle tested.

The certificate shall include at least the following

information:

a. name and address of the manufacturer or of

the manufacturer’s authorized
representative including the date of issue of
the certificate and authentication; Note: In this standard (BS EN 13889) allowable wear
b. the number of this European Standard; for a shackle is not stated. (Refer to manufacturer’s
c. traceability code; information) for the tolerance of bow diameter and
d. quantity and description of the shackle; pin diameter and make it as a criterion for wear.
e. the grade number “6”;
f. working load limit, in tones; Note: LEEA mention to have allowable 8% wear for
shackles and ASME B30.26 as 10% reduction on original
g. the manufacturing proof force in
dimension.
kilonewtons;
h. confirmation that the specified minimum
Removal from service criteria
breaking force was met or exceeded;
i. identification of the Quality system to EN ISO
9001, when in place and operating.

The manufacturer shall keep a record, for at least 10

years after the last certificate has been issued, of
the material specification, heat treatment,
dimensions, test results, Quality system in use and all
relevant data concerning the shackles which have
satisfied the type tests including records of samples.
This record shall also include the manufacturing
specifications that shall apply to subsequent
production.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 3

Dimensions BOW DIAMETER (dn)
WORKING LOAD LIMIT TOLERANCE
0.5 T → 2 T +1.5 to -1 mm
3.25 T → 12 T ± 2.5 mm
13.5 T → 25 T ± 3.0 mm

PIN DIAMETER (Dn)

WORKING LOAD LIMIT TOLERANCE
0.5 T → 2 T ± 1.0 mm
3.25 T → 25 T ± 2.0 mm

INSIDE PITCH (Wn)

WORKING LOAD LIMIT TOLERANCE
0.5 T → 2 T ± 2.5 mm
3.25 T → 9.5 T ± 3.0 mm
12 T → 25 T ± 4.0 mm
Allow bow diameter dn to be oval, + 10 % for sizes 3.25 t up to
and including 17 t, + 25 % for size 25 t (same tolerances as above)

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 4

 Shackles Technical Criteria Based on BS EN 13889  Bent, twisted, distorted, stretched,
elongated, cracked, or broken load-
Forged Dee and Bow Shackles. Grade 6. bearing components
1  Excessive nicks or gouges
Capacity: 0.5 ton to 25 ton only
2 Shackles with threaded pins only  Incomplete pin engagement
3 Type W and X Pin  Excessive thread damage
Screw threads shall conform to ISO 261 or ISO  Evidence of unauthorized welding
4  Other conditions, including visible
263
Shackle Body shall have markings of: damage, that cause doubt as to the
5 WLL, Grade, Man. Name Symbol or Code & continued use of the shackle
Traceability Code
Shackles Pin marking - Pin Diameter less than
6 13 mm requires marking of grade mark or
traceability code.
Shackles Pin marking - Pin Diameter greater
7 than 13 mm requires marking of grade mark,
traceability and manufacturer’s symbol.
Dimension and Tolerance of the Shackles
8 Body and Pin should follow the table given
above
The collar diameter or width across the flats
9 of the nut shall be at least 1.2D or D+ 3 mm
whichever is greater.
For screw type pins, when the pin is fully
tightened the length of thread remaining
10
visible between the jaws of the shackle shall
not be greater than 1.5 thread pitch.
For bolt and nut type pins, when the pin is
11 fully tightened there shall be no thread visible
between the jaws of the shackle.
The maximum diameter of the unthreaded
hole or holes in the body of the shackle shall
12
be either 1.1D or D + 1.5 mm, whichever is
greater, where D is the actual pin diameter.
Shackle pins shall not be produced by a
13 casting process. No welding shall be carried
out on any part of the shackle body or pin.
Safety Factor = 5 (For MBF)
14
Safety Factor = 2 (For MPF)
Maximum deformation limit should be 1%
15 only of the initial dimension after proof load
testing
Manufacturer’s certificate / Conformity shall
16 keep by manufacturers at least 10 years after
the last certificate has been issued
Pins of a shackle should be tight by finger
17
only (finger tight)
18 temperature range of - 20 °C to 200 °C
Validity of inspection should not exceed 6
19
months
Nuts on Type X pin shall conform to ISO 263
20
with diameter range of 0.06 to 6 inch
Some reference they are giving allowable 8%
or 10% wear, but technically always follow
21 the manufacturer’s information given and
make it as wear, bend and elongation
criteria.
 Missing or illegible manufacturer’s
name or trademark and/or rated
load identification
22
 Indications of heat damage,
including weld splatter or arc strikes
 Excessive pitting or corrosion

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 5

REVIEW QUESTIONS than 25-ton shackles but still conforming to
BS EN 13889?
1. What British European standard you are
following for a shackle? 19. What is the meaning of Grade 6 based on BS
EN 13889 standard? What are the different
2. What are the limitations of BS EN 13889:2003 grades?
standard?
20. What is better in terms of safety
3. In the inspection of shackles, what is the performance, a grade 4 shackle with safety
importance of declaration of conformity? factor of 5 or a grade 6 shackle with safety
Can you proceed the inspection without this factor of 5? Why?
document?
21. Normally, Pin diameter is more than bow
4. What are the required markings for body diameter? Why?
and pin of a shackle? What if there is only
one missing markings on a required marking 22. For type X pin, is it allowed to put a nail
of a shackles? instead of cotter pin as fastener to secure a
bolt in place?
5. What is the allowable dimension tolerance
for body, pin and inside pitch of a 10-ton 23. Based on BS EN 13889, Hexagon Nuts of Type
shackles? X pin shall conform to what standard? What
is the diameter range of nut based on this
6. What is the minimum collar diameter of a standard?
shackle pin if D is equal to 16 mm?

7. For screw type pin, when the pin is fully

tightened the length of thread remaining
visible between the jaws of the shackle shall
not be greater than ___________? 24. Why in most shackles only pin is painted and
not the body?
8. For bolt and nut type pins, when the pin is Is it allowed to paint the body of a shackle?
fully tightened there shall be __________ What are the different surface finish process
thread visible between the jaws of the for shackle?
shackle.
25. The length of the pin of a shackle (not
9. What shall be the maximum diameter of the including the head) depends on length of
unthreaded hole of a shackle if pin diameter inside pitch and body diameter. Yes, or No?
is 25 mm?
26. Shackles can be use for side loading, how
10. Is it allow to have welding on a shackle? much percentage of the working load limit
would be reduced when use on 45-degree
11. Based on BS EN 13889, what is the MBF Safety angle?
factor of a shackle?

12. How should the shackle pin be tightened?

13. What is the allowable wear of a shackle?

14. What is the purpose of below hole on a type

W pin (screw pin with eye & collar type)?

15. Does BS EN 13889 covers Grab shackle and

Webbing sling type shackle? Why?

16. What do you mean by forged shackle?

What is the difference between forging and
casting? Profiling and Welding?

17. As an alternative to drop forging, a shackle

body to EN 13889 can be manufactured by?

18. Does BS EN 13889 covers 35-ton shackle?

Why some manufacturers produce more
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 6
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 7
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 8
 2.1 SCOPE
This section covers hooks and links produced based
on BS EN 1677 (Part 1 to Part 6)
→ A lifting accessory that are basic but essential
components in lifting and rigging applications. A 1677-1 - Forged Steel components. Grade 8
lifting hook is a device for grabbing and lifting loads
 Forged steel components
by means of a device such as a hoist or crane. Links
 Grade 8
are closed-loop devices similar to an eye that are
 Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2.5 (MPF)
used to make connection points in rigging and sling
 WLL: 0.25 t – 63 t
assemblies.
1677-2 - Hook with latch. Grade 8
Links and rings are commonly used as the
 Forged steel lifting hooks with safety latch
connection point in multiple-leg sling assemblies
 Grade 8
typically chain or wire rope. They may be used as
 Eye or clevis type
the connection point for one, two, three, or four
 Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2.5 (MPF)
sling-leg configurations.
 WLL: 0.25 t – 63 t

1677-3 - Self-locking hooks. Grade 8

 Forged steel self-locking lifting hooks
 Grade 8
 Eye or clevis
 Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2.5 (MPF)
 WLL: 1.12 - 21.2 t (Pin capacity) - clevis

1677-4 - Links. Grade 8

 Forged or welded steel links
 Grade 8
 Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2.5 (MPF)
 WLL: 0.25 t – 63 t (For master links)
 WLL: 0.4 t – 100 t (Intermediate links)
 WLL: 0.335 t – 90 t (Master link with two leg)
 WLL: 0.5 t – 132 t (Master link with 3 & 4 leg)
 Pear shaped link and parallel sided links

1677-5 - Hook with latch. Grade 4

 Forged steel lifting hooks
 Eye with safety latch hook
 Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2 (MPF)
 WLL: 0.56 t – 31.5 t
 Grade 4

1677-6 - Links. Grade 4

 Welded steel links
 Grade 4
 Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2 (MPF)
 WLL: 0.75 t – 31.5 t (For master links)
 WLL: 1.25 t – 50 t (Intermediate links)
 WLL: 1.06 t – 45 t (Master link with two leg)
 WLL: 1.6 t – 67 t (Master link with 3 & 4 leg)
 Parallel sided links
2.0 FOREWORD
There are different types of hooks and links
nowadays. Different manufacturers follow different Details covered in BS EN 1677
standards. Some of the standards related to Hooks Part 1 Forged Steel components. Grade 8
and Links are: Part 2 Hook with latch. Grade 8
 ISO 4779, ISO 7597, ISO 8539 and ISO 1837
Part 3 Self-locking hooks. Grade 8
 ASME B30.10
Part 4 Links. Grade 8
 BS EN 1677 (Part 1 to Part 6)
Part 5 Hook with latch. Grade 4
Some manufacturers continue to make hooks and
Part 6 Links. Grade 4
links to old now withdrawn standards, whereas
many have now adopted to the current standards.

Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN

1677 (Part 1 to Part 6)

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 9

2.2 STANDARD d. the traceability code
BS EN 1677-1:2000+A1:2008
Components for slings. Safety. Forged steel Note: Item “a” is the code number which identifies
components, Grade 8 WLL of the component
BS EN 1677-2:2000+A1:2008
Components for slings. Safety. Forged steel lifting
hooks with latch, Grade 8
BS EN 1677-3:2001+A1:2008
Components for slings. Safety. Forged steel self-
locking hooks. Grade 8
BS EN 1677-4:2000+A1:2008
Components for slings. Safety. Links, Grade 8
BS EN 1677-5:2001+A1:2008
Components for slings. Safety. Forged steel lifting
hooks with latch. Grade 4
BS EN 1677-6:2001+A1:2008
Components for slings. Safety. Links. Grade 4

2.3 CONTENT (BS EN 1677-1) Load bearing pins

Each removable load bearing pin of 13 mm
Mechanical Properties diameter and above shall be legibly and indelibly
marked with the relevant grade number and
manufacturer’s symbol in a manner that will not
impair the mechanical properties of the pin

2.4 CONTENT (BS EN 1677-2)

Form of Hooks

Hooks Dimension (Safety latch, Eye & Clevis, Grade 8)

Based on the above data (table), safety factor is 4

Example calculation: Taking the first row with WLL of

250 kgs and Minimum breaking force of 9800 N

𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑

𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡

9800 𝑁
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = =4
250 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠2

Marking
Each component shall be legibly and indelibly
marked in a manner which will not impair the
mechanical properties of the component. This
marking shall include at least the following
information placed on the component by the
manufacturer:
a. code number
b. the grade number “8”
c. the manufacturers symbol or mark
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 10
 Bases for the calculation of hook (safety latch)
dimensions

2.5 CONTENT (BS EN 1677-3)

Form of Hooks

Hooks Dimension (Self-locking, Eye and Clevis,

Grade 8)
Note 1: With an eye type hook, connecting devices
may be required between the hook and the rest of
the sling.

Note 2: For direct use in wire rope slings and textile

slings, dimension F should be larger than the
minimum value given in table

Other requirements:
1. the actual point height B shall be equal to or
greater than the full throat opening O
2. the full throat opening O shall not exceed
95% of the actual seat diameter D
the hook latch shall be capable of closing over the
maximum diameter of bar A that can be admitted
through the actual throat opening O 1

Hooks latches
Minimum initial torque and maximum torque during
latch opening

Note 1: With an eye type hook, connecting devices

may be required between the hook and the rest of
the sling.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 11

 2.6 CONTENT (BS EN 1677-4)
Note 2: For direct use in wire rope slings and textile
slings, dimension F should be larger than the Links Dimension
minimum value given in table Internal length and width of parallel sided master
links
Other requirements:
1. the actual throat opening O is the smaller O 1
and O2
2. the actual point height B shall be at least
65% of the actual throat opening O
3. the actual throat opening shall not exceed
The internal length of pear-shaped master links shall
95% of the actual seat diameter
be 53√𝑊𝐿𝐿 minimum (in mm) and the internal width
4. in the case of hooks having a clevis, the
dimensions of the load pin and the slot on at the widest point 27√𝑊𝐿𝐿 minimum (in mm) where
the clevis shall ensure articulation between the WLL given in tonnes
pin and the chain;
5. the hook shall be able to close over the
maximum diameter of bar A that can be
admitted through the actual throat opening
O1
6. the maximum values for H and L given shall
not apply in the region of the locking
mechanism

Clearance between hook tip and latch

Parallel-sided master link

L – Internal length
W – Internal width

Pear-shaped master link

B – Internal length
C – Internal width

Bases for the calculation of hook (self-locking)

dimensions

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 12

2.7 CONTENT (BS EN 1677-5) Hooks latches
Minimum initial torque and maximum torque during
Hooks Dimension (Safety latch, Eye, Grade 4) latch opening

Bases for the calculation of hook (eye safety latch,

grade 4) dimensions

2.8 CONTENT (BS EN 1677-6)

Links Dimension
The internal length of master links shall be 58√𝑊𝐿𝐿
minimum (in mm) and the internal width at the
widest point 31.5√𝑊𝐿𝐿 minimum (in mm) where the
WLL given in tonnes

Note 1: For direct use in wire rope slings and textile

slings, dimension F should be larger than the
minimum value given in table

Other requirements:
1. the actual point height B shall be equal to or
greater than the full throat opening O
2. the full throat opening O shall not exceed
95% of the actual seat diameter D
3. the hook latch shall be capable of closing
over the maximum diameter of bar A that
can be admitted through the actual throat
opening O1

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 13

 Any defects found by the examination should be
reported to the owner of the equipment, who must
assess the root cause of the defect and implement
procedures to prevent reoccurrence, e.g., training
of operators, increased inspections, etc., before
remedying the equipment and returning it to
service.

The competent person may deem it necessary to

supplement their examination with testing. Such
testing could be NDT, overload testing, etc. The
nature and extent of testing is always at the
discretion of the competent person in support of
their thorough examination.
Manufacturer's certificate
After all the testing has been carried out, with Removal from service criteria
satisfactory results, the manufacturer shall issue a
certificate for hooks and links of the same nominal
dimensions, size, material, heat treatment and
method of manufacture as the hooks and links
tested.

The certificate shall include at least the following

information:

a. name and address of the manufacturer or of

the manufacturer’s authorized
representative including the date of issue of
the certificate and authentication;
b. the number of this European Standard;
c. manufacturer’s product code;
d. quantity and description of the hooks or links;
e. the grade number “4 or 8”;
f. working load limit, in tones;
g. the manufacturing proof force in
kilonewtons;
h. confirmation that the specified minimum
breaking force was met or exceeded;
i. identification of the Quality system to EN ISO
9002, when in place and operating.

The manufacturer shall keep a record, for at least 10

years after the last certificate has been issued, of
the material specification, heat treatment,
dimensions, test results, Quality system in use and all
relevant data concerning the shackles which have
satisfied the type tests including records of samples.
This record shall also include the manufacturing
specifications that shall apply to subsequent
production.

2.9 THOROUGH EXAMINATION

The hooks and links must regularly be thoroughly

examined to check whether it remains safe to use.
This is to be done within a maximum period of 6
months.

Reports of thorough examination should be

compliant with the legal requirements documents,
retained and cross referenced to the hooks and links
historical records for inspection by the Competent
Person or the enforcement authority.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 14

 Hooks & Links Technical Criteria Based on BS EN For Grade 4 hooks and links,
1677 16 Safety Factor = 4 (For MBF)
Safety Factor = 2 (For MPF)
Forged steel components. Grade 8 up to 63 For Grade 4 links, maximum capacity would
1 17
ton be 67 t
Part 2 is dealing for forged lifting hooks with In links, area of cross section is varying
2 latch of Grade 8 having eye or clevis and pin depending on the shape and test method
up to 63 t WLL 18 given in the standards. Some have same
Dimension criteria is given on table (safety cross-sectional area but different in size and
3 latch self-locking hooks and links) and based capacities
on the formula given at calculation above.  Missing or illegible hook
Torque latches is given on table and based manufacturer’s identification or
on code number secondary manufacturer’s
identification
 Missing or illegible rated load
identification
 Excessive pitting or corrosion
4
 Cracks, nicks, or gouges
 Wear—any wear exceeding 8% (or as
recommended by the manufacturer)
of the original section dimension of
the hook or its load pin
 Deformation—any visible apparent
self-locking hook grade 8 can have a bend or twist from the plane of the
5
maximum capacity of 21.2 ton unbent hook
Clearance for hook tip and latch of “self-  Throat opening—any distortion
locking hook” is given on table causing an increase in throat opening
19
of 5% not to exceed 1/4” (6mm), or as
recommended by the manufacturer
 Inability to lock—any self-locking hook
6 that does not lock
 Inoperative latch (if provided)—any
damaged latch or malfunctioning
latch that not close the hook’s throat
 Damaged, missing, or malfunctioning
hook attachment and securing
Components shall include at least marking means
7 of: code number, grade, manufacturer’s  Thread wear, damage, or corrosion
symbol or mark and traceability code  Evidence of heat exposure or
Load bearing pin of 13 mm diameter and unauthorized welding
8 above shall be marked with grade number or  Evidence of unauthorized alterations
man. symbol such as drilling, machining, grinding,
Forged or welded steel master links, or other modifications
9 intermediate links, master link assemblies and
lower terminal links of grade 8 up to 132 t WLL
For Grade 8 hooks and links,
10 Safety Factor = 4 (For MBF)
Safety Factor = 2.5 (For MPF)
In links, the length affected by welding shall
not extend by more than 0.6 of the material
11
diameters to either side of the center of the
weld
For links, it shall withstand a minimum
deflection of 0.8 times the link diameter and
12
shall be free from visible defects after
bending – result after bend test
In no case shall any dimension alter by more
13 than 1% of the initial dimension shall be
removed – result after deformation test
The forged links shall show evidence of
deformation and the welded links shall show
14
a total ultimate elongation of not less than
20% - result after static tensile test
For Grade 4 hooks (safety latch and eye) up
15
to 31.5 t

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 15

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What British European standard you are

following for hooks and links?

2. What are the limitations of BS EN 1677 part 1

to part 6 standard?

3. In inspection of hooks and links, what is the

importance of declaration of conformity?
Can you proceed the inspection without this
document?

4. What are the required markings for body

and pin of hooks & links? What if there is only
one missing markings on a required marking
of a hooks & links?

5. Why WLL (Work load limit) is not included on

the required markings of hooks and links?

6. What is the allowable tolerance for

dimension of hooks and links?

7. For hooks with safety latch, minimum and

maximum torque latch value for code
number 17 is?

8. What is the meaning of code number of

hooks? It indicates what?

9. Is it allow to have welding on a hook? How

about links?

10. In links, the length affected by welding shall

not extend by more than _______ of the
material diameters to either side of the
center of the weld

11. What is the allowable wear for hooks and

links?

12. What is the allowable bend or twist of a

hook?

13. Does BS EN 1677 cover foundry hook or other

types of hooks? Why some manufacturers
produce these types of hooks but still
conforming to BS EN 1677

14. WLL of the links is not depend on its cross-

sectional area, Yes, or No?

15. What is better in terms of safety

performance, a grade 4 shackle with safety
factor of 4 or a grade 8 shackle with safety
factor of 4? Why?

16. How much increase in throat opening is

permitted on a sling hook in service?

17. What is the purpose of the short-flattened

area often seen on one side of some links?

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 16

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 17
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 18
 ISO 2415. These dimensions also allow designs with a
large eye which can permit direct connection with
sling hooks of similar working load limit.
→ An eyebolt is a mechanical fastener with a
threaded shaft and a head forming a ring. Eyebolts The standard also covers all hazards and hazardous
are used to attach an eye to a structure, through situations relevant to grade 4 eyebolts and is
which rope, cable or shackles can be secured. A applicable to eyebolts in use in the temperature
common use is to create a lifting eye so that a range of -20°C to 200°C.
crane can be attached to machinery, with special
purpose lifting eyes rated for their safe working load.

Fα – axial loading
Fβ – inclined loading

BS 4278
 Collar eyebolt, Dynamo Eyebolt and Eyebolt
with link
3.0 FOREWORD  Metric thread, Unified thread and Whitworth
Eyebolts, one of the most widely used items of lifting thread
gear, have severe limitations in usage and a high  Forged steel eyebolts
level of accidents occur as the result of misuse.  Grade 4
There are different types of eyebolts nowadays.  Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2 (MPF)
Eyebolt can be Collar eyebolt, Dynamo eyebolt,  WLL (Work load limit)
and Eyebolt with link, some of the standards related
to eyebolts are: Collar eyebolt (WLL)
 ASME B30.26 Thread Minimum Maximum
 ASME B18.15 Metric thread 0.4 t 25.0 t
 BS EN ISO 3266 Imperial thread 0.25 t 30.0 t
 BS 4278
Dynamo eyebolt (WLL)
Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN ISO Thread Minimum Maximum
3266 and BS 4278 Metric thread 0.32 t 10.0 t
Imperial thread 0.25 t 10.0 t
3.1 SCOPE
This section covers eyebolts produced based on BS Eyebolt with link (WLL)
EN ISO 3266 and BS 4278 Thread Minimum Maximum
Metric thread 1.0 t 6.3 t
BS EN ISO 3266 Imperial thread 1.0 t 6.3 t
 Collar eyebolt
 Metric thread  Dimension
 Forged steel eyebolts Collar eyebolt (Dimension)
 Grade 4 Thread Minimum Maximum
 Safety Factor = 4 (MBF), 2 (MPF) Metric thread 12 mm 72 mm
 WLL: 0.2 t – 50 t Imperial thread 3/8 in. 3 in.
 8 mm up to 100 mm (100 mm x 6 pitch)
Dynamo eyebolt (Dimension)
This International standard specifies the general Thread Minimum Maximum
characteristics, performance and critical dimensions Metric thread 12 mm 52 mm
necessary for interchangeability and compatibility Imperial thread 3/8 in. 2 in.
with other components, of forged steel eyebolts
grade 4, which can be used for axial and inclined
Eyebolt with link (Dimension)
loading.
Thread Minimum Maximum
It outlines the dimensions of the eyes of the eyebolts Metric thread 20 mm 48 mm
permitting direct connection with shackles of the Imperial thread ¾ in. 1 ¾ in.
same working load limit as those defined in BS EN

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 19

3.2 STANDARD a. A positive local deviation of roundness of
BS EN ISO 3266:2010+A1:2015 +5% is permitted in respect of the internal
Forged steel eyebolts grade 4 for general lifting diameter E.
purposes.

BS 4278:1984
Specification for eyebolts for lifting purposes

3.3 CONTENT (BS EN ISO 3266)

Dimension Eyebolt

b. A tolerance of symmetry of 5% on the

diameter, F, is permitted.
c. Dimension dg equals the minor diameter of
the thread minus 0.3 mm

Screw thread of the shanks shall comply with ISO

261.

The portion of the thread at the end of the screw

thread shall have a run-out and the collar shall be
recessed

The eyebolt, including the shank, shall be forged in

one piece without welding. The underside of the
collar shall be machined in true alignment at right
angles to the axis of the shank. The shank shall be
screwed concentrically with the outside diameter of
the collar. The thread run out and recess shall be
smoothly radiused and free from surface
irregularities.

Mechanical Properties

Based on the above data, safety factor of an

eyebolt is 4
Example calculation:
𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 20

 8000 𝑁 eyebolt(s). It shall also state the name & address of
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = = 4.077 = 4
200 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠2 the testing establishment if different from the
manufacturer.
Deformation
There shall be no deformation of the diameter of the The declaration shall be authenticated by a
eye exceeding 0.5% of the initial dimension and no signature & shall state the name & status of the
deformation of the shank signatory.

Marking Recommendations for the selection, care and use of

eyebolts
a. The manufacturers identification mark or Eyebolts may be used up to the marked working
symbol load limit, for axial loading only. Eyebolts may also
b. The nominal size, i.e. nominal diameter of be used for inclined loading provided that the WLL is
thread reduced by the appropriate factors. In inclined
c. The axial working load limit in general service loading the load should be applied within ±5º of the
d. The traceability code to enable any plane of the eye. Eyebolts should not be used
particular eyebolt or batch of eyebolts to be outside of the temperature range -20ºC to 200 ºC
identified with the manufacturers certificate without consulting the manufacturer.
e. CE marking (required in Europe)
Example:
a.

d. c.

e.
3.4 CONTENT (BS 4278)

b.

Manufacturer’s Declaration

The manufacturer shall provide a declaration with

each consignment of eyebolts giving the following
information for the consignment: Forms and Dimension
All three types of eyebolt have given an imperial
 the business name & the full address of the
thread and metric threads based on the table
manufacturer &, where applicable his
below.
authorized
Note: For special applications the length of the
 representative;
shank may be increased provided that the eyebolt
 the number of the International Standard,
and shank are drop forged in one piece
i.e. ISO 3266;
 the quantity & description of the eyebolt;
Screw threads
 the traceability code to enable any
The screw threads of the shanks of the eyebolts shall
particular eyebolt or batch of eyebolts to be
comply with the following British standards
identified
a. Metric threads complying with BS 3643-2
 the working load limit, expressed in tones;
b. Whitworth thread in accordance of BS
 the proof force applied, expressed in
84:1956
kilonewtons;
c. Unified threads in accordance of BS 1580-
The declaration shall declare that each eyebolt 1:1962
complies with BS EN ISO 3266 & is within the Note: b and c are intended for use in imperial
manufacturer’s specification of the type tested thread

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 21

 Thread Identification Whitworth Thread

British association thread

a. Square Form

Unified Thread

b. Buttress Form

Identifying thread types and sizes

Step 1:
Using a micrometer or vernier determine the diameter and
determine if the thread is imperial or metric. This may be
c. Acme Form difficult for some sizes, for example 5/16” & 8 mm are very
close together

Step 2:
Determine the thread size and type – Is it metric one or one of
the many imperial threads?
a. You will need to determine the threads major
diameter and decide if its metric or imperial –
remember imperial sizes are normally common
fractions – ¼” = 0.250”
b. Next you will need to determine either the pitch
(metric) or the number of threads per inch (T.P.I.) for
imperial sizes

Step 3:
Determine the pitch
- If the diameter is metric, this will be a measurement
between threads in mm (pitch = 0.75 mm)
- If the diameter is Imperial, you will need to count the
number of threads per inch (TPI) this will determine
the type of thread, i.e., BSW, UNF, BSF, etc.
In both cases thread pitch gauges can be used, if these are
not available, taps or known existing threads can be used.

Metric Thread

Step 4: Cross reference data you have just found with screw
thread charts. If the data matches more than one type you
may need to determine the flank angle. It can be very difficult
to establish what the thread angle is, but easy to state what it
is not.
Example: M10 x 1.0
(means the major diameter size is 10 mm with a pitch of 1.0) – Thread type
The absence of a pitch value indicates that a coarse thread is
specified. For example, stating that a thread is M10 indicates a
coarse thread series is specified of diameter 10 mm (giving the
thread a pitch of 1.5 mm)

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 22

Tolerances
The tolerances on dimensions of drop forgings shall
comply with quality F of BS 4114
The size of the material of the link shall not differ from
the nominal size by more than ±5%

Hardness Test
Eyebolts shall have a Brinell hardness between 163
and 217

Marking
Each eyebolt shall be legibly marked in a manner
that does not impair its mechanical strength. The
symbols shall be as large as possible but in any case,
not less than 3 mm high

Quality mark
Each eyebolt shall be marked with the symbol “M”
enclosed in a circle. The quality mark shall be kept
remote from any metric thread
Note: In the previous issue of the standard the symbol “04”
was used as the quality mark

Safe working load (Axial lift)

The SWL shall be marked on the eyebolt

Thread Identification
Each eyebolt shall be marked with one of the
following thread identifications as appropriate:
a. “M” to denote metric threads
b. “BSW” to denote BS Whitworth threads
c. “UNC” to denote unified coarse threads

Distinguishing mark 2. Eyebolt with link

Each eyebolt shall be marked with such marks or
symbols as will allow identification with the
certificate of test.

Dimensions

1. Collar Eyebolt

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 23

 Recommendations for the selection, care and use of
eyebolts
a. Collar eyebolts may be used up to the
marked safe working load, for axial lifting
only. Collar eyebolts may also be used for
non-axial loading provided that the SWL is
reduced by the appropriate factors. In non-
axial loading the load should be applied
within ±5º of the plane of the eye.
Collar eyebolts are not suitable for direct
connection to a hook, and a shackle is
normally used for this attachment.

b. Eyebolts with link offer considerable

advantages over collar eyebolts when
loading needs to be applied at angles to the
axis and/or the plane of the eye. Their safe
3. Dynamo Eyebolt working loads are relatively greater than
those of collar eyebolts used in the same
condition and, unlike the collar eyebolt, the
load can be applied at any angle to the
plane of the eye.

c. The dynamo eyebolt is intended for axial

lifting only. Loading by even 5º out of the
axial, causes undue stress in the screw
thread and shank. Where axial lifting cannot
be ensured, a collar eyebolt or an eyebolt
with link should be used.

Note: When eyebolts are to be used in trunnion

lifting, they should be of the collar type or eyebolt
with link type. The load taken by a single eyebolt in
trunnion lifting should not exceed 25% of its marked
safe working load in the case of collar eyebolts or
63% in the case of eyebolts with link.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 24

 3.5 THOROUGH EXAMINATION

The eyebolt must regularly be thoroughly examined

Manufacturer's certificate
by a Competent Person to check whether it remains
The manufacturer or supplier shall provide a
safe to use. This is to be done within a maximum
certificate with each consignment of eyebolts
period of 6 months
giving at least the following information for each
eyebolt.
Any defects found by the examination should be
a. Distinguishing mark or symbol
reported to the owner of the equipment, who must
b. Form and size of screw thread
assess the root cause of the defect and implement
c. Proof load applied
procedures to prevent reoccurrence, e.g., training
d. Safe working load
of operators, increased inspections, etc., before
remedying the equipment and returning it to
The certificate shall declare that each eyebolt was
service.
proof loaded and was subsequently examined by
competent person and that it complies with this
The competent person may deem it necessary to
standard, i.e., BS 4278
supplement their examination with testing. Such
testing could be NDT, overload testing, etc. The
nature and extent of testing is always at the
discretion of the competent person in support of
their thorough examination.
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 25
 Eyebolt Technical Criteria Based on BS EN ISO Eyebolt Technical Criteria Based on BS 4278
3266
Covers three Eyebolt:
1
Eyebolt for Grade 4 (Dealing with Collar Collar, Eyebolt with link and Dynamo Eyebolt
1
Eyebolt only)
2 Temperature range of -20°C to 200°C.
Dimension of Eyebolt according to EN ISO
3
3266 is given on table above
Size is given on thread and limit from 8 mm
4
(M8) up to 100 mm (M100)
5 Capacity is from 0.2 ton to 50 ton
2
A positive local deviation of roundness of +5%
6 is permitted in respect of the internal
diameter
A tolerance of symmetry of 5% on the cross
7
sectional diameter
Dimension dg (shank diameter) equals the
8
minor diameter of the thread minus 0.3 mm
Screw thread of the shanks shall comply with Eyebolt with a shank smaller than M12 are
9 not specified in view of their susceptibility to
ISO 261.
Safety factor = 4 (MBF) damage due to over tightening.
10 3
Exceptions are the 8 in diameter collar and
Safety Factor = 2 (MPF) 3
There shall be no deformation of the dynamo eyebolts which have been retained
diameter of the eye exceeding 0.5% of the in order to preserve SWL relationship with BS
11
initial dimension and no deformation of the 529-1
shank Dynamo eyebolt should be use only if lifting is
Required markings: 4
to ensure in axial loading up to 5 degree.
12 Man. Mark or symbol, nominal size, working Three available thread:
load limit, traceability code and CE marking a. Metric thread “M”
Conformity should be keep by manufacturers 5
13 b. Whitworth thread “BSW”
at least 10 years c. Unified thread “UNC”
Limitations of Eyebolt for axial loading is until Eyebolts shall have a Brinell hardness
14 5 degree only (For the capacity reduction 6
between 163 and 217
given the angle, check the table) The symbols/marking shall be as large as
7 possible but in any case, not less than 3 mm
1. Threads should be fully formed with no wear, high
flat areas or signs of cross-threading etc. Required markings:
2. Shank should be correctly aligned; it should a. Quality mark “M” enclosed in a circle
be central to the collar and the axis at 90° to 8 b. SWL
the collar face. Particular care must be c. Thread identification (M, BSW or UNC)
given to the examination of the junction of d. Distinguishing mark
the shank and collar; there must be no signs Safety Factor = 4 (For MBF)
of necking or cracking. 9
Safety Factor = 2 (For MPF)
3. The shank must not show any signs of Dimensions for three types of eyebolt was
bending and under no circumstances should 10 given in Imperial and Metric thread and
any attempt be made to straighten bent should verify on the table above.
shanks. For eyebolt with link, the size of the material
4. The face of the collar should be even and 11 of the link shall not differ from the nominal size
undercut around the shank so that it will seat by more than ±5%
evenly on its mating surface. Any burrs It should not be possible to enter a 0.04 mm
should be carefully removed with a fine file. 12 feeler gauge at any position between the
5. The eye should show no signs of bending or collar of an eyebolt and its seating.
distortion. The maximum permissible wear is Recommended working loads for eyebolts
an 8% reduction in material diameter. 13 when used in pairs for inclined loading is
6. The general condition of the forging should given on the table.
show no signs of corrosion, chemical attack,
nicks, cuts or gouges.
7. The marking should be clear, but not too
deep and this will act as a stress raiser.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 26

REVIEW QUESTIONS 18. When properly fitted, the maximum feeler
gauge which can be inserted under an
1. What British European standard you are eyebolt collar is:
following for eyebolts?
19. The angle between the threaded shank of
2. What are the limitations of BS EN ISO 3266 an eyebolt and the collar must be:
and BS 4278?
20. What is the lifetime usage of an eyebolt?
3. In inspection of eyebolts, what is the
importance of declaration of conformity?
Can you proceed the inspection without this
document?

4. What are the required markings for eyebolt

according to BS EN ISO 3266 and BS 4278?
What if there is only one missing markings on
a required marking of an eyebolt?

5. What is the allowable tolerance for the

dimensions of eyebolt?

6. Is it allow to have welding on eyebolt for all

types? What are the 4 allowed type of
welding for eyebolt with link? What are the
requirements?

7. For eyebolt with link, the size of the material

of the link shall not differ from the nominal
size by more than_______?

8. A positive local deviation of roundness of

_________ is permitted in respect of the
internal diameter.

9. A tolerance of symmetry of _______ on the

cross-sectional diameter

10. The angle between the centre-line of the

loading on the eye of the eyebolt and the
plane containing the eye of the eyebolt
should not exceed __________, unless an
adequate reduction is made to the WLL.

11. Is there available 8 mm and 10 mm size of an

eyebolt? Why it is not included in BS 4278?

12. The minimum diameter of shank permitted

for lifting purpose is?

13. What are the different threads of eyebolt

according to BS 4278?

14. The symbols/marking shall be as large as

possible but in any case, not less than
________

15. What is trunnion lifting? Is it allowed to be

done on all types of eyebolt?

16. What is the allowable wear for eyebolt?

17. What is the procedure in tightening a collar

eyebolt?

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 27

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 28
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 29
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 30
 4.3 CONTENT (BS EN 1492-1)

Materials
→ Webbing slings are flat belt straps, usually woven
The webbing shall be woven wholly from industrial
together from 100% polyester, and have eye loops yarns and certified by the manufacturer as being
at either end. Its primarily used to lift and lower or fast to light and heat-stabilized with a tenacity of
pull loads of varying weights in worksites. not less than 60 cN/tex, from one of the following
materials:
 polyamide (PA), high tenacity multifilament;
 polyester (PES), high tenacity multifilament;
 polypropylene (PP), high tenacity
multifilament.

Characteristics of Three Materials

PROPERTY POLYPROPYLENE NYLON POLYESTER
Overall
Poor Fair Excellent
Safety
UV
Good Good Excellent
Protection
Water
Excellent Fair Excellent
Resistant
Good
Break Poor Excellent
1.25 t –
Strength 0.35 ton 1.0 t – 10.0 t
4.0 FOREWORD 3.75 t
Flat woven webbing slings, sometimes referred to Abrasion
Poor Fair Excellent
belt slings, are soft to handle, pliable Res.
longitudinally whilst offering rigidity across their Fair
Fiber Poor Excellent
width. These qualities make them ideal for 20% -
Stretch 50% 5% - 15%
30%
handling loads that require some support when
being lifted as the load is spread across their full
width, unlike ropes and chains that tend to have Weaving
point contact with the load. They are less The method of weaving shall be such that the width
robust and more easily damaged than the of the finished sling changes by no more than -10 %
equivalent capacity wire rope and chain slings. for widths less than or equal to 100 mm, and -12% for
Some of the standards related to webbing slings widths over 100 mm.
are:
 ASME B30.9
 BS EN 1492-1
 ISO 4878
 BS 3481-2 width
 AS1353.1

Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN

1492-1
Width
4.1 SCOPE The width of the woven webbing, (see figure), shall
This section covers flat woven webbing slings
not be less than 25 mm and shall not exceed 450
produced based on BS EN 1492-1
mm and when measured with a steel tape or rule
 single-, two-, three-, four-leg and endless
graduated in increments of 1 mm, shall have the
sewn flat woven webbing slings
following tolerances:
 Polyester, Polyamide or Nylon and
a) ± 10 % for nominal widths less than or equal to 100
Polypropylene
mm;
 polyester and polyamide -40°C to 100°C,
b) ± 8 % for nominal widths greater than 100 mm.
polypropylene -40°C to 80°C
 Width size: 25 mm up to 450 mm
 Type A, Type B, Type C and Type Cr
 Safety Factor = 7 (MBF), 7 (MPF for Type A
and Type B) & 5 (MPF for Type C/Cr)
 Man-made fibres (synthetic)

4.2 STANDARD
BS EN 1492-1:2000+A1:2008
Textile slings. Safety. Flat woven webbing slings
made of man-made fibres for general purpose use

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 31

 3. single flat woven webbing slings with metal
Webbing thickness and sling thickness fittings, type C, and/or reevable fittings, type
For single layer flat woven webbing slings, the Cr, shall be made from 1, 2, 3 or 4 layers. The
loadbearing element of the sling shall have a designation shall give the type letter and
minimum thickness of 2 mm exclusive of any finishes number of layers, e.g. A2
or cast-on features. For multi-layer slings, the
webbing used to provide each layer of the C
loadbearing element of the sling shall have a
minimum thickness of 1.2 mm.
Cr

Effective working length

The effective working length (EWL), l1, of a flat
woven webbing sling (see figure) shall not differ from
the nominal length by more than 3 % of the nominal
length, when laid flat and measured with a steel
tape or rule graduated in increments of 1 mm.

Sewing of slings
All seams shall be made from thread of identical
parent material as the webbing and shall be made
with a locking stitch machine.

Stitches shall not touch or affect the edges of the

webbing except those which secure the eye
durability reinforcement.

Note: The use of a different colour thread to that of the

rest of the sling will facilitate inspection during the
manufacturer’s verification and in-service inspections by
the user

Sling types and Designation

1. Endless flat woven webbing slings, type A,
shall be made from 1 or 2 webbing layers.

2. Single flat woven webbing slings with soft

eyes, type B, and

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 32

Soft eyes Failure force
The inside length, l2, of the eyes (see below table), The minimum failure force for the sewn webbing
when measured flat using a steel tape or rule component shall be such that it will sustain a force
graduated in increments of 1 mm, shall be of the equivalent to 7 times the WLL
following minimum dimensions:
a. Three times the width of the webbing for COLOR CODE AND BLACK STRIPES FOR
width of up to 150 mm; WEBBING SLING
b. Two and a half times the width of the
webbing for widths greater than 150 mm. The Color and No. of Black Stripes Indicate the WLL.

Note: Even though it is not stated in the standard, color

and black stripes does not mean the equivalent WLL, as
some manufacturers make based on how many ply each
sling has.
Example: Normally, for a yellow 2-ply webbing sling, the
capacity would be 3.0 tons, but nowadays, there are
yellow 3-ply → 4.5 tons and yellow 4-ply → 6.0 tons. The
increase of thickness or ply means increase of capacity
and this is applicable to all web sling capacity.

1 stripe = 1 ton

2 stripes = 2 ton
Colour coding
The colour code of the sewn webbing component
shall be as given in table to indicate its WLL. Sewn 3 stripes = 3 ton
webbing components of any other nominal working
load limits, not indicated in table 3, shall not be
denoted with the colours indicated therein. 4 stripes = 4 ton

Fittings
Fitting shall conform to the appropriate or parts of BS
EN 1677

Reinforcements and protection against damage

from edges and/or abrasion
Durability reinforcement, where provided, shall be
cast onto the webbing, or in the form of a piece of
reinforcing material or sleeve which shall be sown to
the webbing.

Protective sleeves, where provided, shall be of

tubular form such that they are free to enable them
to be positioned over the part of the sewn webbing
component which is to be protected.

NOTE Examples of suitable reinforcing and protection

materials are webbing, woven fabric, leather or other
durable material.

Markings
The marking of the sling shall include at least the
following:
a. the working load limit, in straight lift;
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 33
 b. the material of the webbing, i.e., polyester, Marking for multi-leg sling assemblies
polyamide, polypropylene; The following requirements shall apply to 2 leg, 3 leg
c. grade of fitting; or 4 leg sling assemblies:
d. the nominal length in m;
e. the manufacturer’s name, symbol, trade a. the marking shall be on a readily-
mark or other unambiguous identification identifiable form of durable label
and, where applicable, the name and (e.g., around tag) which shall be
address of the authorized representative"; attached to the master link to
f. the traceability code; differentiate from other sling types;
1. identification of webbing; b. the marking of the sling shall include
2. identification of the maximum angle of use of any leg
manufacturer’s control; to the vertical;
3. identification and grade of c. the label on each leg shall not show
fittings. the WLL.
g. the number and relevant Part of this
European Standard. Labeling options for Flat woven webbing sling

The information shall be marked legibly and

indelibly, on a durable label fixed directly onto the
webbing. It shall be marked in a type size of not less
than 1.5 mm in height. A section of the label shall be The label has to be sewn into the eye or joining
enclosed under the stitching which shall also be stitching of webbing slings
marked with this information for reference purposes
The material from which the webbing is made shall Manufacturer’s certificate
be identified by the colour of the label itself on After all testing and examination, the manufacturer
which the information is marked. The following label shall issue to the purchaser, for each batch of slings
colours shall be used: delivered, a certificate which shall include at least
 Polyamide - green the following information:
 Polyester - blue
 Polypropylene - brown a. the manufacturer’s name and address,
symbol or mark and, where applicable, the
COLOR MATERIAL TEMPERATURE name and address of the authorized
POLYAMIDE representative";
GREEN -40°C - 100°C
(Nylon) b. WLL of the sling, and for multi-leg sling
BLUE POLYESTER -40°C - 100°C assemblies the range of angles to the
BROWN POLYPROPYLENE -40°C - 80°C vertical;
c. type, including eye, fitting, number of legs,
Example of Tag nominal length and width;
d. the expression ‘flat woven webbing sling’ or
‘flat woven sling assembly’;
e. material of the webbing;
f. grade of fitting;
g. if fitted, details of reinforcements and
protection against damage from edges
and/or abrasion;
h. the number of this European Standard, i.e.
EN 1492-1;
i. test references;
j. traceability code;
k. identity of the person authorized to sign the
certificate on behalf of the manufacturer
and date of signature;
l. the static test coefficient(s) used for design
of component(s) (e.g., hook; link; shackle)."
NOTE Items b) to h) inclusive form the designation of
the sling or sling assembly.

4.4 THOROUGH EXAMINATION

The textile sling must regularly be thoroughly
examined by a Competent Person to check

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 34

whether it remains safe to use. This is to be done
within a maximum period of 6 months
The following are examples of the common defects
which may become apparent in use or during the
regular inspection of web sling and if any are
present, the sling should be withdrawn from service
and referred to a Competent Person:
1. Exposed core. Some scuffing and general wear
of the protective cover is acceptable provided
the inner load bearing core is not exposed.
2. Cuts in the outer protective cover.
3. Failure of the stitching.
4. Heat and friction damage. Excessive heat,
especially that generated by friction, will cause
a smooth shiny area on the outer cover and
may also cause internal damage. In extreme
cases, fusion of the fibres occurs.
5. Weld splatter burns. Textile slings are often used
in welding processes, as they insulate the work
piece from the lifting appliance. Weld splatter
will cause localised burning and may embed in
the cover, causing abrasion, but is more likely
to penetrate the cover and damage the inner
core.
6. Chemical attack. Normally difficult to detect
until advanced deterioration has occurred. In
an advanced state, surface powdering occurs.
Possible loss of colouring of the sleeve. Unless
the manufacturer has agreed to such usage
and a safe system of work has been agreed,
slings exposed to chemicals (e.g. acids, alkalis,
solvents) should be washed and cleaned in
water and withdrawn from service for
examination by a Competent Person.
7. Illegible marking or missing label; i.e. the sling
identification mark and SWLs.
8. Soiling. Heavy soiling can obscure damage,
making detection during inspection difficult. It
can also make identification difficult by
obscuring any marking or colour coding. Grit
and dirt will pick up on the face of the cover
and can cause rapid wear and abrasion.
Clean the sling in an approved manner but if
the soiling is such that cleaning has little or no
effect, withdraw from service and refer to a
Competent Person.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 35

 a process known as stabilising. Whilst this does not
prevent solar degradation it does slow down the
rate of this effect.

Wetting
Natural fibres do not behave well when wet with a
general, but small, loss of strength. They absorb the
moisture and this increases their weight, making
them more difficult to handle. Further, wetting will
speed the natural rotting process. Unless dried and
handled carefully they will be attacked by Mildew,
which will grow on the fibres and live on the
cellulose, so weakening the fibre. This also occurs if
natural fibres are stored in damp, musty, conditions
and this greatly shortens their life.

Man-made fibres do not suffer this way, as Mildew

will not grow on them. If any is found, it is growing on
surface contamination which will have no effect on
the fibres, and can usually be washed off with clean
water.

However, water does affect man-made fibres in

other ways:
 Polyamide looses about 10% of its strength
when wet
 Polyester is unaffected
 Polypropylene shows an increase in strength
when wet and it will float.

Elongation
Natural fibres have little elongation under load,
however, because of the way a rope is made, a
fibre rope sling will stretch when put under load as
the fibres and strands bed down in the rope.

Man-made fibres elongate considerably more.

Polyamide is highly elastic and stretches as much as
40% under load; Polyester on the other hand only
stretches by approximately 5%; whilst Polypropylene
stretches by varying amounts, usually less than
Polyamide but more than Polyester.
Chemical Resistance
This calls for careful selection of slings, particularly
Natural fibres have no resistance to chemical
where headroom is limited, where it is possible for
attack; however the various man-made fibres
the sling to stretch to such an extent that the load
have selective resistance to chemicals as follows:
cannot be lifted.
 Polyamide is immune to the effects of alkalis,
but is attacked by acids
As well as being elastic, man-made fibres also have
 Polyester is resistant to acids but damaged
plasticity and some permanent elongation occurs
by alkalis
every time that they come under load. Whilst this
 Polypropylene is little affected by acids or
permanent elongation is small, a man-made fibre
alkalis but is damaged by solvents, tars,
sling actually 'grows' in length every time it is used.
paints etc.

Ultra-violet Radiation
All textile fibres become brittle as the result of
exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultra-
violet radiation. This is known as solar degradation.
Its effect is more pronounced in man-made fibres,
but it is hard to detect until at an advanced stage.
Then, very quickly, they will become brittle, turn to
powder and crumble away.

During the manufacturing stage man-made fibres,

intended for use in sling manufacture, are subject to
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 36
 Flat woven webbing sling Technical Criteria Based 3. identification and grade of
on BS EN 1492-1 fittings.
g. the number and relevant Part of this
Three Material: European Standard.
1 Polyester, Polyamide (Nylon) and Marking type size shall be not less than 1.5
21
Polypropylene mm in height
Webbing width range of 25 mm (1 inch) to Tag Color
2
450 mm (17 inch)  Polyamide - green
Temperature ranges: 22  Polyester - blue
3 Polyester & Polyamide: -40ºC to 100 ºC  Polypropylene – brown
Polypropylene: -40ºC to 80 ºC  Natural fibres - white
4 Tenacity of not less than 60 cN/tex 23 Tag minimum width is 45 mm
The weaving method must not be change by Color coding based on WLL:
5 negative10% for width of less than or equal to 24 V, G, Y, G, R, B, B, O, O
100 mm. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 10+,
The weaving method must not be change by
6 negative12% for width of greater than 100
mm.
± 10 % - Width tolerance for less than or equal
7
to 100 mm size.
± 8% - Width tolerance for greater than 100
8
mm size.
The sling thickness for single layer shall have a
9 minimum of 2 mm. For multilayer, the
minimum is 1.2 mm per layer.
Thickness should be ideally check with
10
thickness gauge according to ISO 5084
The webbing forming the sewn webbing
11
component shall be coloured
Three types of webbing sling:
 Type A – Endless flat
12  Type B – Single Flat
 Type C or Cr – Single Flat with metal
fittings or reevable fittings
The effective working length of flat woven
13 webbing sling shall not differ from the
nominal length by more than 3%.
14 Sewing thread color should be different
If sling have soft eye, the eye length must be
15
3x the width for width up to 150 mm.
If sling have soft eye, the eye length must be
16
2.5x the width for width greater than 150 mm.
Color Coding should follow the given table
17
above (Based on size and working load limit)
Working load limit shall be derived from the
18 WLL of the sewn webbing component
multiplied by the appropriate mode factor, M
Safety factor known as Failure force = 7 (MBF)
19 7 (MPF for Type A and Type B) & 5 (MPF for
Type C/Cr)
Markings:
a. the working load limit, in straight lift;
b. the material of the webbing, i.e.
polyester, polyamide, polypropylene;
c. grade of fitting;
d. the nominal length in m;
e. the manufacturer’s name, symbol,
20 trade mark or other unambiguous
identification and, where applicable,
the name and address of the
authorized representative";
f. the traceability code;
1. identification of webbing;
2. identification of
manufacturer’s control;
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 37
REVIEW QUESTIONS was still new. Is it still good to approve and
make a safety inspection certificate?
1. What British European standard you are
following for flat woven webbing sling? 20. What is the lifetime service of a webbing
sling?
2. What are the limitations of BS EN 1492 part 1?
21. Does the length of webbing sling have an
3. What are the possible materials to be used in effect on its WLL? How about the width and
flat webbing sling based on BS EN 1492-1? thickness?
What are the allowed temperature ranges
for these materials? 22. What is the effect of thickness or ply on
webbing sling? If you have a color green
4. What is tenacity? What should be the webbing sling, what is the capacity of 1 ply
minimum tenacity value of a flat woven and 2 plies?
webbing sling?
23. Is there a webbing sling that has a capacity
5. What are the requirements if the weaving of 0.5 ton? What color was it? Is it in
width of webbing sling changed? accordance with BS EN 1492-1?

6. What is the allowed tolerance for dimension 24. What is the difference between effective
of webbing sling? (Length, width and working length and the total length of textile
thickness) sling?

7. What should be the sling thickness for a 25. How the tag should be fix in a webbing
single layer (1 ply) and multilayer (2 ply or sling? For multi leg webbing sling?
more)?
26. What is the difference between male type
8. What are the three types of webbing sling? and female type fittings for webbing sling?

9. What is the requirements dimension for a soft 27. What are the allowed types of material to be
eye of webbing sling? use as protective sleeves on webbing sling?

10. What is mode factor for webbing sling? What 28. Which fibres are resistant to both acids and
are the common mode factors for webbing alkalis?
sling?
29. What is the effect of wetting on polyamide
11. What should be the safety factor in terms of fibres?
MBF (minimum breaking force) of webbing
sling? 30. Which fibre is the most elastic?

12. What should be the safety factor in terms of 31. What are the requirements of seams for
MPF (manufacturing proof force) of webbing webbing sling?
sling?
32. What is the difference between man-made
13. What are the required markings for webbing fibres (synthetic) and natural fibres? Does BS
sling based on BS EN 1492-1? EN 1492-1 conform to both fibres?

14. Tag minimum width should be ______? 33. Does thickness have effect on flat webbing
sling capacity? If the sling is color green with
15. Marking type size on the tag shall be not less 6 ply thickness, how much is the capacity of
than _______ in height. webbing sling?

16. What material was used in webbing sling if

the tag color is white?

17. Based on BS EN 1492-1, Is endless flat

webbing sling can be manufactured to this
standard?

18. What are the different eye forms for soft eye
based on BS EN 1492-1?

19. In case that flat woven webbing sling has a

missing tag, but the condition of webbing

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 38

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 39
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 40
 5.3 CONTENT (BS EN 1492-2)

Materials
→ Round slings are an all-purpose lifting sling
The roundsling shall be produced from industrial
enabling a strong and non-damaging lift of a load. yarns and certified by the manufacturer as being
They are extremely light weight and flexible in fast to light and heat-stabilized with a tenacity of
multiple directions, allowing easy and quick not less than 60 cN/tex, from one of the following
manipulation even when fragile loads are being materials:
lifted. Round slings are a continuous loop made  polyamide (PA), high tenacity multifilament;
from polyester yarn encased in a sleeve of polyester  polyester (PES), high tenacity multifilament;
fabric. The sleeve is constructed, so that it protects  polypropylene (PP), high tenacity
the internal rows of yarn filament and keeps them in multifilament.
a parallel formation at all times. The yarn fibre (core)
is free to spread out where the round sling is in Core
contact with its load. This provides a broad support, The core shall be formed from one or more yarns of
which cushions the load against damage and identical parent material wound together with a
reduces slipping. The low stretch characteristics of minimum of 11 turns, and joined to form an endless
the polyester yarn also prevent ‘load bounce’ when hank. It shall be uniformly wound to ensure even
lifting. distribution of the load. Any additional joins in the
yarns shall be separated by at least four turns of the
yarn and shall be compensated for by an extra turn
per join

5.0 FOREWORD
Roundslings are soft to handle and are completely
pliable. This makes them ideal for lifting delicate
loads or loads with polished surfaces. They are less
robust and more easily damaged than the Core Termination Yarn join
equivalent capacity wire rope and chain slings. join
Some of the standards related to webbing slings
are: Cover
 ASME B30.9 The cover shall be of webbing woven from identical
 BS EN 1492-2 parent material as the core, and made with the
 AS 4497 ends overlapped and sewn. The edges of the
woven cover material shall be finished in such a
Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN way that they cannot unravel. If the cover is
1492-2 welded, care shall be taken to ensure that the
welding does not affect the core. The woven
5.1 SCOPE material of the cover shall be treated to produce a
This section covers round slings produced based on closed surface.
BS EN 1492-2
 single-, two-, three-, four-leg round slings
 Polyester, Polyamide or Nylon and
Polypropylene
 polyester and polyamide -40°C to 100°C,
polypropylene -40°C to 80°C
 Safety Factor = 7 (MBF), 7 (MPF)
 WLL: up to 40 tons
 Man made fibres (synthetic)

5.2 STANDARD
BS EN 1492-2:2000+A1:2008
Textile slings. Safety. Roundslings made of man-
made fibres for general purpose use

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 41

Sewing
The thread of all seams shall be made of identical
parent material as the cover and core, and the
seam shall be made with a locking stitch machine.

NOTE: The use of a different colour thread to that of the

cover will facilitate inspection during the manufacturer’s
verification and in-service inspections by the user.

Fittings supplied as part of a sling

Fittings shall conform with the appropriate part or
Effective working length parts of BS EN 1677
The effective working length (EWL), l1, of a
roundsling (see figure) shall not differ from the The seating of a fitting in contact with the roundsling
nominal length by more than 2 % of the nominal shall be so finished as to allow the roundsling to
length, when laid flat and pulled taut by hand adopt a natural (flattened) form under load
tension and measured with a steel tape or rule
graduated in increments of 1 mm. Welded fittings shall be placed so that the welds
remain visible when the sling is in use.
EWL

Example of round sling fittings

Colour coding
The colour of the cover shall be as given in table
below to indicate the WLL of the roundsling in Protection against damage from edges and/or
straight lift. Roundslings of any other nominal WLL’s, abrasion
not indicated in below table, shall not be denoted Protective sleeves, where provided, shall be of
with the colours indicated therein tubular form such that they are free to enable them
to be positioned over the part of the roundsling
Working Load Limit which is to be protected.

NOTE Examples of suitable protective materials are

webbing, woven fabric, leather or other durable material.

Traceability code
The traceability code, which is to be included in the
marking, shall enable at least the following basic
elements of the manufacturing record to be traced:
a. identification of the core and cover
material;
b. identification of manufacturer’s control;
Failure force c. identification and grade of fittings.
The minimum failure force for the roundsling core in
straight pull shall be such that it will sustain a force
equivalent to 7 times the WLL

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 42

Markings
The marking of the sling shall include at least the
following:
a. the working load limit, in straight lift;
b. the material of the webbing, i.e. polyester,
polyamide, polypropylene;
c. grade of fitting;
d. the nominal length in m;
e. the manufacturer’s name, symbol, trade
mark or other unambiguous identification
and, where applicable, the name and
address of the authorized representative";
f. the traceability code;
1. identification of webbing;
2. identification of
manufacturer’s control;
3. identification and grade of
fittings.
g. the number and relevant Part of this
European Standard.

The information shall be marked legibly and

indelibly, on a durable label fixed directly onto the
webbing. It shall be marked in a type size of not less
than 1.5 mm in height. A section of the label shall be
enclosed under the stitching which shall also be
marked with this information for reference purposes
The material from which the webbing is made shall
be identified by the colour of the label itself on
which the information is marked. The following label
colours shall be used:
 Polyamide - green
 Polyester - blue
 Polypropylene - brown

Marking for multi-leg sling assemblies

The following requirements shall apply to 2 leg, 3 leg
Manufacturer’s certificate
or 4 leg sling assemblies:
After all testing and examination, the manufacturer
shall issue to the purchaser, for each batch of slings
h. the marking shall be on a readily-identifiable
delivered, a certificate which shall include at least
form of durable label (e.g. a round tag)
which shall be attached to the master link to the following information:
differentiate from other sling types; a. the manufacturer’s name and address,
i. the marking of the sling shall include the symbol or mark and, where applicable, the
maximum angle of use of any leg to the name and address of the authorized
vertical; representative";
j. the label on each leg shall not show the WLL. b. WLL of the sling, and for multi-leg sling
assemblies the range of angles to the
vertical;
Labelling options for round sling
c. type, including eye, fitting, number of legs,
nominal length and width;
d. the expression ‘flat woven webbing sling’ or
‘flat woven sling assembly’;
e. material of the webbing;
f. grade of fitting;
g. if fitted, details of reinforcements and
the label may be sewn into the joint in the cover protection against damage from edges
sleeve or be so that it slides loosely over the cover and/or abrasion;
sleeve h. the number of this European Standard, i.e.
EN 1492-1;

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 43

 i. test references; fusion of the fibres can occur, indicating a
weakening of the core.
j. traceability code;
f. Damaged or deformed fittings.
k. identity of the person authorized to sign the
certificate on behalf of the manufacturer
and date of signature;
l. the static test coefficient(s) used for design
of component(s) (e.g., hook; link; shackle)."
NOTE Items b) to h) inclusive form the designation of
the sling or sling assembly.

5.4 THOROUGH EXAMINATION

Before first use of the sling it should be ensured that:
a. the sling corresponds precisely to that
specified on the order;
b. the manufacturer’s certificate is to hand;
c. the identification and WLL marked on the
sling correspond with the information on the
certificate.

Before each use, the sling should be inspected for

defects and to ensure that the identification and
specification are correct. A sling that is unidentified
or defective should never be used, but should be
referred to a competent person for examination.

During the period of use, frequent checks should be

made for defects or damage, including damage
concealed by soiling, which might affect the
continued safe use of the sling. These checks should
extend to any fittings and lifting accessories used in
association with the sling. If any doubt exists as to
the fitness for use, or if any of the required markings
have been lost or become illegible, the sling should
be removed from service for examination by a
competent person. Any damage evident in the
cover indicates potential damage to the
loadbearing core. The following are examples of
defects or damage likely to affect the fitness of
slings for continued safe use:
a. Surface chafe. In normal use, some chafing
will occur to the surface fibres of the cover.
This is normal and has little effect. Any
substantial chafe, particularly localized,
should be viewed critically. Local abrasion,
as distinct from general wear, can be
caused by sharp edges whilst the sling is
under tension, and can lead to the cover
becoming cut.
b. Cuts. Cross or longitudinal cuts in the cover,
or any damage to the stitching, raise serious
doubts as to the integrity of the core.
c. Exposed core.
d. Chemical attack. Chemical attack results in
local weakening and softening of the
material. This is indicated by flaking of the
cover surface which may be plucked or
rubbed off. Any signs of chemical attack to
the cover raise serious doubts as to the
integrity of the core.
e. Heat or friction damage. This is indicated by
the fibres of the cover material taking on a
glazed appearance and in extreme cases,

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 44

 Round sling Technical Criteria Based on BS EN
1492-2

Three Material:
1 Polyester, Polyamide (Nylon) and
Polypropylene
2 Capacity up to 40.0 ton
Temperature ranges:
3 Polyester & Polyamide: -40ºC to 100 ºC
Polypropylene: -40ºC to 80 ºC
Core yarn shall be wound together with a
4
minimum of 11 turns
The effective working length of round sling
5 shall not differ from the nominal length by
more than 2%.
Any additional joins in the yarns shall be
separated by at least four turns of the yarn
6
and shall be compensated for by an extra
turn per join
Safety Factor or Failure force = 7 (MBF), 7
7
(MPF)
Markings:
a. the working load limit, in straight lift;
b. the material of the webbing, i.e.,
polyester, polyamide, polypropylene;
c. grade of fitting;
d. the nominal length in m;
e. the manufacturer’s name, symbol,
trade mark or other unambiguous
identification and, where
8 f. applicable, the name and address of
the authorized representative";
g. the traceability code;
1. identification of webbing;
2. identification of
manufacturer’s control;
3. identification and grade of
fittings.
h. the number and relevant Part of this
European Standard.
Marking type size shall be not less than 1.5
9
mm in height
Tag Color
 Polyamide - green
10
 Polyester – blue
 Polypropylene - brown
11 Tag minimum width is 45 mm

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 45

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What British European standard you are

following for round sling?

2. What are the limitations of BS EN 1492 part 2?

3. What are the requirements of core for round

sling?

4. What are the possible materials to be used in

round sling based on BS EN 1492-2? What are
the allowed temperature ranges for these
materials?

5. What is tenacity? What should be the

minimum tenacity value of round sling?

6. What is the allowed tolerance for the

effective working length of round sling?

7. What should be the safety factor in terms of

MBF (minimum breaking force) of round
sling?

8. What are the required markings for webbing

sling based on BS EN 1492-2?

9. Tag minimum width should be ______?

10. Marking type size on the tag shall be not less

than _______ in height.

11. What is the lifetime service of a webbing

sling?

12. What is the difference between effective

working length and the circumference
length of round sling?

13. What is the allowed type of material to be

use as protective sleeves on webbing sling?

14. Are the different mode factors based on WLL

for round sling is a required marking?

15. Based on history of textile slings standard, BS

EN 1492 has part 1, part 2 and part 4. Why
there is no part 3?

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 46

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 47
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 48
 6.0.1 WIRE ROPE

→ Wire rope slings are very popular for general lifting Wire ropes are made by spinning together
duties; however, they are more susceptible to a number of wires to form a strand; these
damage than chain slings. strands are then spun around a core to
form a wire rope. There are many
They have the advantage that, due to their rigidity,
they can be easily passed under loads when
constructions of wire rope. A variety of wire
slinging. sections, wire diameters and methods of
spinning the wires together are used to
As with any lifting media, slings of all configurations obtain very different rope characteristics,
can be assembled from wire rope and will be found with different properties for specific
in service. Those working in the offshore industry will
duties.
be familiar with the ‘five leg’ slings attached to
offshore containers. These are actually a four-
legged wire rope sling with a pendant sling The more wires in a strand, the more flexible
attached to the master link. However, in general the resulting rope will be, with fewer wires
industry, by far the most common type of wire rope the rope will be stiffer but more resistant to
sling in service is the single leg.
wear and damage.

Wire Strand Core Rope

6.0.2 LAYS OF A WIRE ROPE

“Lay” of a wire rope is simply a description of

the way wires and strands are placed during
construction.
6.0 FOREWORD
Wire rope is a good medium for making Right hand lay and left hand lay refer to the
slings, which are lighter than the equivalent direction of strands. Right hand lay means that
the strands pass from left to right across the
capacity chain slings, and for use as winch
rope. Left hand lay means just the opposite:
wires and hoist ropes. It is capable of use at strands pass from right to left.
far higher speeds than chain. Due to its
construction, there are a large number of Regular or Cross lay and Lang or Parallel lay
small wires at the surface and so it is more describe the way wires are placed within each
susceptible to damage than chain. Further, strand. Regular lay means that wires in the
if a wire rope sling is bent around a corner strands are laid opposite in direction to the lay
of the load or repeatedly used to lift of the strands. Lang lay means that wires are
identical loads, the rope will take on a laid in the same direction as the lay of the
permanent set. strands.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 49

 → Regular laid ropes are more pressure and
Right hand lay deformation resistant
(abbreviated to Z)
→ Lang lay ropes provide improved abrasion
Left hand lay resistant properties when used on multiple rope
(abbreviated to S) reeving. Lang lay is recommended for many
excavating, construction, and mining
Lay type can be
check in outer wire applications, including draglines, hoist lines,
of the strand and dredge lines and other similar lines. Here's why:
the strand itself Lang lay ropes are more flexible than regular
lay ropes. They also have greater wearing
Right hand lay Left hand lay
surface per wire than regular lay ropes.
Where properly recommended, installed and
used, lang lay ropes can be used to greater
Lang lay advantage than regular lay ropes. However,
(wires and strand lay is lang lay ropes are more susceptible to the
same directions) abuses of bending over small diameter
sheaves, pinching in undersize sheave grooves,
Regular lay
(wires and strand lay is
crushing when winding on drums, and failing
opposite directions) due to excessive rotation.

→ Alternate lay is made with relatively large

Lang lay Regular lay outer wires to provide increase of abrasion
resistance to scrubbing against sheaves and
drums. Finer inside wires and flexibility enable
alternate lay ropes to absorb severe bending
stresses. It is well suited to winding applications
where abrasion and crushing can occur.
Alternate lay wire rope applications include
boom hoists and numerous types of excavating
equipment like clamshells, shovels, cranes,
winches and scrapers.

Most of the wire rope used is right lay, regular

lay. This specification has the widest range of
applications and meets the requirements of
most
equipment. In fact, other lay specifications are
considered exceptions and must be requested
when ordering.

sS zZ zS sZ “LAY” AS A UNIT OF MEASURE

Another type of lay is Alternate Lay, sometimes

referred to as reverse lay, is a stranded rope
where the type of lay of the outer strands is
alternately regular lay followed by lang lay
such that three of the outer strands are regular
lay and three are lang lay.
Lay length represents one of the key
characteristics of the rope and affects its
elasticity and performance under load. It has to
be periodically measured, as possible variations
can indicate rope issues, like forced rotation
during installation, or unlay due to excessive
lifting height, or misalignment of the reeving
components.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 50

6.0.3 STRAND CONSTRUCTION 6.0.4 ROPE CLASSIFICATION
Wire ropes are composed of independent parts– The classifications of wire rope provide the total
wires, strands and cores-that continuously interact number of strands, as well as a nominal or exact
with each other during service. Wire rope engineers number of wires in each strand. These are general
design those parts in differing steel grades, finishes classifications and may or may not reflect the
and a variety of constructions to attain the best actual construction of the strands.
balance of strength, abrasion resistance, crush
resistance, bending fatigue resistance and corrosion Example: 6x19 wire rope
resistance for each application.

Strands are designed with various combinations of

wires and wire sizes to produce the desired
resistance to fatigue and abrasion. Generally, a
small number of large wires will be more abrasion
resistant and less fatigue resistant than a large
number of small wires. The 6×19 classification of wire ropes includes
standard 6 strand, round strand ropes with 15
Single Layer through 26 wires per strand.
The basic strand construction
has wires of the same size The table below shows some of the most common
wound around a center. wire rope configurations arranged in specific
classifications.
Seale
Large outer wires with the same
number of smaller inner wires
around a core wire. Provides
excellent abrasion resistance
but less fatigue resistance.
When used with an IWRC, it
offers excellent crush resistance
over drums.
Filler Wire Finish
Small wires fill spaces between Bright finish is suitable for most applications.
large wires to produce crush Galvanized finish is available for corrosive
resistance and a good environments. Plastic jacketing is also available
balance of strength, flexibility on some constructions.
and resistance to abrasion. Wire Grades
Warrington The most common steel wire grades are: IPS
Outer layer of alternately large (Improved Plow Steel), EIP (Extra Improved Plow
and small wires provides good Steel) and EEIP (Extra Extra Improved Plow
flexibility and strength but low Steel). Stainless Steels and other special grades
abrasion and crush are provided for special applications.
resistance. ISO METRIC AMERICAN
220 Extra Extra Improved Plow Steel
2160 N/mm2
Combination kgf/mm2 (EEIPS)
A combination strand is 1960 N/mm2
200
Extra Improved Plow Steel (EIPS)
kgf/mm2
constructed using any 180
1770 N/mm2 Improved Plow Steel (IPS)
combination of two or more of kgf/mm2
the patterns listed above. 1570 N/mm2
160
Plow Steel (PS)
kgf/mm2
145
1420 N/mm2 Traction Steel
kgf/mm2

ROPE GRADE TENSILE STRENGTH (N/mm²)

1570 1370 - 1770
1770 1570 – 1960
1960 1770- 2160
Seale 2160 1960 - 2160
Warrington Seale Filler Wire
Warrington
Seale Filler wire Seale Note: Based on BS EN 13414 standard, only 2 grades are classified
Seale (1770 and 1960 N/mm2)

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 51

  6 strand ordinary lay steel wire rope with fibre
6.0.5 TYPES OF CORE or steel core; or 8 strand ordinary lay steel
wire rope with a steel core conforming to EN
Wire rope cores are designated as: 12385-4
 Safety Factor = 5
 Fiber Core (FC)  The rope grade shall be either 1770 or 1960
 Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC)  Soft eye or Hard eye (with thimble)
 Wire Strand Core (WSC)
BS EN 13414-2
The core forms the heart of the rope and is the
component around which the main strands are laid.  Information on use and maintenance
The core supports the strands and  Inspection, thorough examination and
is intended to keep them from jamming against or Discard criteria
contacting each other under normal loads and flex.
The most popular core constructions are the BS EN 13414-3
following:
 Steel wire rope grommets, cable laid
Fiber Core (FC): grommets and cable-laid slings
These cores can be made from natural or synthetic  Strand and wire rope conforming to EN
fibers. The majority of Vanguard’s Fiber Core ropes 12385-4
feature a Polypropylene Core (PPC), as they are less  Ferrule-secured cable-laid slings up to 60 mm
susceptible to compacting (especially under moist
conditions) and are impervious to many acids.
6.2 STANDARD
Independent Wire Rope Core (IWRC): BS EN 13414-1:2003+A2:2008
IWRC ropes are used in applications requiring Steel wire rope slings. Safety. Slings for general lifting
maximum strength, resistance to crushing and all service
applications for which fiber core ropes are not
suitable (i.e. excessive heat of 250º F or greater). BS EN 13414-2:2003+A2:2008
Steel wire rope slings. Safety. Specification for
Strand Core (SC): information for use and maintenance to be
This type of core would only be chosen for provided by the manufacturer
applications where ‘stiffness’ of the rope is not a
drawback but is, in fact, desirable. BS EN 13414-3:2003+A1:2008
Steel wire rope slings. Safety. Grommets and cable-
laid slings

Relevant Standards
BS EN 12385-1:2002+A1:2008
Steel wire ropes. Safety. General requirements

BS EN 12385-2:2002+A1:2008
Steel wire ropes. Safety. Definitions, designation and
classification
Some of the standards related to wire rope slings BS EN 12385-3:2004+A1:2008
are: Steel wire ropes. Safety. Information for use and
 ASME B30.9 maintenance
 BS EN 13414 (Part 1 to Part 3)
 ISO 7531 BS EN 12385-4:2002+A1:2008
 ISO 8792 Steel wire ropes. Safety. Stranded ropes for general lifting
applications
Note: This Technical Guidance cover only BS EN
BS EN 13411-1:2002+A1:2008
13414
Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety. Thimbles for steel
wire rope slings
6.1 SCOPE
This section covers wire rope slings produced based BS EN 13411-2:2001+A1:2008
on BS EN 13414 (Part 1 to Part 3) Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety. Splicing of eyes
for wire rope slings
BS EN 13414-1
BS EN 13411-3:2004+A1:2008
Terminations for steel wire ropes. Safety. Ferrules and
 single-, two-, three-, four-leg wire rope slings ferrule-securing
with ferrule secured or spliced eye
terminations
 spliced or ferrule-secured endless slings
 8 mm to 60 mm diameter
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 52
6.3 CONTENT (BS EN 13414-1) Terminal Fittings
The working load limit of any master link shall be at
least equal to that of sling.
Grade
The rope grade shall be either 1770 N/mm2 or 1960
N/mm2 The working load limit of any intermediate link fitted
to a three-leg or four-leg sling shall be at least equal
Formation of Eyes to 1.6 times the WLL of one of the legs suspended
Ferrule-secured eyes shall conform to EN 13411-3 from it
The minimum length of plain rope between the
inside ends of ferrules terminating a sling leg shall be The working load limit of the lower terminal fitting(s)
20 times the nominal rope diameter shall be at least equal to that of the leg(s) to which
is/they are fitted.

Splice eyes shall conform to 13411-2

The minimum length of plain rope between the tails
of splices shall be at least 15 times the nominal rope
diameter

a. Single-leg sling
Hard eyes shall conform to EN 13411-1 and Where a terminal fitting is used, the eye
assembled in accordance with the FSET designers’ termination shall always be fitted with a
instructions thimble.

The peripheral length of a soft eye shall be at least

four rope lay lengths

The length shall be measured between the

bearing points of the sling.

The measured length of a ferrule-secured sling shall

not differ from the nominal length by more than two
rope diameters or 1% of the nominal length,
whichever is the greater

The measured length of a spliced sling shall not

differ from the nominal length by more than four
rope diameters or 2% of the nominal length,
whichever is greater

Where single leg slings are intended to be used as

matched sets, the difference in length of matched
sets of ferrule-secured eye slings shall not exceed
the rope diameter, or 0.5 % of the nominal length,
whichever is the greater.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 53

 splicing operation shall be in accordance with EN
13411-2.

Working load limit for an endless sling:

𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 2 𝑥 0.8
𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
Minimum breaking force of the rope, in
Fmin
kilonewtons
Working coefficient or coefficient of
Zp
utilization and has the value of 5
Working load limit for a single leg sling: Factor relating to mass force and has value
g
= 9,806,65 or 9.81 m/s2
𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝐾𝑡
𝑊𝐿𝐿 = Note: This calculation assumes that endless slings will
𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔 normally be used in choke hitch (2 x 0.8). The effect of
choke is the dominant factor and thus takes precedence
Minimum breaking force of the rope, in over the termination efficiency since the factors are not
Fmin
kilonewtons cumulative.
Factor which allows for the efficiency of the
termination
KT
KT = 0.9 (ferrule secured) c. Multi-leg sling
KT = 0.8 (spliced terminations) The length shall be measured
Zp Working coefficient and has the value of 5 between the bearing points of
Factor relating to mass force and has value the sling
g
= 9,806,65 or 9.81 m/s2
The measured individual leg
length shall not differ from the
b. Endless wire rope sling nominal length of the sling by
The length of an endless sling shall more than two rope diameters or
be that measured along its 1 % of the nominal length,
circumference on the centerline of whichever is the greater
the rope.
The difference in length between
The measured length of a ferrule- the individual legs of any multi-leg sling under no
secured sling shall not differ from the load shall not exceed 1.5 times the rope diameter or
nominal length by more than two 0.5% of the nominal length, whichever is the greater.
rope diameters or 1% of the nominal
length, whichever is the greater The difference in lengths of matched sets of ferrule-
secured eye slings shall not exceed the rope
The measured length of an endless diameter, or 0.5% of the nominal lengths, whichever
spliced sling shall not differ from the are the greater.
nominal length by more than four
rope diameters or 2% of the nominal The sling shall comprise two, three or four legs. The
length, whichever is greater rope size type and grade for each leg shall be the
same in single leg sling.

The legs of two-leg slings shall be joined at their

upper ends by a master link.

In a three-leg sling, two of the legs shall be joined by

a single intermediate master link to the master link,
An appropriate length of rope shall be selected and
the third leg shall be connected via a second
formed with overlapping ends. Two ferrules
intermediate master link to the master link.
appropriate to the diameter of the rope shall be
pressed in accordance with EN 13411-3. The
In a four-leg sling each of the two pairs shall be
adjacent ends of the ferrules shall not be less than
joined by an intermediate master link to the master
three times the length of the ferrule apart after
link.
pressing.
Upper eyes shall always be fitted with thimbles, and
For spliced endless wire rope sling. The rope shall be
if lower terminal fittings are used, the eyes shall
formed into a circle such that the two ends overlap
always be fitted with thimbles. Thimbles shall
by the amount necessary for splicing. Each end shall
conform to EN 13411-1.
be spliced back into the main body of the sling. The
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 54
 Working load limits for slings using steel-cored rope
of classes 6x19, 6x36 and 8x36 in grade 1770 and
having ferrule-secured eye terminations

The working load limit, in tones, for a multi-leg sling

with symmetrically arranged legs with each leg
making the same angle with the vertical shall be
calculated as follows:

𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝐾𝑡 𝑥 𝐾𝑙
𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
Minimum breaking force of the rope, in
Fmin
kilonewtons
Factor which allows for the efficiency of the
termination
KT
KT = 0.9 (ferrule secured)
KT = 0.8 (spliced terminations)
Is the leg factor relating to the number of
Kl legs and the angle to the vertical (See
below table)
Zp Working coefficient and has the value of 5 Note 1: The working load limits given in table above
Factor relating to mass force and has value are based on the assumption that soft eyes of single
g leg slings are used over bearing points having
= 9,806,65 or 9.81 m/s2
diameters not less than twice the nominal rope
diameter of the rope.
Working load limits for slings using fiber cored rope
of classes 6x19 and 6x36 in grade 1770 and having Note 2: Given on the standard is based on grade of
ferrule-secured eye terminations 1770 only. Other manufacturers can have a table
for 1960 grade.

Verification of the safety requirements and/or

measures

The length of a single leg sling and the length of the

individual legs of multi-leg slings shall be measured
without load and with the widths of soft eyes being
approximately half their length.

Markings
Each sling shall be legibly and durably marked.

Note: If the marking is on load-bearing ferrule or the

master link, care should be taken to ensure that the
mechanical properties of the ferrule or link are not
impaired.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 55

 If the tag or label identifying the sling and its working
load limit becomes detached and the necessary
WLL : 3.0 tonne
information is not marked on the master link, or by
some other means, the sling should be withdrawn
from service.
WLL
WORKING LOAD LIMIT
Inspection
An inspection is a visual check on the condition of
the sling to identify any obvious damage or
Single-leg sling (single part or endless) deterioration that might affect its fitness for use.
a. The sling manufacturer’s identifying mark;
b. Numbers and/or letters identifying the sling The sling should be withdrawn from service and
referred to a competent person for thorough
with the certificate
c. The working load limit examination if any of the following is observed
before each use:
d. Any legal marking (like CE)

Multi-leg sling a. Illegible sling markings, i.e. sling identification

a. The sling manufacturer’s identifying mark; and/or working load limit.
b. Numbers and/or letters identifying the sling b. Wear, distortion and/or cracking of the
with the certificate upper or lower terminals and/or ferrules.
c. The working load limits and the angles c. Concentration(s) of broken wires.
applicable, i.e. the WLL 0º to 45º to vertical d. Severe rope distortion, such as kinks or
and, additionally, the WLL 45º to 60º to the protrusion of the core.
vertical if applicable; e. Significant rope wear.
f. Corrosion
d. Any legal marking (like CE)
g. Heat damage

Following examination of a sling with illegible

markings and unless it can be shown that the sling
was fabricated from rope having a grade other
than 1770, the competent person should assume
that the rope grade is 1770 when determining the
new working load limit (WLL).

Thorough examination and discard criteria

A thorough examination should be carried out at
intervals not exceeding twelve months. This interval
should be less were deemed necessary in the light
of service conditions.

6.4 CONTENT (BS EN 13414-2) To facilitate examination, slings may need to be

cleaned so as to be free from oil, dirt and rust prior
Multi-leg wire rope slings with less than the full to examination. This can usually be accomplished
number of legs in use by using a wire brush. Other methods may be used
providing that the parent metal is not damaged.
Methods to avoid are those using acids,
overheating or removal of metal.

Records of such examinations should be

maintained.

1. Sling markings
Inspection, thorough examination and maintenance The sling markings, i.e. information on the sling
During service, wire rope slings are subjected to identification and /or the working load limit, are
conditions that affect their safety. It is necessary, illegible.
therefore, to ensure, as far as is reasonably
practicable, that the sling is safe for continued use. 2. Damaged upper and lower terminals
Wear, distortion or cracking of the upper or lower
The sling should be inspected for any obvious signs terminals.
of deterioration before each use.
Note: Particular attention should be paid to signs of opening up,
distortion or cracking of the hook, distortion and wear of links or
If, at any time there is reason to doubt the safe
the closing of the thimble, indications that the sling may have
condition of the sling, it should be withdrawn from been overloaded.
service and subjected to a thorough examination.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 56

 3. Damaged rope terminations
Wear, distortion or cracking of ferrules or the pulling
out of a splice.

4. Broken wires
Randomly distributed broken wires
6 randomly distributed broken outer wires in a length
of 6 d but no more than 14 randomly distributed
broken wires in a length of 30d where d is the
nominal rope diameter.

Concentrated broken wires

3 adjacent broken outer wires in one strand.

5. Rope distortion
Kinking, crushing, bird caging or core protrusion or
other damage which distorts the rope structure.

6. Rope wear
10% of the nominal rope diameter (d).

7. Corrosion
Pitting of the wires or loss of flexibility of the rope due
to severe internal corrosion.

8. Heat damage
Heat damage as evidenced by discoloration of the
wires, loss of lubrication or pitting of the wires
caused by electric arcing.
6.5 CONTENT (BS EN 13414-3)
Scope
Components that are cracked, visibly distorted or
This European Standard specifies the construction
twisted, severely corroded or have deposits that
requirements, calculation of WLL, testing and
cannot be removed should be discarded and
certification of steel wire rope grommets, cable laid
replaced.
grommets and cable-laid slings using strand and
wire rope conforming to EN 12385-4.

This standard cover ferrule-secured cable-laid slings

up to 60 mm.

Wire rope grommet

- Endless wire rope sling made from one
continuous length of strand, formed to make
a body composed of six strands around a
strand core

Cable-laid grommet
- Endless wire rope sling made from one
continuous length of rope, formed to make
a body composed of six ropes around a
rope core

Cable-laid slings
- sling formed from a wire rope constructed of
six-unit ropes laid as outers over one core
unit rope, with a termination at each end,
usually in the form of a spliced eye

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 57

 For cable-laid grommets constructed from unit
ropes with a steel core of 66mm ≤ d ≤ 696mm the
tolerance shall be ± 0.5d or 0.5% of the nominal
length whichever is the greater.

Pin sizes for measurements of

lengths

Method 1:

Construction of wire rope grommet

The strand used to form the wire rope grommet shall
be one of those used to form ropes based on EN
12385-4

The length of the circumference shall be at least five

times the grommet lay length. The core butt position
shall be clearly marked by red paint applied over Arrange the grommet as shown in above figure and mark
four spots on the centreline as at p, q, r and s. Measure
any serving.
portions A and C and then re-arrange the grommet so that
portions B and D may be measured as in second figure.
The length of the grommet will be the summation of A, B, C
and D.

Construction of Cable-laid slings

The unit ropes used shall be of 6- or 8-strand
construction.
Cable-laid ropes over 60 mm diameter shall have
steel rope cores. If the turn-back loop system for
terminations is used, it shall conform to EN 13411-3.
Only unit ropes with a steel core shall be used.
Construction of cable-laid grommet Splices shall be made in accordance with:
The unit ropes shall be of 6- or 8-strand construction
Hand splices shall be made by either of the
Ropes over 60 mm diameter shall have steel rope following methods.
cores.
a) A cross tuck splice which consists of at least
The length of the circumference shall be at least five five tucks (not including the start) consisting of at
times the grommet lay length. least three tucks with the complete outer unit
ropes. These tucks shall be over one and under
The core butt position shall be clearly marked by red two against the lay of the rope, except that the
paint applied over any servings. first tuck only of any one-unit rope may be with
the lay.
Length of Grommet
The length of a grommet shall be the length of its
circumference, measured along its centreline

For wire rope grommets the tolerance shall be ± 1d

or 1% of the nominal length whichever is the greater.

For cable-laid grommets constructed from unit

ropes with a fiber or steel core of 24mm ≤ d ≤ 60mm
the tolerance shall be ± 1d or 1% of the nominal
length whichever is the greater.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 58

 Is the minimum breaking force (in
b) At least six tucks (not including the start) kiloNewtons) of the unit of rope, as
Fmin1
consisting of five tucks with the complete outer specified in EN 12385-4, which is used to
unit rope with the lay of the rope, and one tuck form a cable-laid grommet
with the complete outer unit rope against the lay Is the minimum breaking force (in
of the rope. The sixth tuck shall be made with one kiloNewtons) of the fibre core rope from
Fmin2
half of the strands from the outer unit ropes or with which the strand is used to form the wire
half of the outer unit ropes. All tucks shall be over rope grommet
one and under two. Factor relating to mass force and has
g
value = 9,806,65 or 9.81 m/s2
The core shall be split and shall be worked in with Is a factor which allows for the spinning
the splice and not cut out. A length of tail at least K losses in cabling the ropes. Currently this is
three times the diameter of the cable-laid rope taken as 0.9
shall be left after the last tuck and seized to the Coefficient of utilization
main body of the rope.
Rope Diameter Zp value
The minimum length between the last tucks of the < 60 mm Shall be not less than 5
splices shall, in all cases, be at least 15d, where d Zp 60 mm – 150
Zp = 6.33-0.022(d)
is the nominal diameter of the cable-laid rope mm
forming the sling. If the sling body is to be > 150 mm Shall be not less than 3
doubled, then this minimum length shall be
agreed by the interested parties but not be less
than 20d. Cable-laid sling rating

∑𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑘 𝑥 𝑘𝑡
Length of Cable-laid sling 𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
The length, L, of a sling, shall be the internal length 𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
between the bearing points of each termination
whether they are soft eyes, thimbles, or hooks or A factor which allows for the efficiency of
links, as appropriate the termination.
For the turn-back eye ferrule-secured
Kt
termination conforming to EN 13411-3, Kt
shall be 0.9 and for spliced terminations, Kt
shall be 0.8

Markings
Each sling or grommet shall be legibly and durably
marked with at least the following information
Note: When measuring the actual length of a sling
with soft eyes, dimension w should be approximately a) the manufacturer's identifying mark;
½h with h being approximately 15d. b) numbers and/or letters identifying the sling or
grommet with the certificate;
The tolerance of length of ferrule-secured and c) the working load limit;
spliced cable-laid slings shall be ±2d or ± 1% of the d) any statutory marking (CE marking)
nominal length, whichever is the greater. This applies
for diameters 24mm ≤ d ≤ 696mm.
Combination of lay factors for grommets and cable-
When measuring length under load, for instance laid slings
when two or more slings are required to be
accurately matched for length, this shall be Grommets
undertaken at 3 % of the calculated sling breaking Grommets shall be manufactured in accordance
force using pins with the following combinations of unit rope and
grommet lay factors.
Grommet Rating
For wire rope grommet: The unit rope lay factor shall be at least 6 times the
nominal rope diameter and at most 7.5 times the
2𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛2 nominal rope diameter.
𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔 The grommet shall be at least 6 times the nominal
grommet diameter and at most 7.5 times the
For cable-laid grommet: nominal grommet diameter.

12𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛1 𝑥 𝑘 Cable-laid slings

𝑊𝐿𝐿 = The cable-laid rope shall be manufactured in
𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔 accordance with the following combinations of unit

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 59

rope and cable-laid rope lay directions and lay Working load limits for cable-laid grommet slings
factors. made of wire ropes with steel cores of class 6x36

The core unit rope shall be right- or left-hand

ordinary lay or right- or left-hand Lang lay.

The diameter of the core rope shall be at least 10 %,

but not greater than 15 %, larger than the diameter
of the main rope.

The outer unit ropes shall be left-hand ordinary lay or

Lang lay, in which case the cable-laid rope shall be
right-hand lay; or the outer unit ropes shall be right-
hand ordinary lay or Lang lay, in which case the
cable-laid rope shall be left-hand lay.

Core unit rope and the outer unit ropes shall have
the same direction of lay.

The core unit and outer unit ropes shall have a lay
factor which is a minimum of six times the nominal
rope diameter and a maximum of 7.5 times the
nominal rope diameter.

Cable-laid rope shall have a lay factor which is a

minimum of 6 times the nominal cable-laid rope
diameter and a maximum of 7.5 times the nominal
cable-laid rope diameter.

Working load limits for cable-laid grommet slings

made of wire ropes with steel cores of classes 6x19
and 6x36

Working load limits for cable-laid grommet slings

made of wire ropes with steel cores of class 6x36

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 60

Working load limits for cable-laid grommet slings Working load limits for cable-laid slings made of
made of wire ropes with fibre cores of classes 6x19 wire ropes with steel cores of classes 6x19 and 6x36
and 6x36 with splice eye terminations

Working load limits for cable-laid slings made of

wire ropes with steel core of class 6 x 36 with spliced
Working load limits for cable-laid slings made of eye terminations
wire ropes with steel cores of classes 6x19 and 6x36
with ferrule secured eye terminations

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 61

 Working load limits for cable-laid slings made of
wire ropes with steel core of class 6 x 36 and large
diameter ropes with spliced eye terminations

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 62

6.6 CONTENT (BS EN 13411-1) 6.7 CONTENT (BS EN 13411-3)

Scope Scope
This European Standard specifies the minimum This European Standard deals with the requirements
requirements for non-welded general purpose steel for the ferrule-securing of eyes and endless loops.
thimbles produced from plate having dimensions in
accordance with Figure 1. The thimbles are It also deals with the requirements for ferrules for the
intended to be used in slings made with six or eight ferrule-securing of eyes and endless loops.
strand steel wire ropes from 8 mm to 60 mm
diameter complying with This European Standard applies to the ferrule-
EN 12385-4. securing of eye terminations formed either by a
Flemish eye or turn-
Reeving thimbles and solid thimbles are not covered back eye and covers ferrules made of non-alloy
by this standard. carbon steel and aluminium.

This European Standard applies to slings and

Dimension of thimble shall be in accordance with assemblies using steel wire ropes for general lifting
figure below: applications up
to and including 60mm diameter conforming to EN
12385-4, lift ropes conforming to EN 12385-5 and
spiral strand ropes conforming to EN 12385-10

 ferrule-secured eye termination (FSET)

eye formed at a rope end secured by means of a
ferrule pressed on the rope

 Flemish eye ferrule-secured termination

eye formed at a rope end secured by means of a
ferrule pressed on the main body of the rope and
the tail ends of the strands from the Flemish eye

 turn-back eye ferrule-secured termination

eye formed at a rope end secured by means of a
ferrule pressed onto the main body of the rope and
the tail end

 ferrule-secured endless loop

loop secured by ferrules pressed on the overlapping
rope ends resulting in an endless rope assembly

Thimbles shall be capable of being opened and

closed once without the application of heat, wide
enough to allow insertion of a component of 1.5
times the nominal rope diameter. Marking
Each ferrule shall be marked with its size and the
Any permanent reduction measured in dimension 1 ferrule manufacturer’s name or mark except in the
of figure 1 shall not exceed 15% of its original value. case of
ferrules for use with ropes smaller than 8mm
The rope diameter shall be the same as the nominal diameter where the marking can be on the
size of the thimble. The rope grade shall be 1770. package.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 63

Identification and dimensions of ferrules (unpressed)
Ferrules are to be identified by size number

Ferrules (type A) and round end ferrules (type B) are

to be as shown.

Ferrules with tapered end (type C) are to be as

shown.

The exact shape of the tapered end of type C

ferrules is to be at the discretion of the ferrule
manufacturer.

Dimensions of pressed ferrules

Dimensions of ferrule before pressing

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 64

Ferrules the case of a thimble with a pointed end this
Material distance shall be approximately 1.5 times the
The material selected by the ferrule manufacturer nominal rope diameter after pressing.
shall be non-alloy carbon steel or aluminium and
shall conform to the same specification as that used The peripheral length of a soft eye for a sling shall be
by the ferrule-secured system designer when at least four times the rope lay length.
satisfying the type tests.
The peripheral length of a soft eye for a crane hoist
Non-alloy carbon steel shall be a fully-killed non- rope shall be at least six times the rope lay length.
ageing normalized steel.

Dimensions
The dimensions of the ferrule shall be in accordance
with those used by the ferrule-secured system
designer when satisfying the type tests.

Manufacture and quality control of ferrule

The tube from which ferrules are made shall be free
from any cracks, folds and surface defects.

Ferrule-securing
Ferrule-securing shall be carried out by a competent Forming a Flemish eye
person trained in ferrule-securing.
Turn-back eye
Matching of ferrule to wire rope In the case of rope severed by a heat process the
Determine the rope details from the documentation annealed length of rope shall not be greater than
supplied with the rope, see EN 12385-1 and ensure one rope diameter. Rope secured by an oval ferrule
that the rope is within the scope of the ferrule- with a tapered end shall not be severed by a heat
secured system as detailed by the ferrule-secured process.
system designer. In some cases, it will also be
necessary to determine the nominal metallic cross- If a served rope end is to be pressed within the
sectional area factor of the rope, refer EN 12385 ferrule the serving shall consist only of a strand or
parts 4,5 & 10. wire. The serving material shall be of aluminium or
annealed steel and shall have a tensile strength no
Follow the ferrule-secured system designer’s greater than 400N/mm2. The diameter of the serving
instructions to select the appropriate ferrule size, shall be no greater than 5% of the nominal rope
taking into account the nominal or measured diameter. Any serving within the ferrule before
diameter of the rope, whichever is applicable. pressing shall be no longer than one half the
nominal rope diameter and the overall length of
Forming the eye serving shall extend no further than one rope
Flemish eye diameter from the rope end.
The outer strands of the rope shall be divided into
two equal groups. The core shall be assigned to one The eye shall be formed by passing the rope end
of these through the ferrule to form the required eye size and
groups. The length of rope divided shall depend on then by passing the end of the rope back through
the size of eye to be formed. Both groups of strands the ferrule.
shall then be re-laid together in opposing directions
In the case of rope severed by a heat process the
No individual strands shall protrude from the rope in annealed portion of the rope shall not be positioned
the eye. within the ferrule.

The positioning of the strand ends and the removal The length (h) of a soft eye from the ferrule to the
or retention and placing of the core shall be in bearing point of the eye shall be at least fifteen (15)
accordance with the ferrule-secured system times the nominal rope diameter.
designer’s instructions
The width (h/2) of the eye with the rope under no
When the ferrule is slid into position it shall not load should be approximately half of its length
displace the strands. The strand ends shall be evenly
distributed around the intact wire rope within the
ferrule.

Positioning of the ferrule before pressing shall be

such that the distance between the base of the (length) h = 15xd
thimble and the ferrule shall be “approximately” two (width) = 15xd/2
times the nominal rope diameter after pressing. In
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 65
In all other cases the rope end shall protrude by no Matching wire rope to ferrule
more than one half of the rope diameter. In the Selection of the correct ferrule is to take account of:
case of ropes severed by a heat process the ferrule  measured rope diameter;
shall be positioned such that after pressing the rope  rope type (and core);
end shall protrude from the ferrule by an amount no  nominal metallic cross-sectional area factor
more than one rope diameter, i.e., only the of the rope.
annealed portion shall protrude.
Case 1
Positioning of the ferrule before pressing shall ensure For single layer round strand ropes with fibre core and
that the distance after pressing provides cable-laid ropes having a metallic cross-sectional area
a. clearance between thimble and factor C of at least 0.283, a ferrule having a size number
equivalent to the nominal rope diameter is to be selected
ferrule
from Table A.2.
b. the thimble is secured within the eye
(secured against the possibility of Case 2
rotation within the eye or rolling out For single layer round strand ropes with metallic core and
of the eye). for rotation-resistant round strand ropes having a metallic
cross-sectional area factor up to 0.487, a ferrule having
Note: Typically, after pressing the clearance the next larger size number than the nominal rope
between the base of the thimble and the ferrule diameter is to be selected from Table A.2.
should be approximately of 1.5 times the nominal
rope diameter for a thimble without a point, and 1
times the nominal diameter for a thimble with a
point unless specified otherwise by a competent
person.

Ropes for this design of ferrule

Rope types
Single layer, rotation-resistant and parallel-closed
stranded ropes conforming to EN 12385-4, stranded
ropes conforming to EN 12385-5, spiral strand ropes
conforming to EN 12385-10 and cable-laid ropes as
specified in EN 13414-3.

Rope grade
The maximum rope grade is to be 1960.

Types of rope lay

Ordinary and Lang lay.

Straightness
Tubing for ferrules for ropes of 14 mm diameter and
greater are not to exhibit a twist in excess of 2.5
mm/m. Twists over the whole length of tubing are
not to exceed 5 mm.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 66

Case 3
For single layer round strand ropes with metallic core and
for rotation-resistant round strand ropes and parallel-
closed round strand ropes having a metallic cross-
sectional area factor greater than 0.487 and up to 0.613
the ferrule is to be selected from Table A.2.

Case 4
For spiral strand rope having a metallic cross-sectional
area factor of at least 0.613, ferrules are to be selected
having two size numbers larger than the nominal rope
diameter, see table A.2. Two ferrules spaced two rope
diameters apart are to be used per termination. After
pressing a space is to be maintained between the
ferrules.

Making the Eye Termination

The ferrule is to be so positioned that after pressing

the rope end protrudes from the ferrule. For ropes
severed by a heat process the protrusion is to be up
to one rope diameter. For all other cases the
protrusion shall be up to one half a rope diameter.

The ferrule is to be so positioned that after pressing it

is 1.5 times the nominal rope diameter from the base
of a thimble. In the case of a thimble with a point
the distance is to be 1 times the nominal rope
diameter.

The ferrule is to be pressed only in a hydraulic or

pneumatic press by means of cold working.

NOTE Ferrule sizes 2.5 to 5 may also be pressed using

hand tools.

The ferrule is to be positioned in the pressing tool in a

stable horizontal position.

Information for use

Identification marks
The ferrule is to be marked as indicated and using
stamp sizes given in table below.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 67

 Wire rope sling Technical Criteria Based on BS EN shall not be less than three times the length of
13414-1 the ferrule apart after pressing.
For multi-leg sling - The measured individual
Covers 1,2,3,& 4 leg or endless sling, ferruled leg length shall not differ from the nominal
secure or splice eye termination, 8 mm to 60 18 length of the sling by more than two rope
mm diameter. diameters or 1 % of the nominal length,
1
6 strand ordinary lay – fibre or steel core whichever is the greater
6 or 8 strand ordinary lay – steel core conform For multi-leg sling - The difference in length
to12385-4 between the individual legs of any multi-leg
2 Factor of safety or working coefficient = 5 19 sling under no load shall not exceed 1.5 times
3 Rope grade: 1770 N/mm2 or 1960 N/mm2 the rope diameter or 0.5% of the nominal
For ferrule secure eyes, minimum length of length, whichever is the greater.
plain rope between the inside ends of ferrules For multi-leg sling - The difference in lengths
4 of matched sets of ferrule-secured eye slings
terminating a sling leg shall be 20 times the
nominal rope diameter 20 shall not exceed the rope diameter, or 0.5%
For splice eyes, minimum length of plain rope of the nominal lengths, whichever are the
5 between the tails of splices shall be at least greater.
15 times the nominal rope diameter For multi-leg sling - The legs of two-leg slings
Hard eyes shall conform to EN 13411-1 and 21 shall be joined at their upper ends by a
6 assembled in accordance with the FSET master link.
designers’ instructions In a three-leg sling, two of the legs shall be
The peripheral length of a soft eye shall be at joined by a single intermediate master link to
7 22 the master link, the third leg shall be
least four rope lay lengths
The working load limit of any master link shall connected via a second intermediate
8 master link to the master link.
be at least equal to that of sling.
The working load limit of any intermediate link In a four-leg sling each of the two pairs shall
fitted to a three-leg or four-leg sling shall be 23 be joined by an intermediate master link to
9 the master link.
at least equal to 1.6 times the WLL of one of
the legs suspended from it For multi-leg sling - Upper eyes shall always
The working load limit of the lower terminal be fitted with thimbles, and if lower terminal
24
10 fitting(s) shall be at least equal to that of the fittings are used, the eyes shall always be
leg(s) to which is/they are fitted. fitted with thimbles.
For single-leg, where a terminal fitting is used, Working load limits calculation for single-leg,
11 the eye termination shall always be fitted endless and multi-leg wire rope sling
with a thimble 𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝐾𝑡
𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
For single leg, the measured length of a 𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
ferrule-secured sling shall not differ from the
25 𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 2 𝑥 0.8
12 nominal length by more than two rope 𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
diameters or 1% of the nominal length, 𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
whichever is the greater 𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝐾𝑡 𝑥 𝐾𝑙
For single leg, the measured length of a 𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
spliced sling shall not differ from the nominal 𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
13 length by more than four rope diameters or Required markings:
2% of the nominal length, whichever is Markings can be on load bearing ferrule,
greater master link or a separate sling tag.
Where single leg slings are intended to be
used as matched sets, the difference in Single-leg sling (single part or endless)
length of matched sets of ferrule-secured a. The sling manufacturer’s identifying
14
eye slings shall not exceed the rope mark;
diameter, or 0.5 % of the nominal length, b. Numbers and/or letters identifying the
whichever is the greater. sling with the certificate
For endless wire rope sling - The measured c. The working load limit
length of a ferrule-secured sling shall not d. Any legal marking (like CE)
15 differ from the nominal length by more than 26
two rope diameters or 1% of the nominal Multi-leg sling
length, whichever is the greater a. The sling manufacturer’s identifying
For endless wire rope sling - The measured mark;
length of an endless spliced sling shall not b. Numbers and/or letters identifying the
16 differ from the nominal length by more than sling with the certificate
four rope diameters or 2% of the nominal c. The working load limits and the angles
length, whichever is greater applicable, i.e. the WLL 0º to 45º to
For endless wire rope sling – two ferrules vertical and, additionally, the WLL 45º
17 appropriate to the diameter of the rope shall to 60º to the vertical if applicable;
be pressed. The adjacent ends of the ferrules d. Any legal marking (like CE)

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 68

 Wire rope sling Technical Criteria Based on BS EN 696mm the tolerance shall be ± 0.5d or 0.5%
13414-2 of the nominal length whichever is the
greater.
Cable-laid sling soft eyes dimension w should
10 be approximately ½h with h being
approximately 15d.
1 The tolerance of length of ferrule-secured
and spliced cable-laid slings shall be ±2d or ±
11 1% of the nominal length, whichever is the
greater. This applies for diameters 24mm ≤ d ≤
696mm.
If the tag or label identifying the sling and its
working load limit becomes detached and the Working load limits calculations for wire rope
2 necessary information is not marked on the grommet, cable-laid grommet and cable-
master link, or by some other means, the sling laid sling
should be withdrawn from service.
Randomly distributed broken wires 2𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛2
6 randomly distributed broken outer wires in a
𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
3 length of 6 d but no more than 14 randomly
distributed broken wires in a length of 30d 12
where d is the nominal rope diameter.
12𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛1 𝑥 𝑘
𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
Concentrated broken wires 𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
4
3 adjacent broken outer wires in one strand.
Rope wear ∑𝐹𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑥 𝑘 𝑥 𝑘𝑡
5
10% of the nominal rope diameter (d). 𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
Following examination of a sling with illegible 𝑍𝑝 𝑥 𝑔
markings and unless it can be shown that the
sling was fabricated from rope having a grade Markings
6
other than 1770, the competent person should Each sling or grommet shall be legibly and
assume that the rope grade is 1770 when durably marked with at least the following
determining the new working load limit (WLL). information
13
Wire rope sling Technical Criteria Based on BS EN a) the manufacturer's identifying mark;
13414-3 b) numbers and/or letters identifying the sling
Wire rope grommet – strands or grommet with the certificate;
Cable-laid grommet – rope c) the working load limit;
1 d) any statutory marking (CE marking)
Cable-laid slings – rope with termination at
each end For grommet, the unit rope lay factor shall be
Cover only ferrule-secured cable-laid slings at least 6 times the nominal rope diameter
2 and at most 7.5 times the nominal rope
up to 60 mm.
The length of the circumference shall be at diameter.
3
least five times the grommet lay length. 14
The core butt position shall be clearly marked
4
by red paint applied over any serving.

Cable-laid grommet
6 or 8 strand constructions
The grommet shall be at least 6 times the
Ropes over 60 mm diameter shall have
15 nominal grommet diameter and at most 7.5
5 steel rope cores.
times the nominal grommet diameter.
The core unit rope shall be right- or left-hand
Wire rope grommet
ordinary lay or right- or left-hand Lang lay.
Strand conform to EN 12385-4

The length of a grommet shall be the length

6 of its circumference, measured along its 16
centreline
For wire rope grommets the tolerance shall
7 be ± 1d or 1% of the nominal length
whichever is the greater.
For cable-laid grommets constructed from The diameter of the core rope shall be at
unit ropes with a fiber or steel core of 24mm ≤ least 10 %, but not greater than 15 %, larger
8 17
d ≤ 60mm the tolerance shall be ± 1d or 1% of than the diameter of the main rope.
the nominal length whichever is the greater.
For cable-laid grommets constructed from
9
unit ropes with a steel core of 66mm ≤ d ≤
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 69
 The outer unit ropes shall be left-hand Type A and B – Round end ferrules
4
ordinary lay or Lang lay, in which case the Type C – tapered end ferrules
cable-laid rope shall be right-hand lay; or the Positioning of the ferrule before pressing shall
18
outer unit ropes shall be right-hand ordinary be such that the distance between the base
lay or Lang lay, in which case the cable-laid of the thimble and the ferrule shall be
rope shall be left-hand lay. “approximately” two times the nominal rope
5
Core unit rope and the outer unit ropes shall diameter after pressing. In the case of a
19
have the same direction of lay. thimble with a pointed end this distance shall
The core unit and outer unit ropes shall have be approximately 1.5 times the nominal rope
a lay factor which is a minimum of six times diameter after pressing
20
the nominal rope diameter and a maximum The peripheral length of a soft eye for a sling
of 7.5 times the nominal rope diameter. 6 shall be at least four times the rope lay
Cable-laid rope shall have a lay factor which length.
is a minimum of 6 times the nominal cable- The peripheral length of a soft eye for a
21
laid rope diameter and a maximum of 7.5 7 crane hoist rope shall be at least six times the
times the nominal cable-laid rope diameter. rope lay length.
The length (h) of a soft eye from the ferrule to
BS EN 13411-1 (Thimble) Details 8 the bearing point of the eye shall be at least
fifteen (15) times the nominal rope diameter.
The width (h/2) of the eye with the rope
non-welded general purpose steel thimbles
1 9 under no load should be approximately half
produced from plate
of its length
The thimbles are intended to be used in slings
In all other cases the rope end shall protrude
made with six or eight strand steel wire ropes
2 10 by no more than one half of the rope
from 8 mm to 60 mm diameter complying
diameter.
with EN 12385-4.
In the case of ropes severed by a heat
Reeving thimbles and solid thimbles are not
3 process the ferrule shall be positioned such
covered by BS EN 13411
11 that after pressing the rope end shall
Inside width of thimble should be between
4 protrude from the ferrule by an amount no
2.5 to 3.5 x d
more than one rope diameter
Inside length of the thimble should be 1.5 to 2
5 Typically, after pressing the clearance
times of the width
between the base of the thimble and the
The inside included angle of thimble should
6 ferrule should be approximately of 1.5 times
be less than or equal to 50 degree
12 the nominal rope diameter for a thimble
The groove width of thimble shall be greater without a point, and 1 times the nominal
7
than or equal to 1.1 x d diameter for a thimble with a point unless
The groove depth shall be greater than or specified otherwise by a competent person.
8
equal 0.55 X d 13 The maximum rope grade is to be 1960.
Any permanent reduction measured in inside 14 Ordinary and Lang lay.
9 width shall not exceed 15% of its original
Tubing for ferrules for ropes of 14 mm
value. diameter and greater are not to exhibit a
The rope diameter shall be the same as the 15 twist in excess of 2.5 mm/m.
10 nominal size of the thimble. The rope grade Twists over the whole length of tubing are not
shall be 1770. to exceed 5 mm.
Identification marks
Marking stamp sizes
BS EN 13411-3 (Ferrule) Details Ferrule size Depth of
16 Letter size
number impression
ferrule-securing of eye terminations formed 8 up to 24 3 0.5
either by a Flemish eye or turn-back eye and 24 up to 60 5 1
1
covers ferrules made of non-alloy carbon
steel and aluminium.
BS EN 13411-3 standard applies to slings and
assemblies using steel wire ropes for general
lifting applications up to and including 60mm
2
diameter conforming to EN 12385-4, lift ropes
conforming to EN 12385-5 and spiral strand
ropes conforming to EN 12385-10
Marking
Each ferrule shall be marked with its size and
the ferrule manufacturer’s name or mark
3
except in the case of ferrules for use with
ropes smaller than 8mm diameter where the
marking can be on the package.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 70

REVIEW QUESTIONS 18. For multi-leg wire rope sling, the individual
leg length shall not differ from nominal
length of the sling by more than __________
1. What British European standard you are
following for wire rope sling?
19. The difference in length between the
individual legs of any multi-leg sling under no
2. What are the limitations of BS EN 13414 part
load shall not exceed _______________
1?
20. The difference in lengths of matched sets of
3. What are the limitations of BS EN 13414 part
ferrule-secured eye slings shall not exceed
2?
___________
4. What are the limitations of BS EN 13414 part
21. How the two-leg sling shall be constructed?
3?
22. How the three-leg sling shall be constructed?
5. What are the relevant standards related for
wire rope sling?
23. How the four-leg sling shall be constructed
6. What is the requirements for thimble of wire
24. What are the required markings of wire rope
rope sling?
sling? What are the three ways of putting
marking in wire rope sling?
7. What is the requirements of ferrule for wire
rope sling?
25. How many randomly distributed broken wires
should be in wire rope sling to be rejected?
8. The minimum length of plain rope between
How about concentrated broken wires?
the inside ends of ferrules terminating a sling
leg shall be _____ times the nominal rope
26. What is the allowable wear of wire rope
diameter
sling?
9. The minimum length of plain rope between
27. Discuss the requirements for wire rope
the tails of splices shall be at least ____ times
grommet, cable-laid grommet and cable-
the nominal rope diameter
laid slings. (Construction, Length, Rating and
Markings)
10. The peripheral length of a soft eye shall be at
least _______ lengths

11. For wire rope sling, the working load limit of

any master link shall be at least ________

12. The working load limit of any intermediate

link fitted to a three-leg or four-leg sling shall
be at least equal to ____ times the WLL of
one of the legs suspended from it

13. The working load limit of the lower terminal

fitting(s) shall be at least _____ to that of the
leg(s) to which is/they are fitted.

14. For single leg sling, measured length shall not

differ from the nominal length by __________
for ferrule secured sling and __________ for
splice sling? When it is intended to be used
as matched sets, what is the allowable
difference in length?

15. How do you measure the length of an

endless sling?

16. For endless sling, what is the allowable length

tolerance for ferrule secured sling and splice
sling?

17. For endless wire rope sling, the adjacent

ends of the ferrules shall not be less than
______ the length of the ferrule apart after
pressing.
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 71
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 72
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 73
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 74
 Some of the standards related to chain slings are:
 ASME B30.9
 BS EN 818 (Part 1 to Part 7)
→ Chain slings are the heaviest type of sling they  ISO 4778
remain very popular for general lifting applications.  ISO 3076
This is largely due to their robust nature as they are  ISO 7593
less liable to damage than slings of other materials.
Even so, correct selection for the duty and Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN 818
environment in which they are to be used and (Part 1 to Part 7)
stored is essential if they are to remain undamaged.
7.1 SCOPE
This section covers chain slings produced based on
BS EN 818 (Part 1 to Part 7)

BS EN 818-1

 Safety. General acceptance

 Electrically welded round steel short link
chain
 Medium tolerance & Fine tolerance

BS EN 818-2

 Short link chains

 Grade 8
 Medium tolerance
 Electrically welded round steel short link
chains
7.0 FOREWORD  Diameter: 4 mm to 45 mm
Steel chain is a very common product that is  Safety factor: 4 (MBF), 2.5 (MPF)
generally 5 to 6 times heavier than wire rope. Chain  WLL: 0.5 ton – 63 ton
also tends to have a longer working life than that of
wire rope as it is very robust and is less susceptible to BS EN 818-3
damage in use.
 Short link chains
Chain can be medium or fine tolerance.  Grade 4
 Medium tolerance
Medium tolerance chain, intended for sling  Electrically welded round steel short link
manufacture, needs to be more ductile to
chains
withstand shock loading. However, in use it is not
 Diameter: 7 mm to 45 mm
subject to wear and can therefore have a softer
 Safety factor: 4 (MBF), 2.0 (MPF)
skin. As it does not mate with other, moving, parts it  WLL: 0.75 ton - 31.5 ton
does not need to have such a precise pitch.
Medium Tolerance chain is used only for chain
BS EN 818-4
slings.
 Single, two-, three-, four-leg and endless
Fine tolerance chain may be recognized in two
chain sling
ways. The calibrating process has the effect of
 Grade 8
removing all of the residual scale from the heat
 Medium tolerance
treatment process and many of the finish treatments
 Electrically welded round steel short link
include corrosion resistant finishes. As a result, it has
chains
a bright finish and of course there is also the grade
 Diameter: 4 mm to 45 mm
mark.
 Safety factor: 4 (MBF), 2.5 (MPF)
Fine Tolerance chain is used only for lifting
 Assembled by
appliance applications (hoists)
a. Mechanical joining devices
b. Welding

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 75

 BS EN 818-6:2000+A1:2008
BS EN 818-5 Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. Chain
slings. Specification for information for use and
 Single, two-, three-, four-leg and endless maintenance to be provided by the manufacturer
chain sling
 Grade 4 BS EN 818-7:2002+A1:2008
 Medium tolerance Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. Fine
 Electrically welded round steel short link tolerance hoist chain, Grade T (Types T, DAT and DT)
chains
 Diameter: 7 mm to 45 mm
 Safety factor: 4 (MBF), 2.0 (MPF) 7.3 CONTENT (BS EN 818-1)
 Assembled by
a. Welding Chains covered by this European Standard are
divided into grades which relate to the mechanical
BS EN 818-6 properties of the finished product and not simply to
the strength of the material. Each grade is identified
 Information on use and maintenance for by a letter for fine tolerance chain or number for
chain sling medium tolerance chain in the series: M,4; P,5; S,6;
 Safety Requirements T,8; V,10. The letter or number indicates the mean
 Inspection stress at the minimum breaking force as shown in
 Thorough Examination below table.
 Repair

BS EN 818-7

 Hoist chain
 Grade T (Type T, DAT & DT)
 Type T (Quenched and tempered) – For
manual chain hoist
 Type DAT & DT (Case Hardened) – For
power-driven hoist
 Fine Tolerance
 Diameter: 4 mm to 22 mm
 Safety Factor
S.F. Type T Type DAT Type DT
MBF 4 5 8
MPF 2.5 3 5
 Temperature
Hoist chain type Temperature
T -40 ºC to 200 ºC
DAT -20 ºC to 200 ºC
DT -10 ºC to 200 ºC

7.2 STANDARD
BS EN 818-1:1996+A1:2008 This part of EN 818 specifies the general conditions
Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. General of acceptance to safety for electrically welded
conditions of acceptance round steel short link chain for lifting purposes. It
includes:
BS EN 818-2:1996+A1:2008
Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. Medium a. medium tolerance chain for use in chain
tolerance chain for chain slings. Grade 8 slings and for general lifting service and;
b. fine tolerance chain for use with hoists and
BS EN 818-3:1999+A1:2008 other similar lifting appliances.
Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. Medium
tolerance chain for chain slings. Grade 4

BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. Chain
slings - Grade 8

BS EN 818-5:1999+A1:2008
Short link chain for lifting purposes. Safety. Chain
slings - Grade 4
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 76
 Link and chain dimensions The maximum height of marks shall be 2 mm or 25%
of the nominal size of the chain, whichever is the
greater.

Stamps, if used, shall have a concave surface and

the indentation shall be such as to not impair the
mechanical properties of the chain link.

Manufacturer’s marking
The manufacturer’s trademark or symbol shall be
marked in the same manner and at the same
intervals as for grade marking.

Additional marking
Any lot or other marking shall be either:
a. in the same manner and at the same
intervals as for grade marking; or
b. legibly stamped or embossed on all end links
of chain(s) or on idle links or on substantial
metal tags, or on links permanently attached
to the end links.

7.4 CONTENT (BS EN 818-2)

This part of EN 818 specifies the requirements related

to safety for short link chains, grade 8, of medium
tolerance for use in chain slings according to EN
818-4 and for general lifting purposes. They are
Material, manufacture and heat treatment electrically welded round steel short link chains,
The material shall comply with the requirements of heat treated and tested and complying with the
the Part of EN 818 for the particular type and grade general conditions of acceptance.
of chain.
The range of nominal sizes of chain covered by this
Welding and trimming part of EN 818 is from 4 mm to 45 mm.
The weld shall be produced using the resistance
butt or flash butt processes and shall be positioned Dimension
in the centre of one leg of the link.

The weld shall be smoothly finished all round. The

diameter of the material at the weld (ds) shall
nowhere exceed the dimensions specified in the
Part of EN 818 for the particular type and grade of
chain.

Test (Total ultimate elongation) – A (elongation at

failure)

∆𝐿𝑡 𝐿𝑡 − 𝐿0
𝐴= 𝑥 100% = 𝑥 100%
𝐿𝑛 𝑛 𝑥 𝑝𝑛

Lt Length after test (nominal internal length)

L0 Initial length before test (internal length)
n Number of links
pn Nominal pitch

Marking

Grade marking The length dimensionally affected by welding (e)

The grade mark shall be the capital letter in the shall not extend by more than 0.6dn to either side of
case of fine tolerance chain, or number, in the case the link
of medium tolerance chain, designating the grade
of chain. It shall be legibly stamped or embossed on e ≤ 0.6dn
at least every twentieth link, or links at intervals of 1
m, whichever is the lesser distance.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 77

 The maximum diameter of the weld shall be
(dn + 0.1dn)

Working load limit and test requirements

Dimensions given in first table are full calculated

values rounded to 0.1 mm for values up to 100 mm.
Values equal to or greater than 100 mm are
rounded to 1 mm.

Working load limits and mechanical properties

1) Mean stress at the working load limit

(WLL) = 200 N/mm2;

2) Mean stress at the manufacturing proof

force (MPF) = 500 N/mm2;

3) Mean stress at the breaking force

Based on the above data, safety factor of a chain (BF min) = 800 N/mm2.
grade 8 is 4

Example calculation: Calculated values using formula:

𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡 a. Working load limit
20,100 𝑁
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = = 4.0978 = 4
500 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠2

On completion of the static tensile test the total

ultimate elongation as defined shall not be less than
20%.
b. Manufacturing proof force
The grade mark for the chain shall be “8”.

Dimension and tolerances

In first table, the tolerances on material diameters

c. Minimum breaking force
are based on:

a. ± 4% of the nominal size of chain for nominal

sizes less than 18 mm;

b. ± 5% of the nominal size of chain for nominal

sizes of 18 mm and over, values being d. Bend deflection
rounded to 0.1 mm.

The bases for calculation of dimensions in first table

columns 3 to 8 are as follows:

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 78

Weight of chain The length dimensionally affected by welding (e)
The approximate weight/meter of chain based on a shall not extend by more than 0.6dn to either side of
mass density of 7.85 g/cm2 is given in table below the link

e ≤ 0.6dn

Working load limit and test requirements

7.5 CONTENT (BS EN 818-3)

This part of EN 818 specifies the requirements related
to safety for short link chains, grade 4, of medium
tolerance for use in chain slings to EN 818-5 and for
general lifting purposes.
The standard is applicable to electrically welded
round steel short link chains, which are intended for
lifting objects, materials or goods.
The range of nominal sizes of chain covered by this
Part of EN 818 is from 7 mm to 45 mm.
Based on the above data, safety factor of a chain
Dimensions grade 4 is 4

Example calculation:
𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡

30,800 𝑁
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = = 4.186 = 4
750 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠2

On completion of the static tensile test the total

ultimate elongation as defined shall not be less than
25%.

The grade mark for the chain shall be “4”.

Dimension and tolerances

In first table, the tolerances on material diameters

are based on:

a. ± 4% of the nominal size of chain for nominal

sizes less than 18 mm;

b. ± 5% of the nominal size of chain for nominal

sizes of 18 mm and over, values being
rounded to 0.1 mm.

The bases for calculation of dimensions in first table

columns 3 to 8 are as follows:

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 79

 Weight of chain
The approximate weight/meter of chain based on a
mass density of 7.85 g/cm3 is given in table below

Dimensions given in first table are full calculated

values rounded to 0.1 mm for values up to 100 mm. 7.6 CONTENT (BS EN 818-4)
Values equal to or greater than 100 mm are This European Standard specifies the requirements
rounded to 1 mm. related to safety, methods of rating and testing of
single-, two-, three-, four-leg and endless chain slings
Working load limits and mechanical properties assembled by:

1) Mean stress at the working load limit a. Mechanical joining devices

(WLL) = 100 N/mm2; b. Welding

2) Mean stress at the manufacturing proof Using short link grade 8 medium tolerance lifting
force (MPF) = 200 N/mm2; chain conforming to EN 818-2 together with the
appropriate range of components of the same
3) Mean stress at the breaking force grade.
(BF min) = 400 N/mm2.
Safety Requirements
1. All links (Master link, intermediate master link,
Calculated values using formula: lower terminal links, joining links, etc.) shall
comply with EN 1677-4
a. Working load limit 2. Forged steel lifting hooks with latch shall
comply with EN 1677-2

Design and construction

Chain slings assembled with mechanical joining

b. Manufacturing proof force devices

1. The assembly of the chain sling shall be

undertaken in accordance with the chain
manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Slings shall be so designed and
c. Minimum breaking force manufactured that when assembled in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, the unintentional disconnection
of any component part cannot occur.
3. Pear-shaped links shall only be used if they
have an integral joining device.
d. Bend deflection 4. Assembled mechanical joining devices shall
have a working load limit not less than that
of the chain(s) to which they are connected
in a chain sling.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 80

 Endless chain sling

1. The manufacture of an endless chain sling

shall be either by the use of:
a. A mechanical joining device; or
b. A welded joining link of the same size
or one size larger than the nominal
size of chain

Tolerance on length
a. When constructing a chain sling the actual
length of each leg shall be the nominal
+2
length with a tolerance of 0 chain link
pitches.
b. When constructing a multi-leg chain sling,
the difference in length between the longest
and shortest legs which are nominally the
same length shall when measured under
equivalent tension comply with the value
given in table.

Chain slings assembled by welding

1. Pear-shaped links shall not be used as

terminals
2. Joining links and intermediate links shall have Working load rating
a working load limit not less than that of the
chain(s) to which they are connected in a Single-leg chain sling
chain sling Single-leg chain slings shall be rated at a working
3. The dimension of joining links and load limit in accordance with table.
intermediate links shall be such as to ensure
adequate articulation with parts of the chain Multi-leg chain sling
sling which they connect. Multi-leg chain slings shall be rated for symmetrically
distributed loads only and in accordance with table.

Each chain sling shall have a single working load

limit for the range of angles from 0 up to and
including 45º to the vertical or additionally a working
load limit for the range of angles from 45º up to
including 60º to the vertical.

Endless chain sling

Endless chain sling shall be rated for choke hitch
only in accordance with table

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 81

 Single-leg chain slings
The following information shall be marked:
a. The working load limit in tones, unit “t” to be
included
b. The individual identification mark (related to
manufacturer’s certificate)
c. The grade of chain sling. i.e., “8”
d. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or
symbol;
e. The number of legs i.e., 1.

Note: The nominal size may be marked if required as an

option.

Multi-leg chain slings rated - 0º to 45º

The following information shall be marked:
a. The working load limit and the range of
angles
i.e., 16t @ 0º to 45º
b. The individual identification mark (related to
manufacturer’s certificate)
c. The grade of chain sling. i.e., “8”
d. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or
symbol;
e. The number of legs i.e., 1.
Manufacturing proof force Note: In addition, the tag or label or a separate tag or
Each individual section of a chain sling (i.e. MPF1, label attached in a similar manner may be marked with
MPF2, MPF3 and MPF4 in figure) shall be subjected to the working load limit applicable for use at 45º to 60º to
a force at least equal to 2.5 times its working load the vertical
limit. Value is in KiloNewtons

Information for use

Single-leg chain sling

Marking
Each chain sling shall be marked in compliance with
below details. The information specified shall be
marked on a substantial metal tag or on a label
permanently attached to the master link or to a link
immediately adjacent to it.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 82

Two-leg chain sling Rating of chain sling (General)
The chain sling shall be rated at a working load limit
according to the particular angle of the legs to the
vertical at which the chain sling is to be used

From table:
Single-leg rating x (Leg factor given the angle)

Alternative method of rating and marking for

specific lifting application

Two-leg chain sling

For two-leg chain slings used at an angle β of any
leg to the vertical, the working load limit shall be
given by the formula:

WLL = 2 x WLL for a single-leg x cos β

Three-leg chain sling Three and Four-leg chain sling

For three and four-leg chain slings used at an angle
β of any leg to the vertical, the working load limit
shall be given by the formula:

WLL = 3 x WLL for a single-leg x cos β

Note: In the case of a four-leg chain sling, if proper

measures are taken to achieve the equal distribution of
the load between each leg, all four-legs can be
considered as supporting the load. The rating of a four-leg
chain sling may, in such circumstances, be based on the
formula:

WLL = 4 x WLL for a single-leg x cos β

Manufacturing proof force factors for the alternative

method of rating

Four-leg chain sling

Basis for calculation of values for the working load

limits

Note: For mechanical joining devices would replace

intermediate and joining links for mechanically
joined chain slings
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 83
Calculated values of working load limits (WLL) for 7.7 CONTENT (BS EN 818-5)
multi-leg chain slings
This European Standard specifies the requirements
The calculated values for the working load limits are related to safety, methods of rating and testing of
based on the equation for the single-leg chain sling single-, two-, three-, four-leg and endless chain slings
multiplied by the appropriate factor. The value have assembled by:
been rounded down to the nearest lower value of
the R40 series of preferred numbers in accordance a. Welding
with ISO 497.
Using short link grade 4 medium tolerance chain
Identification tags for chain slings conforming to EN 818-3 together with the
appropriate range of components of the same
For the purposes of identification of chain slings, grade in accordance with EN 1677-5 and EN 1677-6.
tags shall be affixed to the slings having the
information for marking legibly and permanently Information for use
embossed or stamped.
Suspension elements and lower terminals of chain Single-leg chain sling
slings shall not exhibit a marking of the working load
limit.
In the case of tags for chain slings the diameter of
the circumscribed circle of the tag shall be
approximately 70 mm and the examples are given:

Tags for single-leg chain slings

Tags for multi-leg chain sling

Two-leg chain sling

Examples:

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 84

Three-leg chain sling Endless chain sling
Endless chain sling shall be manufactured by the use
of a welded joining link of the same size or one size
larger than the normal size of the chain

Tolerance on length
When constructing a chain sling the actual length of
each leg shall be the nominal length with a
+2
tolerance of chain link pitches.
0

When constructing a multi-leg chain sling, the

difference in length between the longest and
shortest legs which are nominally the same length
shall when measured under equivalent tension, be
not greater than 6 mm for nominal leg lengths up to
Four-leg chain sling and including 2 m and not greater than 3mm/m for
nominal leg lengths over 2 m.

Working load rating

Single-leg chain sling

Single-leg chain slings shall be rated at a working
load limit in accordance with table.

Multi-leg chain sling

Multi-leg chain slings shall be rated for symmetrically
distributed loads only and in accordance with table.

Each chain sling shall have a single working load

limit for the range of angles from 0 up to and
including 45º to the vertical or additionally a working
load limit for the range of angles from 45º up to
including 60º to the vertical.

Endless chain sling

Safety Requirements Endless chain sling shall be rated for choke hitch
only in accordance with table.
1. Chain shall conform to EN 818-3
2. Master links and intermediate links shall
conform to EN 1677-6
3. Joining links, intermediate links and lower
terminal links shall conform to EN 1677-6
except for those clauses related to link
dimensions
4. Forged steel lifting hooks with latch shall
conform to EN 1677-5

Design and construction

1. Pear shaped links shall not be used as

terminals
2. Joining links and intermediate links shall have
a working load limit not less than that of the
chains to which they are connected in a
chain sling.
3. The dimension of joining links and
intermediate links shall be such as to ensure
adequate articulation with parts of the chain
sling which they connect.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 85

Manufacturing proof force h. The grade of chain sling. i.e. “4”
Sections of welded chain slings shall be subjected to i. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or
manufacturing proof forces in kilonewtons, at least symbol;
equivalent to loads calculated by multiplying the j. The number of legs i.e. 2.
working load limit of the relevant chain size by the
factors given in below table Rating of chain sling (General)
The chain sling shall be rated at a working load limit
according to the particular angle of the legs to the
vertical at which the chain sling is to be used

From table:
Single-leg rating x (Leg factor given the angle)

Alternative method of rating and marking for

specific lifting application

Two-leg chain sling

For two-leg chain slings used at an angle β of any
leg to the vertical, the working load limit shall be
given by the formula:

WLL = 2 x WLL for a single-leg x cos β

Three and Four-leg chain sling

For three and four-leg chain slings used at an angle
β of any leg to the vertical, the working load limit
shall be given by the formula:
Sections of chain slings to which manufacturing
proof force is applied WLL = 3 x WLL for a single-leg x cos β

Note: In the case of a four-leg chain sling, if proper

measures are taken to achieve the equal distribution of
After completion of the manufacturing proof force
the load between each leg, all four-legs can be
test, and the removal of the force, the chain sling considered as supporting the load. The rating of a four-leg
shall be examined. Any faulty chain or component chain sling may, in such circumstances, be based on the
shall be replaced, and the chain sling re-tested and formula:
re-examined.
WLL = 4 x WLL for a single-leg x cos β
Marking
Each chain sling shall be marked in compliance with Manufacturing proof force factors for the alternative
below details. The information specified shall be method of rating
marked on a substantial metal tag or on a label
permanently attached to the master link or to a link
immediately adjacent to it.

Single-leg chain slings

The following information shall be marked:
f. The working load limit in tones, unit “t” or
“kgs” to be included
g. The individual identification mark (related to Basis for calculation of values for the working load
manufacturer’s certificate) limits
h. The grade of chain sling. i.e. “4”
i. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or
symbol;
j. The number of legs i.e. 1.

Note: The nominal size may be marked if required as an

Calculated values of working load limits (WLL) for
option.
multi-leg chain slings
Multi-leg chain slings rated - 0º to 45º to the vertical
The calculated values for the working load limits are
The following information shall be marked:
based on the equation for the single-leg chain sling
f. The working load limit and the range of
multiplied by the appropriate factor. The value have
angles i.e. 16t @ 0º to 45º
been rounded down to the nearest lower value of
g. The individual identification mark (related to
the R40 series of preferred numbers in accordance
manufacturer’s certificate)
with ISO 497.
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 86
 Identification tags for chain slings a. the need to ensure the availability of the
manufacturer’s certificate;
For the purposes of identification of chain slings, b. the need to enter full details of the chain
tags shall be affixed to the slings having the sling in a record of lifting equipment;
information for marking legibly and permanently c. availability of instructions for use of the chain
embossed or stamped. sling and information about adequate
training of staff.
Suspension elements and lower terminals of chain
slings shall not exhibit a marking of the working load Instructions regarding correct use of the chain sling
limit. Instructions regarding the following shall be
provided:
In the case of tags for chain slings the diameter of a. determination of the mass of the load, its
the circumscribed circle of the tag shall be centre of gravity, attachment points and the
approximately 70 mm and the examples are given: method of attachment;
b. checking of the conformity of the method of
Tags for single-leg chain slings lifting and mass of the load to the working
load limit specified by the manufacturer for
the working configuration;
c. attachment of chain sling to hook of lifting
machine;
d. attachment of chain sling to load: direct
attachment, choke hitch, basket hitch,
special components;
e. protection of chain sling and load;
f. controlling rotation of load;
g. ensuring even balance of the load;
Tags for multi-leg chain slings h. correct use of shortening devices;
i. avoidance of shock loading;
j. ensuring safety of personnel;
k. correct fitting of load bearing pins in
components according to the series of EN
1677, if appropriate;
l. correct use of clamping forces;
m. use of less than the full number of legs;
n. preparation of landing site;
o. detachment of chain sling from load;
p. correct storage of chain sling.
7.8 CONTENT (BS EN 818-6)
This part of EN 818 specifies the information on use
and maintenance to be provided by the Periodic thorough examination and maintenance
manufacturer with chain slings conforming to EN Information shall be given regarding the following:
818-4 and EN 818-5. a. withdrawal criteria;
b. repairs, renewals, re-testing, certification;
Safety Requirements c. records of examination and maintenance.

Restrictions on altering the finished condition on the

chain sling
Any restrictions on alteration of the following shall be
given:
a) heat treatment;
b) galvanizing;
c) plating;
d) coating.
Inspection
During service, chain slings are subjected to
Limitations on the use of the chain sling due to
conditions which affect their safety. It is necessary
adverse environmental conditions or hazardous
therefore to ensure, as far as is reasonably
conditions
practicable, that the chain sling should be safe for
Any limitations on the use of the chain sling due to
continued use. If the tag or label identifying the
the
chain sling and its working load limit becomes
following shall be given:
detached and the necessary information is not
a) adverse environments;
marked on the master link itself, or by some other
b) hazardous conditions.
means, the chain slings should be withdrawn from
service. The chain sling should be withdrawn from
Actions to be taken before putting the chain
service and referred to a competent person for
sling into first use
Instructions shall be given regarding the following
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 87
thorough examination if any of the following are Any cleaning method which does not damage the
observed: parent metal is acceptable. Methods to avoid are
those using acids, overheating, removal of metal or
a. the chain sling markings are illegible, i.e. movement of metal which may cover cracks or
information on the chain sling identification surface defects.
and/or the working load limit;
Adequate lighting should be provided and the
b. distortion of the upper or lower terminals; chain sling should be examined throughout its
length to detect any evidence of wear, distortion or
c. chain stretch; external damage.
If the chain links are elongated or if there is
any lack of free articulation between the Repair
links or noticeable difference in the leg Any replacement component or part of the chain
length of multi-leg chain slings, the chain sling should be in accordance with the appropriate
may have been stretched. European Standard for that component or part.

d. wear; With Grade 8 or Grade 4 chain slings, if any chain

Wear by contact with other objects usually occurs link within the leg of a chain sling is required to be
on the outside of the straight portions of the links replaced then the whole of the chain within that leg
where it is easily seen and measured. Wear should be renewed.
between adjoining links is hidden. The chain should
be slack and adjoining links rotated to expose the The repair of chain in a welded chain sling should
inner end of each link. Inter-link wear, as measured only be carried out by the manufacturer using a
by taking the diameter indicated (d1) and one at resistance butt or flash butt welding process.
right angles, (d2) may be tolerated until the mean
of these diameters has been reduced to 90 % of the Components that are cracked, visibly distorted or
nominal diameter (dn) twisted, severely corroded or have deposits which
cannot be removed should be discarded and
𝑑1 + 𝑑2 replaced.
≥ 0.9 𝑑𝑛
2
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.

In the case of chain slings on which repair work has

involved welding, each repaired chain sling should
be proof-tested following heat treatment using a
e. cuts, nicks, gouges, cracks, excessive force equivalent to twice the working load limit and
corrosion, heat discoloration, bent or thoroughly examined before it is returned to use.
distorted links or any other defects; However, where repair is carried out by inserting a
mechanically assembled component, proof-testing
f. signs of opening out of hooks, i.e., any is not required providing that the component has
noticeable increase in the throat openings already been tested by the manufacturer in
or any other form of distortion in the lower accordance with the relevant European Standard.
terminal. The increase in throat opening
should not exceed 10 % of the nominal value
7.9 CONTENT (BS EN 818-7)
or be such as to allow the safety hatch, if
fitted, to become disengaged.
This European Standard specifies the requirements
Thorough examination related to safety for hoist chain, Grade T (type T
A thorough examination should be carried out by a quenched and tempered and types DAT and DT
competent person at intervals not exceeding case hardened), for use in serial chain hoists manual
twelve months. This interval should be less were and power driven.
deemed necessary in the light of service conditions.
Type DAT and type DT hoist chains possess surface
Records of such examinations should be hardnesses greater than core hardness and are
maintained. used for power driven chain hoists to offer greater
resistance to wear.
Chains slings should be thoroughly cleaned so as to
be free from oil, dirt and rust prior to examination.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 88

Type DT hoist chain differs from DAT hoist chain in Weld diameter
having higher surface hardness and/or greater case The maximum diameter at the weld for the selected
depth to optimise wear resistance. nominal sizes shall be as in Table above and shall be
calculated in accordance with annex A. The
The standard is applicable to electrically welded maximum diameter at the weld shall not be in
round steel short link hoist chains conforming to EN excess of 8 % above the nominal size in any
818-1. direction. The thickness of the steel at the weld shall
nowhere be less than the actual diameter of the
The range of nominal size of hoist chains covered by steel adjacent to the weld.
this European Standard is from 4 mm to 22 mm.
Length dimensionally affected by welding
Safety Requirements The length dimensionally affected by welding e shall
not extend by more than 0.6 dn to either side of the
Dimensions centre of the link

The nominal link pitch pn is based upon 3 dn (where

dn is the nominal size of the hoist chains) this
may be varied but shall not exceed the limits 2.6 dn
to 3.2 dn. The nominal link pitch pn shall be subject
to the tolerances specified in Annex A.

The nominal size shall not be below 4 mm or above

22 mm.

Tolerances on material diameter

The tolerances on material diameter for the
selected nominal sizes shall be as listed in Table
below. These and all other nominal size material
diameter tolerances shall be calculated in
accordance with A.1.

Pitch and widths

The dimensions and tolerances of the 3 dn pitch
and the width for the selected nominal sizes shall be
as listed in table below. The dimensions and
tolerances of the pitch and width shall be
calculated in accordance with A.1.
These dimensions and tolerances and all other
nominal size and pitch ranges and tolerances of
multiple pitch lengths, shall be calculated in
accordance with A.1.
The tolerances of multiple pitch lengths shall be Materials and heat treatment
calculated in accordance with A.1.
Quality of material
Within the limitations given, the hoist chain
manufacturer shall select the type of steel to be
used so that the finished hoist chain, when heat-
treated, meets the mechanical properties specified
in this European Standard.

Type of steel
The steel used shall be produced by an electric
process or by an oxygen blown process.

Deoxidation
The steel shall be fully killed, as defined in EN 10025
and shall be stabilized against strain age
embrittlement and shall have an austenitic grain size
of 5 or finer when tested in accordance with ISO
643.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 89

Chemical composition Based on the above data, safety factor of a chain is
4 for type T, 5 for type DAT and 8 for type DT
Example calculation:
𝑀𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =
𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑚𝑖𝑡

20,100 𝑁
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 (𝑇) = = 4.0978 = 4
500 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑚/𝑠2

20,100 𝑁
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 (𝐷𝐴𝑇) = 𝑚 = 5.122 = 5
400 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑠2

20,100 𝑁
𝑆𝑎𝑓𝑒𝑡𝑦 𝑓𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 (𝐷𝑇) = 𝑚 = 8.195 = 8
250 𝑘𝑔 𝑥 9.81 𝑠2
Working load limits
The working load limits for the selected nominal sizes
MPF (Type T) = 2.5
of hoist chains shall be as given in Table below.
MPF (Type DAT) = 3
MPF (Type DT) = 5
For nominal sizes not included in Table 5 the working
load limits shall be calculated in accordance
with annex A. Breaking force and total ultimate elongation
Samples of hoist chain in the finished condition shall
have a breaking force at least equal to that
calculated on the basis given in annex A and on
completion of the tensile test the minimum total
ultimate elongation shall be in accordance with the
values given in table below.

Additional stresses imposed on the hoist chain by

the operation of power-driven hoists shall be taken
into account in selecting the nominal size for a
Bend deflection
particular application. In the case of hoist chain for
Single link samples of type T shall withstand the
power driven hoists, annex B shall be used for the
minimum deflection specified in table and shall be
calculation.
free from visible defects.
Mechanical properties
Sample links of types DAT and DT shall withstand a
All hoist chains shall be subjected to the
force F0 equivalent to 2.5 times the working load limit
manufacturing proof force calculated on the basis
of the hoist chain without fracture. Surface cracks or
given in annex A. For the selected nominal sizes
visible defects shall not be considered to constitute
values are given in table below.
fracture.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 90

Surface hardness test Annex A
Three single links of chains shall be subjected to Calculation of dimensions, working load limits and
surface hardness testing carried out in accordance mechanical properties
with ISO 6507-1 with measurements taken at three
points as shown. Special jigging shall be used to Tolerances of material diameters are based on:
ensure that the curvature of the link surface does  ± 4 % of the nominal size of chain for nominal
not affect the validity of the measurements taken sizes less than 18 mm
 ± 5 % of the nominal size of chain for nominal
sizes of 18 mm and over, values being
rounded to 0.1 mm.

The bases for calculation of the dimensions are as

follows:
Maximum diameter at
ds 1.08 dn
weld
Nominal pitch 2.6 dn < pn < 3.2
pn
dn
Minimum internal width
Marking W3 1.2 dn
over the weld
Marking shall be as specified in EN 818-1.
Maximum external width
The grade mark for hoist chain shall be T, DAT or DT W2 3.4 dn
over the weld
according to type.
The permissible tolerance for a pitch pn or multiple
pitch as a percentage are based on the following
Manufacturer’s certificate
tolerance formula:
The manufacturer's certificate shall be as specified
1.65
in EN 818-1. ( + 0.3) %
𝑛

Information for use and assembly of the hoist chain Where n is the number of chain links n=11 is the
into the hoist standard gauge length and n = 1 for a single link

Dimensions given in table above are full calculated

values rounded to 0.1 mm for values up to 100 mm.

Values equal to or greater than 100 mm are

rounded to 1 mm.

The dimensions and tolerances for nominal sizes

other than those given in table above (selected
dimensions) shall be calculated using the above
Hoist chain types T, DAT and DT can be used up to relations.
temperatures of + 200 °C. If the hoist chain reaches
a temperature above 200 °C, it shall be withdrawn Working load limits and mechanical properties
from service. The stresses used in the calculation of working load
limits and mechanical properties in the formulae
Hoist chain shall not be used either immersed in acid
solutions or exposed to acid fumes. Attention is a. mean stress at the working load limit (WLL) =
drawn to the fact that certain production processes 100 N/mm2/ 160 N/mm2/ 200 N/mm2/
involve acid solutions and fumes and in these
circumstances the manufacturer's advice should be b. mean stress at the manufacturing proof
sought. force (MPF) = 500 N/mm2/

For the same reasons hoist chain shall not be c. mean stress at the breaking force (BFmin) =
galvanized or subjected to any plating processes 800 N/mm2/
without
the approval of the manufacturer. Calculated values of working load limits (WLL)
The values of working load limit are based on the full
Inspection calculated WLL values determined using the
The procedures to be followed by the operator for following formula:
the inspection of hoist chain at intervals in service
1
shall be provided along with instructions covering 2𝑥 𝑥 П 𝑥 (𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠) 𝑥 𝑑𝑛2
4
discard criteria and records. 𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
𝑔 𝑥 1000

for mean stress of 200 N/mm2, WLL = 0.0320353 dn2 in t

for mean stress of 160 N/mm2, WLL = 0.0256283 dn2 in t
for mean stress of 100 N/mm2, WLL = 0.0160177 dn2 in t
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 91
The values given in working load limit table, are from Annex D
the R40 series of preferred numbers and represent Approximate mass of Grade T hoist chain
the nearest lower R40 value relative to the full
calculated value of WLL.

Calculated values of manufacturing proof force

(MPF)
The values of manufacturing proof force are based
on the full calculated MPF values determined using
the following formula:

1
2 𝑥 4 𝑥 П 𝑥 500 𝑥 𝑑𝑛2
𝑀𝑃𝐹 =
1000

MPF = 0.7853982 dn2

Calculated values of minimum breaking force

(BFmin)
The values of minimum breaking force are based on
the full calculated BFmin values determined using the
following formula:

1
2𝑥 𝑥 П 𝑥 800 𝑥 𝑑𝑛2
4
𝐵𝐹 𝑚𝑖𝑛 = Annex E
1000
Chain Use
BFmin = 1.2566371 dn2

Guidance on the applications for which the

different types of Grade T hoist chain shall be used is
Annex B as follows:
Selection criteria for fine tolerance chain for power
driven hoists. Types T, DAT and DT Type T manually operated hoists, or power operated
hoists with slow speeds, where the working
The selection of nominal hoist chain size shall be environment does not involve abrasive conditions.
determined by the geometry and dynamics of the
drive system, the working capacity of the hoist, the Type DAT power driven hoists where chain speeds
chain type, and several coefficients, some of which are high in combination with high working capacity
are calculated and some experimentally and where wear resistance is required to give longer
determined which are specific to the hoist in chain life.
question.
Type DT power driven hoists used in abrasive
The following requirements are determined by the conditions.
interaction between the hoist chain and the chain
drive system of the hoist as well as by the loading NOTE Case hardened chains are not suitable for
and type of the hoist chain. operation in portable manually-operated hoists.

The minimum nominal size of the hoist chain to be

selected is a function of the factors

The nominal size of chain selected depends on the

following influencing variables:
– operating conditions;
– type of chain;
– number of pockets in the driven chain wheel;
– chain speed;
– estimated nominal size dn';
– impact factor;
– factor for cyclic stress amplitude according to the
type of chain;
– polygonal geometry of the driven pocket wheels.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 92

 Chain sling Technical Criteria Based on BS EN 818

Basis of Grade symbols

Formula on WLL, MBF, MPF and allowable

14 bend given only the nominal diameter of
chain is given on the table above.
1 15 mass density of 7.85 g/cm3 – Chain, Grade 8
Ratio of nominal pitch to nominal size of chain
16
is 3:1

EN 818-3 is chain for EN 818-5 – Grade 4, short

17
link chain with diameter of 7 mm up to 45 mm
Dimensions (with tolerance) for chain –
The grade mark shall be the capital letter in nominal size diameter, weld diameter,
the case of fine tolerance chain, or number, in 18
allowable pitch, internal and external width is
the case of medium tolerance chain, given on the table.
designating the grade of chain. It shall be The length dimensionally affected by welding
2
legibly stamped or embossed on at least every (e) shall not extend by more than 0.6dn to
twentieth link, or links at intervals of 1 m, 19
either side of the link
whichever is the lesser distance. e ≤ 0.6dn
For chain, grade 4
The maximum height of marks shall be 2 mm or 20 Safety Factor = 4 (For MBF)
25% of the nominal size of the chain, Safety Factor = 2 (For MPF)
whichever is the greater. Working load limit, manufacturing proof force,
3 21 breaking force and allowable bend deflection
Stamps, if used, shall have a concave surface as test requirements is given on the table.
and the indentation shall be such as to not On completion of the static tensile test the
impair the mechanical properties of the chain 22 total ultimate elongation as defined shall not
link. be less than 25%.
The manufacturer’s trademark or symbol shall 23 The grade mark for the chain shall be “4”.
4 be marked in the same manner and at the
the tolerances on material diameters are
same intervals as for grade marking. based on:
EN 818-2 is chain for EN 818-4 – Grade 8, short a. ± 4% of the nominal size of chain for
5
link chain with diameter of 4 mm up to 45 mm 24 nominal sizes less than 18 mm;
Dimensions (with tolerance) for chain – b. ± 5% of the nominal size of chain for
nominal size diameter, weld diameter, nominal sizes of 18 mm and over,
6
allowable pitch, internal and external width is values being rounded to 0.1 mm.
given on the table. Basis for calculation of dimensions
The length dimensionally affected by welding
(e) shall not extend by more than 0.6dn to
25
either side of the link
7
e ≤ 0.6dn

The weld diameter should be (dn + 0.1dn) Formula on WLL, MBF, MPF and allowable
For chain, grade 8 26 bend given only the nominal diameter of
8 Safety Factor = 4 (For MBF) chain is given on the table above.
Safety Factor = 2.5 (For MPF) 27 mass density of 7.85 g/cm3 – Chain, Grade 4
Working load limit, manufacturing proof force, Ratio of nominal pitch to nominal size of chain
28
9 breaking force and allowable bend deflection is 3:1
as test requirements is given on the table.
On completion of the static tensile test the 1, 2, 3 and 4 leg chain sling & endless chain
29
10 total ultimate elongation as defined shall not sling – Grade 8 – 4 mm up to 45 mm
be less than 20%. Two types of chain sling (acc. to assembly)
11 The grade mark for the chain shall be “8”. 30 1. Mechanically joined chain sling
the tolerances on material diameters are 2. Welded Chain sling
based on: Assembled mechanical joining devices shall
a. ± 4% of the nominal size of chain for have a working load limit not less than that of
31
12 nominal sizes less than 18 mm; the chain(s) to which they are connected in a
b. ± 5% of the nominal size of chain for chain sling.
nominal sizes of 18 mm and over, Joining links and intermediate links shall have a
values being rounded to 0.1 mm. working load limit not less than that of the
32
13 Basis for calculation of dimensions chain(s) to which they are connected in a
chain sling

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 93

 When constructing a chain sling the actual a. The working load limit and the range of
33 length of each leg shall be the nominal length angles i.e. 16t @ 0º to 45º
with a tolerance of (+2)/0 chain link pitches. a. The individual identification mark
When constructing a multi-leg chain sling, the (related to manufacturer’s certificate)
difference in length between the longest and b. The grade of chain sling. i.e. “8”
shortest legs which are nominally the same c. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or
length shall when measured under equivalent symbol;
tension comply with the value given in table. d. The number of legs i.e. 1.

Multiple leg chain sling Note: In addition, the tag or label or a separate tag
Difference in length between or label attached in a similar manner may be
marked with the working load limit applicable for
the longest and shortest legs
use at 45º to 60º to the vertical
34 Type of Nominal
Nominal
chain sling length up to
length over 2 In the case of tags for chain slings the
and including
m. 38 diameter of the circumscribed circle of the tag
2 m.
shall be approximately 70 mm
Joined by
Suspension elements and lower terminals of
mechanical 10 mm (max) 5mm/m
39 chain slings shall not exhibit a marking of the
devices
working load limit.
Assembled
6 mm (max) 3mm/m
by welding
1, 2, 3 and 4 leg chain sling & endless chain
40
sling – Grade 4 – 7 mm up to 45 mm
Single-leg, multi-leg and endless chain sling 41 Welded assembly only
should be rated based on the table. Pear shaped links shall not be used as terminals
35 42
for Grade 4 chain sling
Note: Endless chain sling shall be rated for When constructing a chain sling the actual
choke hitch only 43 length of each leg shall be the nominal length
Safety factor for Grade 8 chain sling is same as with a tolerance of (+2)/0 chain link pitches.
chain stated on 818-2. When constructing a multi-leg chain sling, the
Safety Factor = 4 (MBF) – Chain & Chain sling difference in length between the longest and
shortest legs which are nominally the same
Safety Factor (MPF) for chain sling is based on length shall when measured under equivalent
the table: 44
tension, be not greater than 6 mm for nominal
leg lengths up to and including 2 m and not
36 greater than 3mm/m for nominal leg lengths
over 2 m.
Endless chain sling shall be rated for choke
45
hitch only
Marking:
Single-leg chain slings
Application of MPF is based on the figure The following information shall be marked:
above k. The working load limit in tones, unit “t”
or “kgs” to be included
Marking: l. The individual identification mark
The information specified shall be marked on a (related to manufacturer’s certificate)
substantial metal tag or on a label m. The grade of chain sling. i.e. “4”
permanently attached to the master link or to n. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or
a link immediately adjacent to it. symbol;
o. The number of legs i.e. 1.
Single-leg chain slings Note: The nominal size may be marked if required
The following information shall be marked: as an option.
a. The working load limit in tones, unit “t” 46
to be included Multi-leg chain slings rated - 0º to 45º to the
b. The individual identification mark vertical
37
(related to manufacturer’s certificate) The following information shall be marked:
c. The grade of chain sling. i.e. “8” k. The working load limit and the range of
d. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or angles
symbol; i.e. 16t @ 0º to 45º
e. The number of legs i.e. 1. l. The individual identification mark
(related to manufacturer’s certificate)
Note: The nominal size may be marked if m. The grade of chain sling. i.e. “4”
required as an option. n. The chain sling manufacturer’s name or
symbol;
Multi-leg chain slings rated - 0º to 45º o. The number of legs i.e. 2.
The following information shall be marked:
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 94
 In the case of tags for chain slings the Where n is the number of chain links n=11 is the
47 diameter of the circumscribed circle of the tag standard gauge length and n-1 for a single
shall be approximately 70 mm link.
For fine tolerance chain, the maximum
Variation in working load limit due to 56 diameter at the weld shall not be in excess of
temperature 8% above the nominal size in any direction.
The length dimensionally affected by welding
48 57 e shall not extend by more than 0.6 dn to
either side of the centre of the link
Safety Factor
S.F. Type T Type DAT Type DT
58
MBF 4 5 8
Interlink wear – maximum 90% of the nominal
MPF 2.5 3 5
diameter (means allowable wear is 10%)

𝑑1 + 𝑑2 Temperature
≥ 0.9 𝑑𝑛 Hoist chain
2 Temperature
59 type
T -40 ºC to 200 ºC
49 DAT -20 ºC to 200 ºC
DT -10 ºC to 200 ºC

Elongation and Hoist chain type

Deflection T DAT DT
60 Total ultimate
10 10 5
elongation, %
Deflection, mm 0.8 dn - -
The increase in throat opening should not
exceed 10 % of the nominal value or be such
50 The bases for calculation of the dimensions are
as to allow the safety hatch, if fitted, to
as follows:
become disengaged.
Maximum diameter
The repair of chain in a welded chain sling ds 1.08 dn
at weld
should only be carried out by the
51 2.6 dn < pn <
manufacturer using a resistance butt or flash Nominal pitch pn
butt welding process. 61 3.2 dn
Minimum internal
W3 1.2 dn
width over the weld
52 Grade T (Type T, DAT and DT)
Maximum external
Type T manually operated hoists, or power W2 3.4 dn
width over the weld
operated hoists with slow speeds, where the
working environment
does not involve abrasive conditions. Calculated values of working load limit
1
2 𝑥 4 𝑥 П 𝑥 (𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠) 𝑥 𝑑𝑛2
Type DAT power driven hoists where chain 𝑊𝐿𝐿 =
53 𝑔 𝑥 1000
speeds are high in combination with high 62
working capacity and where wear resistance for mean stress of 200 N/mm2, WLL = 0.0320353 dn2 in t
is required to give longer chain life. for mean stress of 160 N/mm2, WLL = 0.0256283 dn2 in t
for mean stress of 100 N/mm2, WLL = 0.0160177 dn2 in t
Type DT power driven hoists used in abrasive
conditions.
The nominal link pitch pn is based upon 3 dn
(where dn is the nominal size of the hoist
54
chains) this may be varied but shall not
exceed the limits 2.6 dn to 3.2 dn.
Tolerances should be on the 818-7 table
(Diameter & Pitch)
For material diameter:
 ± 4 % of the nominal size of chain for
nominal sizes less than 18 mm
55  ± 5 % of the nominal size of chain for
nominal sizes of 18 mm and over,
values being rounded to 0.1 mm.
For pitch:
1.65
( + 0.3) %
𝑛

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 95

REVIEW QUESTIONS 20. In the case of tags for chain slings the
diameter of the circumscribed circle of the
tag shall be approximately ____________
1. What British European standard you are
following for chain sling?
21. What is the allowable wear for a chain sling?
2. What are the limitations of BS EN 818 part 1
to part 7?
22. Based on BS EN 818-7, the range of nominal
sizes for hoist chain is from ______ to ______
3. What is the difference between fine
tolerance and medium tolerance chain?
23. The nominal link pitch pn is based upon
_______ (where dn is the nominal size of the
4. Grade mark of the chain shall be legible
hoist chains) this may be varied but shall not
stamped or embossed in at least every
exceed the limits ___________
__________?
24. What is the difference for weld diameter of
5. The maximum height of marks of chain shall
chain sling and chain hoist?
be __________?
25. What are the safety factor for Type T, DAT
6. The manufacturers trademark or symbol shall
and DT?
be stamped in every _______?

7. What is the safety factor for Grade 8 chain?

26. What are the allowable elongation for chain
How about Grade 4 chain?
hoist?
8. The length dimensionally affected by
27. Size for size, what is the strength of a grade 8
welding shall not extend by more
chain compared to a grade 4 chain?
than_________?
28. When testing a grade 8 welded chain sling,
9. The tolerances on material diameters are
the proof load of each leg is:_______
based on what?
29. When testing the master link of a 2 leg grade
10. The tolerances on pitch are based on what? 8 welded chain sling, the proof load is
_________
11. If diameter of the chain is 9 mm, what should
be the pitch size?

12. Ratio of nominal pitch to nominal size of

chain is ___________

13. Chain sling based on BS EN 818, Grade 8 can

be assembled through ________? How about
Grade 4?

14. When constructing a chain sling the actual

length of each leg shall be the nominal
length with a tolerance of __________

15. When constructing a multi-leg chain sling,

the difference in length between the longest
and shortest legs which are nominally the
same length shall when measured under
equivalent tension comply with ____________

16. How the endless chain sling should be rated?

On what type of hitch?

17. What are the allowed markings for single-leg

chain sling and multi-leg chain sling?

18. Why terminal fittings of chain sling have no

working load limits?

19. How many grades are there for chain based

on BS EN 818-7?

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 96

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 97
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 98
 Through the advances in material and
manufacturing technologies has enabled
much, smaller, lighter and more efficient chain hoists
→ A Chain Block (also known as a hand chain hoist) to be produced.
is a mechanism used to lift and lower heavy loads
using a chain. Chain blocks contain two wheels Chain hoists utilize a pocketed wheel into which the
which the chain is wound around. When the chain is load chain must fit, but freely enter and leave. The
pulled, it winds around the wheels and begins to lift drive to the pocketed wheel is via a hand chain
the item that is attached to the rope or chain via a and screw brake mechanism.
hook.
Basic Parts of a Chain Hoist

Use of Chain Hoists

The instructions from most manufacturers of chain

hoists state that they are intended for vertical use
only although some also allow for use at an angle.

It is recognized that there are many applications

where they are used at an angle to the vertical.

If there is the need to lift at an angle using a chain

hoist and this contrasts with the manufacturers
8.0 FOREWORD
instructions, then the user must carry out a risk
Manual chain hoists are very popular and are found
assessment and provide adequate instructions for
in wide use throughout the world. This is due to the
the application.
fact that they can be used very effectively in the
following applications where:
The load chain should not be used to form a sling
around a load and back hooked as this would
• A permanent installation for infrequent use is
remove the swivel action of the bottom hook,
required
possibly leading to the chain links becoming twisted
• A temporary installation for erection or
and the links at the point of choke which can bend,
maintenance purposes is required
distort and, at worst, crack the weld.
• Precise location of the load is required
• A suitable power supply is not available
Some of the standards related to chain hoists are:
 ASME B30.16
Chains shall be in accordance with BS EN 818-7, for
 BS EN 13157
fine tolerance short link chains (grade T)
 ASME HST-2-2018

Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN

13157 (Chain Hoist)

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 99

8.1 SCOPE
This section covers chain hoist produced based on The brake shall not contain asbestos.
BS EN 13157

 Hand powered lifting equipment

 Temperature: -10ºC to 50 ºC
 Chain – Grade T (Type T) Fine Tolerance
 Coefficient of utilization is at least 4:1

8.2 STANDARD
BS EN 13157:2004+A1:2009
Cranes. Safety. Hand powered cranes

8.3 CONTENT

Note: asbestos brake linings wear down through friction,

releasing asbestos dust just as sanding wood creates
sawdust. Much of this asbestos dust is trapped in the
brake housing. When the brake housing is opened, that
dust is released into the air where workers can inhale or
ingest it

The fracture of a spring shall not lead to a failure of

safety elements except the springs used for load
hook safety latches. This can be fulfilled by
incorporation of a single guided pressure spring or
Example of a Hand chain block by using several springs. Guided pressure springs
shall have a distance between the coils of less than
or equal to the wire diameter. When using several
Safety Requirements springs, in the case of the failure of one spring, the
The lifting equipment shall be designed according remaining springs shall ensure that the retention is
to the principles of EN ISO 12100 for hazards relevant maintained.
but not significant which are not dealt with by this
European Standard. Hand chains shall be secured against unintentional
disconnection from the hand chain wheel.
The mechanical strength shall be check by an
appropriate calculation method. Hand chain blocks Operating effort
shall have a coefficient of utilization (safety To lift the rated capacity the operating effort of
coefficient) of at least 4:1. each operator shall not exceed 55 daN (550
Newton) (dekanewton) on the hand chain.
Hand chain blocks shall be designed to withstand
1500 cycles with 110% of the rated capacity with no To avoid overloading, the operating effort of each
failure or replacement of parts, no resting time, operator to lift the rated capacity shall be between
except for lubrication, a lifting path of the load the following values:
chain of at least 300 mm per cycle in order to get at
least a complete revolution of the load chain Rated capacity Hand chain effort
wheel. ≤ 1000 kgs 20 daN – 55 daN
More than 1000 kgs up
40 daN – 55 daN
Hand chain blocks shall have an automatic braking to 5000 kgs
function during the lifting and lowering operation. More than 5000 kgs 45 daN – 55 daN

The braking function shall be automatic when the If the operating effort is beneath 20 daN at rated
operating force ceases whether the motion is lifting capacity the hand chain block shall be equipped
or lowering. with an overload protection system, against
overloading caused by excessive operating effort
The braking device shall allow a regular descent on the hand chain. The overload system shall be
under operator control whatever the position of the independent from the braking device and shall
load. operate in a way that the lowering function is

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 100

maintained and that the load remains under rupture 2.5 times the static chain tensile force at
control. The triggering shall not lead to sudden rated capacity.
release of the hand chain.

Temperature
Guarding cover Hand chain blocks and their components shall be
Accessible parts of the hand chain block shall have capable of operating within an ambient
no sharp edges, no sharp angles and no rough temperature range of -10ºC to 50 ºC unless another
surfaces likely to cause injury. temperature range is agreed between the
manufacturer and the purchaser.
Gearing shall be guarded to prevent accidental
ingress of parts of the body.
Safety devices
The braking system and the overload protection
Hooks system shall only be able to be removed, modified
Hooks shall be fitted with safety latches to prevent replaced, interfered or neutralized by the use of
unintentional detachment. tools.

The top hook shall be capable of swivelling for

correct positioning. Verification methods

Load hooks used as lifting medium, which are not Calculation check
manufactured in accordance with a recognised - Should verify the mechanical strength
standard shall not show permanent deformation at
a static load of 2 times the rated capacity. At a Measurement of characteristics
static load of 4 times the rated capacity, the hook - Should verify the components dimensions
shall be allowed to bend however the load shall
remain held safely. Visual examination
- Should verify products markings, documents
Note: Hooks can be manufactured according to EN 1677, or drawing to meet the requirements
DIN 15400, DIN 15401, BS 2903 and other hooks standards
Testing
Breakage Test
Chain wheel or sprocket - MPF of 4:1 (less than and more than 5 t) for
A chain guide shall be provided to prevent the 10 minutes
hand chain and the load chain from jumping off of
the chain wheels. Static Test
1.5 x rated cap. < 20 t
The selection criteria and the technical 1.25 x rated cap. ≥ 20 t
requirements shall be in accordance with EN 818-7. - For at least 10 minutes

Load chain wheels shall be made in one piece. Dynamic Test

1.1 x rated cap. (Up and down moving)

Link chain Light load Test

The coefficient of utilization shall be at least 4 for Load Height
welded load bearing calibrated link chains; Between 2% and 10% Between 250 mm and
- Load chains shall be in accordance with EN rated capacity 500 mm
818-7, for fine tolerance short link chains
(grade T)
Information for use
Hand chains shall have no sharp around the welds
As hoists are frequently used for miscellaneous lifting
purposes, precise details of the load to be lifted are
The connecting links of the hand chain shall resist
not always available. In these circumstances, only a
without permanent deformation a force of at least
general specification can be given and this should
120 daN (12 Newton)
include the following information:
1. The maximum load to be lifted or SWL.
Anchorage and end stop of the load chain
2. Details of the application that may have a
Chain anchorage devices of the fixed end type
bearing on the load to be lifted, e.g. wind,
shall withstand 4 times the static chain tensile force
hoisting out of water, etc.
at rated capacity without rupture.
3. The maximum extended dimension.
The free end of the load chain shall be fitted with a
chain end top to prevent from passing through
4. The maximum acceptable drawn up
completely. This end stop shall withstand without
dimension (if headroom is important)
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 101
 8.4 THOROUGH EXAMINATION
5. The range of lift. Regardless of the regulations in the individual
countries, the functional reliability of the lifting
6. The distance from the suspension level to the devices must be inspected at least once a year by
operating level. (This caters for the situation a competent person or an accredited competent
where the hand chain required is shorter person in the case of cranes.
than the load chain.)
Load chain
7. Whether the hoist is to be used at an angle Measurements shall be taken on each individual link
to the vertical. an 11 link length of chain and the requirements shall
be met. The 11 link gauge length shall also be
8. The conditions of service and in particular measured and shall conform.
any conditions which the user suspects might
be hazardous, e.g. extremes of temperature, L11 – pitch increase over 11 chain links
high probability of shock loading, L1 – pitch increase over 1 chain link
uncertainty of weight of load.

9. The type of suspension i.e. hook suspended

or trolley mounted. In the case of trolley
mounted hoists.

With larger capacity hoists, the manufacturer may

design the gear ratios such that more than one
person is required to provide the operating effort.
Where the availability of the manpower is likely to
be a restriction, the purchaser should also specify
the maximum acceptable effort.

Marking of Hand chain blocks

All hand chain blocks shall have a permanent
identification plate located in a clearly visible
position, which gives the information listed below.

a. The name and address of the manufacturer;

b. The series or type designation
c. The serial number, if it exists;
d. The rated capacity on the cover and on the
bottom block
e. Year of manufacture
f. The dimensions and quality of the load
chains
Load hooks

• XYH should be given by the

manufacturer.
• If the hook mouth
dimensions are exceeded
by 10% due to deformation
or the minimum hook base
thickness is breached by 5%
due to wear, the hook must
be replaced!
• Safety latch shall be
available

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 102

1. FASTENERS. Check rivets, capscrews, nuts, cotter
pins and other fasteners on hooks, hoist body and
chain bucket, if used. Replace if missing and tighten
or secure if loose.

2. ALL COMPONENTS. Inspect for wear, damage,

distortion, deformation and cleanliness. If external
evidence indicates the need, disassemble. Check
gears, shafts, bearings, sheaves, chain guides,
springs and covers. Replace worn or damaged
parts. Clean, lubricate and reassemble.

3. HOOKS. Inspect hooks for cracks. Use magnetic

particle or dye penetrant to check for cracks.
Inspect hook retaining parts. Tighten, repair or
replace if necessary.

4. CHAIN SHEAVES. Check for excessive wear or

damage. Replace if necessary.

5. BRAKES. Ensure proper operation. Brake must hold

hoist rated capacity. If load test indicates the need,
disassemble. Brake discs must be free of excess oil,
any grease, unglazed, uniform in thickness. Check
all other brake surfaces for wear, deformation or
foreign deposits. Inspect pawl brake. Teeth of
ratchet gear should be undamaged, and should
stop gear rotation in the counterclockwise direction.
Check pawl spring for damage.

6. SUPPORTING STRUCTURE. If a permanent structure

is used, inspect for continued ability to support load.

7. LABELS AND TAGS. Check for presence and

legibility. Replace if necessary.

8. END ANCHOR. Ensure end anchor on chain hoist is

engaged and unbent. Repair if damaged, replace
if missing.

9. LOAD CHAIN. Measure chain for stretching by

measuring across eleven link sections all along
chain. Refer to table. When any eleven links in the
working length reach or exceed discard length
shown in Table above, replace entire chain.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 103

 Chain Hoist Technical Criteria Based on BS EN
13157

Chains shall be in accordance with BS EN 818-

1
7, for fine tolerance short link chains (grade T)
2 Temperature: -10ºC to 50 ºC
3 Coefficient of utilization is at least 4:1
Hand chain blocks shall have an automatic
4 braking function during the lifting and lowering
operation.
5 The brake shall not contain asbestos.
Guided pressure springs shall have a distance
6 between the coils of less than or equal to the
wire diameter
Hand chains shall be secured against
7 unintentional disconnection from the hand
chain wheel.
To lift the rated capacity the operating effort
8 of each operator shall not exceed 55 daN (5.5
Newton) on the hand chain.

To avoid overloading, operating effort to lift

rated capacity:
Rated capacity Hand chain effort
9 ≤ 1000 kgs 20 daN – 55 daN
More than 1000 kgs
40 daN – 55 daN
up to 5000 kgs
More than 5000 kgs 45 daN – 55 daN

If the operating effort is beneath 20 daN at

10 rated capacity the hand chain block shall be
equipped with an overload protection system
Hooks shall be fitted with safety latches to
11
prevent unintentional detachment.
The connecting links of the hand chain shall
12 resist without permanent deformation a force
of at least 120 daN (12 Newton)

Light load Test

13 Load Height
Between 2% and Between 250 mm
10% rated capacity and 500 mm

Markings:
a. The name and address of the
manufacturer;
b. The series or type designation
c. The serial number, if it exists;
14 d. The rated capacity on the cover and
on the bottom block
e. Year of manufacture
f. The dimensions and quality of the load
chains

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 104

REVIEW QUESTIONS
20. What are the required markings of a chain
1. What British European standard you are hoist?
following for chain Hoist?
21. What is the meaning if you see a chain size
2. What are the limitations of BS EN 13157 for of 8x24? What is 8 and 24?
Chain Hoist?
22. Is it possible to fix a chain bag or container
3. Is it possible to use type DAT and DT chain in for manual operated chain hoist?
a manual operated chain hoist? Why?
23. What is the requirements for chain wheel for
4. What Grade of chain should be used in a
manual chain hoist?
manual chain hoist?

5. What is the maximum capacity of a manual

operated chain hoist based on BS EN 13157?

6. What is the maximum length of manual

operated chain hoist based on BS EN 13157?

7. Why brake of manual operated hoist shall

not contain asbestos?

8. How you will determine the no. of falls of a

chain block?

9. What is the range of lift of a chain block?

10. In case that chain hoist was attached to

trolley, what are the requirements?

11. What are the requirements of hook (top and

load hook) for manual operated hoist?

12. What is the allowable temperature range for

a manual operated chain hoist?

13. What is the maximum allowable operating

effort of an operator for a manual operated
chain hoist?

14. If the operating effort is beneath 20daN at

rated capacity the hand chain block shall
be equipped with ____________

15. What are the overload system requirements

for a manual operated chain hoist?

16. The connecting links of the hand chain shall

resist without permanent deformation a
force of at least ____________

17. What is the allowable wear of a chain

block?

18. What is the allowable elongation of a chain

block?

19. After documentation and visual examination

of chain hoist, what is the next procedure?

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 105

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 106
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 107
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 108
 suspended from its ends by a sling so that the beam
is loaded in compression

→ Lifting beams, lifting frames and Lifting spreaders

are a means of providing two or more lifting points
from the hook of the lifting machine or crane
spaced so as to match the position of the lifting
points on the load. The difference lies in the way the
forces are transmitted. Example of Spreader Beam/Bar

Lifting beams, frames and spreaders are usually

designed and built for a specific purpose. The range The term lifting beam is used for a beam suspended
of designs and capacities is therefore only limited by from a more central point so that the beam is
practicality. loaded in bending

Example of Lifting Beam/Bar

Lifting frames comprise of multiple structural

members, sometimes combining members in
compression and bending

9.0 FOREWORD
Spreaders beams, lifting beams and lifting frames
are used for a wide range of lifting operations
throughout most industrial sectors. They are
classified as lifting accessories under the Supply of
Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and the Lifting
Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998.
These accessories are often bespoke in design and For the purposes of this guide, spreader beams,
commonly produced as ‘one off’s or in small lifting beams and lifting frames are referred to under
batches. They can also be designed so that the generic name of lifting beams.
they can be adjusted to suit different loads. This
adjustment is sometimes achieved by a modular Lifting beams are often used in combination with
design of sections that can be bolted together in a slings and other accessories such as vacuum lifters,
range of configurations, or by means of multiple or lifting magnets and plate clamps to provide the
adjustable attachment points. However, it should be connection to the load.
noted that designers can use a variety of other
techniques to provide the adjustment. Some of the standards related to lifting beams are:
 ASME B30.20 & ASME BTH-1
As the name suggests, spreader beams were  BS EN 13155
originally a simple strut used to spread apart a  ISO 17096
two leg sling to prevent damage to the product
being lifted from the compressive forces induced by Note: This Technical Guidance covers only BS EN
the sling. Now the term is used for any beam 13155 (Lifting Beam)
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 109
9.1 SCOPE
This section covers lifting beam produced based on
BS EN 13155

 Non fixed load lifting attachment

 Coefficient of utilization is at least 3:1

9.2 STANDARD
BS EN 13155:2020
Cranes. Safety. Non-fixed load lifting attachments
Example of storage stand for lifting beam

Specific Requirements
9.3 CONTENT
Attaching the lifting beam to the crane
Safety Requirements
Any connection made by moving or removing a
The mechanical load bearing parts shall have a
lifting beam component shall be such that it can be
mechanical strength to fulfill the following
locked before lifting so as to prevent any accidental
requirements:
uncoupling of this connection.
a. The attachment shall be designed to
Means shall be provided to prevent any dangerous
withstand a static load of three times the movement and damage to the suspended parts of
working load limit without releasing the load the lifting beam parts during storage, coupling or
even if permanent deformation occurs; uncoupling from the crane.
b. The attachment shall be designed to
withstand a static load of two times the
working load limit without permanent
Securing the load to the lifting beam
deformation Lifting beams with load attachment points which
move along the beam shall have the means to
Attachments to tilt shall be designed for an angle
prevent them falling off.
exceeding minimum 6º the maximum working
angle. Attachments not intended to tilt shall be
Load attachment points which move along the
designed for an angle of minimum 6º
beam shall have means to lock them in positions
when they are under load.
An attachment that is intended to be guided
manually shall be equipped with handle(s),
arranged so that finger injuries are avoided. Handles
are not required if features have been built in to
provide natural handholds

If the means of locking the load attachment points

is operated manually, the state of locking shall be
visible to the slinger.

When not required for use it shall be possible to set

Structure
down the attachment so that it is stable during
If the lifting beam is intended to tilt, the
storage. To be regarded as stable it shall not tip over
manufacturer shall indicate the maximum
when tilted to an angle of 10 º in any direction. This
permissible angle of tilt from the horizontal. If the
shall be achieved either by the shape of the lifting beam is intended for horizontal use, the design
attachment or by means of additional equipment shall tolerate a tilt of up to 6º from the horizontal
such as a stand.
Moving parts of the structure shall have devices to
hold them in position when loaded. These devices
shall be effective up to 6º from the maximum tilting
angle permitted for the lifting beam. If these devices
operate on a friction basis the safety factor shall be
at least 2.
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 110
If free movement presents a hazard, lifting beams
fitted with a rotation or tilting mechanism shall be
equipped with a device to stop movement and to
immobilize the load in its intended position.

When the spacing between moving parts of the

beam is controlled by a power source, protection
devices shall be provided to avoid crushing and
shearing hazards as specified in EN 349

Information for use

To allow purchasers to safely select, install, use and
maintain removable lifting equipment during its
normal lifetime, the manufacturer shall at least
provide the following information and guidance in
an instruction handbook, specific to the equipment
supplied.

a. Brief description;
b. Working load limit;
c. Intended use;
d. Characteristics of the load including the
performance and the number of parts that
can be handled at one time;
e. Determination of the operating range; Lifting beam 1 has a positive stability height, and
f. Instructions for operation and use; lifting beam 2 has a negative stability height. Load 1
g. Fitting, securing, coupling/uncoupling and has a positivity stability height, and load 2 has a
adjustment of the equipment on the crane; negative stability height. For stability of the
h. Handling and storage of equipment combined lifting beam and load, the total stability
i. Stability (where applicable); height shall be positive. Although illustrated in one
j. The range of temperature within which the plane only, this shall apply to each horizontal axis of
attachment can be operated; rotation. The result of each combination is as follows:
k. Restriction for operation in special
atmospheres (e.g. high humidity, explosive, Lifting beam 1 + Load 1: always be stable
saline, acid, alkaline); Lifting beam 1 + Load 2: will be stable if A>D
l. Restrictions for handling dangerous goods; Lifting beam 2 + Load 1: will be stable if C>B
m. Where appropriate, prohibition of handling Lifting beam 2 + Load 2: always be unstable
above persons;
n. Specific training of operators, if necessary.
Guidance for maintenance
Specific information The manufacturer shall provide sufficient information
to ensure the proper maintenance of the
a. The lifting beams manufacturer shall provide attachment, to include:
information in the instruction handbook a. Instructions for periodic maintenance
about the methods of attaching the load, to b. Instructions for repair;
enable the user to ensure that the combined c. Precautions to be taken during repairs;
lifting beam and load will be stable when d. Use of original spare parts;
lifted. e. Maintenance records, if necessary;
f. List of parts requiring particular operation
The information shall identify the center of and checking;
rotation of the lifting beam to the crane, the g. Use of special lubricants
center of rotation of the suspension points to
the load, and the vertical distance between
them. See figure below in one plane only, Verifications and inspections
together with similar illustrations of rotation of The manufacturer shall indicate the inspections and
the suspension points to the load and the verifications that are necessary;
vertical distance to the center of gravity. a. Before commissioning
b. After repair or recoupling;
c. During the equipment service life
The manufacturer shall also include:
1. List of parts which require special operation
and checking;
Maximum tilting angle permitted for the lifting 2. Defects to look for.
beams

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 111

Marking 2. At the minimum failure force, the load must not
Minimum marking be released.
All removable equipment shall bear in a clearly
visible place a durable identification with the It is acceptable to verify these criteria using either
following information: of, or a combination of, two techniques,
a. The business name and full address of the calculation or load test.
manufacturer and, where applicable, his
authorized representative; In some cases the lifting beam will be designed such
b. Designation of the machinery that it can rotate or tilt. It may also have
c. Serial number; moving parts that can move along the beam. These
d. Weight of unloaded attachment, when it items require additional design and
exceeds 55 of the working load limit of the verification.
equipment or 50 kgs, whichever is the less.
e. The year of construction, that is the year in It is important to note that lifting beams must be
which the manufacturing process is able to tolerate an angle of up to 6 degrees
completed. It is prohibited to pre-date or above their normal plane of lifting. Therefore, this
post-date the machinery when affixing the must be considered when using any of the
CE marking; verification methods.
f. Working load limits in tonnes or kgs. When
the attachment is used in several Verification through Calculation.
configurations, the resulting working load The person producing the calculations must be
limits shall also be indicated; competent for the purpose, have sufficient
theoretical knowledge and experience of lifting
Additional marking beams to ensure that the design is safe and
In addition to the data above, the following shall be fit for purpose. It is also recommended that there is a
stated, where applicable: procedure in place to ensure that these
a. On attachment which holds the load using calculations are suitably checked. However, it
clamping forces, the permissible gripping should be noted that this does not necessarily
range; have to be done by another competent person, as
b. On self-priming vacuum lifters, the minimum often or not computer simulation is used
load; in the verification of lifting beams. When using
c. On equipment connected mechanically to computer simulation for the design it is
the load, indication on the connectors fitted advisable that the results are checked by simple
on the load (e.g. connectors integrated in hand calculation. In this case the person
prefabricated concrete parts); checking the computer simulation must be
d. On C-hook and lifting forks the limits of the competent for the purpose. The hand calculations
intended position of the load center of used should be sufficient to ascertain if the stress is
gravity; about right or if the beam is deflecting
e. On lifting forks where a minimum load is the correct way.
required to tilt the fork
f. On plate clamps, the WLL min. and max. The calculations used and / or computer simulation
must accurately simulate the in-service forces that
Annex A. General Verification methods will be induced by the load. Consideration must be
given to the nature of the load. For example, is it
Load case flexible or rigid? If the load is flexible, then the beam
may require sufficient rigidity to prevent the load
being damaged. Conversely a rigid load may
require some flexibility in the lifting beam to ensure
uniformity of loading.

Examples of the type of calculation that must be

The factor 2 takes into account the dynamic effect considered are as follows:
due to lifting, and the static test. This factor does not - Critical buckling loads.
take into account wind loads. Note: In some spreader beams the compression
load will be applied eccentrically due to the
Critical buckling loads, bending, shear and torsion shackle point being offset from the beam axis by
stresses, lateral buckling and brittle fracture should the pad eye. Solving equations for eccentric
consider in calculation of lifting beam. buckling can be quite time consuming as the critical
buckling load cannot be solved explicitly and a
With regard to strength, there are two main criteria root-finding technique using numerical methods has
to verify: to be used. To save time designers often use widely
accepted computational methods where
1. At the proof force, the maximum stress must be successive substitution with assured convergence
within the yield stress of the material can be applied. MathCAD and FEA are examples of
being used. such software.
 Bending, shear and torsion stresses.
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 112
  Lateral buckling of the flange or web of a  Test weights must be pre-weighed or used
beam. (Refer to BS EN 1993-1-1 clause 6.3 for with a load cell in the line.
guidance)  The lifting appliance must be of adequate
 Shear and bearing stresses for pad eyes. strength with sufficient head room.
 Weld or bolt stress calculations (note a  For higher capacity beams, containers may
minimum of grade 8.8 bolts should be used). be required to house the weights and the
 Brittle fracture. Refer to table A.3 of BS EN self-weight of these containers must be
13155. considered.
 For loads that can flex, the test weights must
The limiting factors imposed by EN 13155 are that at be applied such that they can accurately
two times WLL the maximum stress must be within simulate this affect. To achieve this may
the yield stress of the material being used. At three require a jig or mock-up of the load to be
times the WLL a nonlinear analysis of the structure fabricated. This may even require a
must be done to ensure that critical parts of the controlled lift of the product to be lifted.
structure will not fail such that the load is released, However, testing by means of applied force
although permanent deformation is allowed. may prove more accurate and cost
effective in this instance.
Note: The design factors only take into consideration  For loads that are rigid, the test weights must
the dynamic effects of lifting and do not include act as a single rigid load.
wind loads. Depending on the environment where
the lifting beam is to be operated the wind pressure 2. Load testing by means of an applied force.
load on the item being lifted and the structure itself  The force can be applied by means of
may also need to be included in the analysis. hydraulic or pneumatic actuators or by
mechanical means such as wire rope pulling
The position of the lifting points on the load will machines.
affect stability if they are at or below the Centre of  The test rig(s) must have a calibrated load
Gravity (COG). sensor or a calibrated load cell must be used
in the load path. This equipment must be
It should be noted that the design calculations, calibrated to BS EN 7500-1 and have an
being based on idealistic theoretical assumptions, accuracy of not less than ±2%
cannot account for everything. It is therefore  By fixing the beam at the point where the
recommended that the beam is inspected at lifting appliance hook would fit, it is possible
critical stages of the manufacturing process to to use multiple applied force devices, with
check the quality of load bearing assemblies, weld variable loads and amplitudes to accurately
preparations and welds. The extent of these simulate a flexible load.
inspections is at the discretion of the designer and  Using this method, it is possible to undertake
may include NDT of critical welds. separate tests for various elements of the
lifting beam.
Verification through Test.
A load test should always be planned on the To ascertain whether or not the acceptance criteria
assumption that the item under test might fail. has been met, the tester will need to use measuring
Adequate precautions should be in place to equipment. This measuring equipment will depend
prevent injury to any persons or damage to on the acceptance criteria, but it must be
anything other than the item under test. calibrated, and may include dial test indicators,
strain gauges, etc. Equipment used for measuring
If the minimum failure force is not verified by deflections must have a resolution such as to allow
calculation, then, when using this method the measurement to within ±5% of the permitted
alone, at least one lifting beam will have to be deflection of the structure under test.
destroyed.
Following the proof force test the beam must be
An adequate test specification must be drawn up thoroughly examined. This examination may include
against the design criteria. Acceptance criteria, an NDT of the critical welds.
such as maximum permissible deflections or
deformations for worst case loading conditions, Annex B. Verification methods for lifting beams
must be included in the specification.
Verification of locking or holding devices by testing
For modular or adjustable lifting beams the worst The test shall be conducted either by lifting a live
case configuration(s) must be used for the test. test load or by means of a static force applied by a
To meet the design criteria the test must accurately test rig.
simulate the in-service loading conditions for which
the beam has been designed, including a tolerance
on orientation in use. There are two common types
of load testing that can be deployed by the tester
to achieve this and they are described as follows:

1. Load testing with weights.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 113
 following:
 Check for clear identification number.
 Check for clear marking of WLL.
 Check for clear marking of the self-weight.
 Check main body of beam is free from
distortion, corrosion, cracks, gouges, or wear.
 Check all welded connections are free from
cracking or corrosion.
 Check that any bolted connections are free
from corrosion and cracking and that all are
secure using the correct bolts.
 Check that any shackles are free from
distortion, nicks, gouges or wear.
 Check that all shackle pins are captivated
preferably with a nut and pin arrangement.

Note: This list is not exhaustive and some

configurations may require additional checks.
Angles associated with verification of lifting beams
From time-to-time lifting equipment companies will
The moving parts shall be locked in position by
be asked by owners of lifting beams to overload test
means of its locking device and subjected to a
their lifting beam. This is due to a lack of knowledge
force F without shock for a minimum period of 1
of current legislation and it is the Lifting Equipment
minute and equal to 2 x the static force that is
Engineers Association’s advice that lifting
required to sustain in service at an angle of 6º in
equipment companies take a position of
excess of that specified by the manufacturer, see
responsibility and advise end users of the
figure above. The test shall be repeated in both
requirements.
directions about each horizontal axis and both
horizontal axes in combination for each available
The general advice is that the traditional routine
locking position. If the moving part does not have
overload testing of lifting equipment has a number
predetermined positions but locks by friction the test
of disadvantages as follows:
shall be carried out at the two extremes of travel
 Some manufacturers do not recommend
and at one intermediate point.
overload tests, except in exceptional
circumstances, and severely limit the
After the force has been removed the moving part
magnitude of the test load that may be
and its locking device shall be examined for
applied.
deformation, cracks and other defects.
 Repeated overloads can cause
deterioration of the lifting beam’s structure
The moving part and its locking device sustains the
over time.
test force F without slippage, deformation or failure
 Most structural failures are the result of
and after release of the load, there are no visible
fatigue and such defects will not be
defects and the moving part and its looking device
revealed by an overload test. Fatigue
operate freely.
cracking can be identified during the
thorough examination.
 There is no defined structural or mechanical
The mechanical parts shall be calculated in
benefit.
accordance with Annex A.1 of BS EN 13155 for the
 A significant number of insurance policies do
maximum intended tilting angle plus 6º except for
not provide cover for lifting equipment that
lifting beams designed for a vertical position.
has been overloaded in any circumstances,
including overload testing.
If the moving parts of the structure are held in
position by devices operating on a friction basis
In summary, where a defined scope of examination
(e.g. resulting from brake torque) the calculation
approach is used, overload testing is not required
shall demonstrate that the friction force is at least
unless deemed necessary by the competent
twice the force due to the self-weight of the parts
person.
and the working load limit for the maximum
intended tilting angle plus 6º except for lifting beams
The request to test might arise because the lifting
designed for a vertical position.
beam has been modified or manufactured new by
the user. The user may expect the lifting equipment
9.4 EXAMINATION company to ‘certify’ the lifting beam as safe to use.
Under LOLER lifting beams are considered as lifting However, in this case, whilst the lifting equipment
accessories and must be examined at least every 6 company can advise, the user is legally responsible
months or in accordance with and examination and should specify the tests required. Generally, it
scheme (refer to LEEA 032 for guidance) and after should be tested in accordance with EN 13155 if
exceptional circumstances. The examinations new, or in accordance with the standard to which it
should include the
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 114
was originally designed if not. The lifting equipment Pad eyes shall be so designed as to permit free
company should carry out the tests specified and movement of the shackle and sling termination
issue a report of test stating what was done and the without fouling the pad eye.
results. The report should clearly state that it is a
report of test only and that to put the equipment Pad eyes shall not protrude outside the boundaries
into service an EC Declaration of Conformity (for a of the container other than vertically upward, and
new lifting beam) or a LOLER report of thorough shall as far as possible be designed to avoid
examination (if the modification is not so substantial damage from other.
that it is considered to be a new lifting beam) is
required.

9.5 PAD EYE REQUIREMENTS (Based on BS EN

ISO 10855)

Pad Eyes

Example of different Lifting Beams

In order to prevent lateral bending moments on pad

eyes, they shall be aligned with the sling to the
center of lift hook, with a maximum manufacturing
tolerance of ±2.5º.

Any difference in the diagonal measurements

between lifting point centers shall not exceed 0.2%
of the length of the diagonal, or 5 mm, whichever is
greater.

The diameter of holes in pad eyes shall match the

shackle used, clearance between shackle pin and
pad eye hole shall not exceed 6% of the nominal
shackle pin diameter. However, maximum
concentrated stresses at the hole edges shall not
exceed 2Re at design load.

The tolerance between pad eyes thickness and

inside width of shackle shall not exceed 25% of the
inside width of shackle.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 115

 Lifting Beam Technical Criteria Based on BS EN The manufacturer shall indicate the
13155 inspections and verifications that are
necessary;
Lifting Beam – Bending d. Before commissioning
Spreader Beam – Compression e. After repair or recoupling;
1 Lifting Frame – Combined bending and f. During the equipment service life
compression or Combination of bending / The manufacturer shall also include:
compression only 3. List of parts which require special
2 Coefficient of utilization is at least 3:1 operation and checking;
The attachment shall be designed to 4. Defects to look for.
withstand a static load of three times the Minimum marking
3 All removable equipment shall bear in a
working load limit without releasing the load
even if permanent deformation occurs; clearly visible place a durable identification
The attachment shall be designed to with the following information:
withstand a static load of two times the a. The business name and full address of
4 the manufacturer and, where
working load limit without permanent
deformation applicable, his authorized
Attachments to tilt shall be designed for an representative;
5 angle exceeding minimum 6º the maximum b. Designation of the machinery
working angle. c. Serial number;
Attachments not intended to tilt shall be d. Weight of unloaded attachment, when
6 15 it exceeds 55 of the working load limit
designed for an angle of minimum 6º
When not required for use it shall be possible to of the equipment or 50 kgs, whichever
set down the attachment so that it is stable is the less.
during storage. To be regarded as stable it e. The year of construction, that is the
7 shall not tip over when tilted to an angle of 10º year in which the manufacturing
in any direction. This shall be achieved either process is completed. It is prohibited to
by the shape of the attachment or by means pre-date or post-date the machinery
of additional equipment such as a stand. when affixing the CE marking;
Lifting beams with load attachment points f. Working load limits in tonnes or kgs.
8 which move along the beam shall have the When the attachment is used in several
means to prevent them falling off. configurations, the resulting working
Load attachment points which move along load limits shall also be indicated;
9 the beam shall have means to lock them in Additional marking
positions when they are under load. In addition to the data above, the following
If the means of locking the load attachment shall be stated, where applicable:
10 points is operated manually, the state of a. On attachment which holds the load
locking shall be visible to the slinger. using clamping forces, the permissible
Moving parts of the structure shall have gripping range;
devices to hold them in position when loaded. b. On self-priming vacuum lifters, the
minimum load;
These devices shall be effective up to 6º from
c. On equipment connected
11 the maximum tilting angle permitted for the
mechanically to the load, indication
lifting beam. If these devices operate on a 16
on the connectors fitted on the load
friction basis the safety factor shall be at least
(e.g. connectors integrated in
2.
prefabricated concrete parts);
When the spacing between moving parts of
d. On C-hook and lifting forks the limits of
the beam is controlled by a power source,
the intended position of the load
12 protection devices shall be provided to avoid
center of gravity;
crushing and shearing hazards as specified in
e. On lifting forks where a minimum load is
EN 349
required to tilt the fork
Guidance for maintenance
f. On plate clamps, the WLL min. and
The manufacturer shall provide sufficient
max.
information to ensure the proper maintenance
General Verification Methods
of the attachment, to include:
1. Calculation
a. Instructions for periodic maintenance
- Critical buckling loads
b. Instructions for repair;
13 17 2. Test
c. Precautions to be taken during repairs;
- Load testing with weights
d. Use of original spare parts;
- Load testing by means of an
e. Maintenance records, if necessary;
applied force
f. List of parts requiring particular
operation and checking; In order to prevent lateral bending moments
g. Use of special lubricants on pad eyes, they shall be aligned with the
18
sling to the center of lift hook, with a maximum
14 Verifications and inspections
manufacturing tolerance of ±2.5º.
Any difference in the diagonal measurements
19
between lifting point centers shall not exceed
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 116
 0.2% of the length of the diagonal, or 5 mm,
whichever is greater.
The diameter of holes in pad eyes shall match
the shackle used, clearance between shackle
pin and pad eye hole shall not exceed 6% of
20
the nominal shackle pin diameter. However,
maximum concentrated stresses at the hole
edges shall not exceed 2Re at design load.
The tolerance between pad eyes thickness
21 and inside width of shackle shall not exceed
25% of the inside width of shackle.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 117

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What British European standard you are

following for Lifting Beam?

2. What are the limitations of BS EN 13155 for

lifting beam?

3. What is the difference between lifting beam,

spreader beam and lifting frame?

4. What are the requirements for lifting pad eye

of lifting beam?

5. Is load test and overload test necessary for

in-service lifting beam?

6. What is the safety factor for lifting beam

based on BS EN 13155?

7. What is the allowable tilting angle from

horizontal for a lifting beam?

8. What are the minimum required markings for

a lifting beam?

9. In lifting beam verification through

calculation, what are the things or criteria’s
inspector need to verify?

10. What is the allowable elongation for lifting

beam?

11. What is the requirement for pad eyes of

lifting beam?

12. In lifting beam verification through test, what

are the procedures and how it should be
done?

13. What is the requirement of welding for lifting

beam?

14. In case that lifting beam is prefabricated,

what you should do as an inspector?
Continue to proceed for inspection and
issue certificates?

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 118

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 119
RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 120
Lifting Accessories
Any device such as a sling, eyebolt, spreader beam
etc. used to connect the load to a lifting appliance
but which is not itself part of the load or the
appliance.

Coefficient of Utilisation (CoU), Factor of Safety

(FOS), Working Coefficient
It is a factor which is applied to the MBL to
determine the WLL. It varies with the product to take
account of the susceptibility to damage and
considers the type of stresses the item will meet in
normal use. Ratio between the working load limit
and break strength.

Grade
The Grade is determined by the mean stress at the
minimum breaking load. The higher the grade, the
smaller and lighter the item for a given working load.

Mode Factor
A factor applied by the user (slinger or rigger) that
takes into account the geometry of a sling assembly
to obtain the maximum load it may lift for a
particular mode of use.

Working Load Limit

WLL (sometimes called maximum SWL)
The maximum load or mass that an item of lifting
equipment is designed to sustain, i.e., raise, lower or
suspend. This is the load required to be marked on
an item by the product standards.

Safe Working Load (SWL)

The maximum load or mass (as certified by a
competent person) that an item of lifting equipment
may raise, lower or suspend under particular service
conditions.

Note: The SWL will normally be the same value as the WLL
or the maximum safe working load but it may be less.

The Minimum Breaking (or failure) Load (MBL)

The minimum breaking load is the calculated load
at below which the item will not break or fail due to
distortion.

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 109

RML Documents, Ed. 1. 2021 Page 110