SAFETY
CARE, USE & INSPECTION
CARE, USE & INSPECTION
Ultimately, the life and strength of CM Herc-Alloy 800 chain slings depend on those who inspect,
maintain and use it properly
Care - Chain requires only minimum maintenance:
1. Store chains on an A-frame in a clean, dry place.
2. Oil chains before prolonged storage.
3. Never anneal Herc-Alloy 800 chain.
4. Hot galvanizing of Herc-Alloy 800 chain should not be attempted by anyone except under the
direct supervision of the chain manufacturer.
Use - Observing these simple precautions when using chain slings can help protect both men and
materials.
1. Free all twists, knots or kinks.
2. Center load on hook.
3. Avoid sudden jerks when lowering or lifting.
4. Balance all loads.
5. Never overload.
6. Use pads around sharp corners.
7. Don't drop loads on chain.
Inspection - It is important to inspect chain slings regularly and to keep a record of individual chain inspection. The following is a suggestion for such an inspection system.
Before inspecting: clean the chains so that marks, nicks, wear and other defects can be seen.
Each link should be inspected for the following danger signs.
1. Twists or bends.
2. Nicks or gouges.
3. Excessive wear at bearing points
4. Stretch.
5. Distorted or damaged master links, coupling links, or attachments. especially spread in throat
opening of hooks.
Each link or attachment having any defect listed above should be marked with paint to plainly
indicate rejection and elimination from service until properly repaired.
WEAR ALLOWANCE (Herc-Alloy 800 Chain)
Determine wear by measuring cross section at link ends. If worn to less than the minimum thickness
allowable, chain should be removed from service.
| Chain Size | Maximum Allowable Wear | *Minimum Thickness Allowable at Link Ends |
| 7/32" | - | 11/64" (.171) |
| 9/32" | 3/64" (0.46) | 13/64" (.203) |
| 3/8" | 5/64" (.078) | 18/64" (.281) |
| 1/2" | 7/64" (.109) | 22/64" (.343) |
| 5/8" | 9/64" (.140) | 27/64" (.421) |
| 3/4" | 10/64" (.156) | 34/64" (.531) |
| 7/8" | 11/64" (.171) | 40/64" (.625) |
| 1" | 12/64" (.187) | 47/64" (.734) |
| 1-1/4" | 16/64" (.250) | 58/64" (.906) |
*Applies to Herc-Alloy 800 Chain only.
CM Chain provides users with a wide range of informative materials and instructive programs on chain and chain inspection.
A colorful chain safety poster/chart, and a fact-filled booklet, "Inspecting Chain Slings", are both available upon request.
CM Chain Clinics on proper chain use. care and inspection are held at company headquarters and in plants across the country. Also available are video cassette training programs, slide and film presentations, and in-plant chain sling inspections.
CM Chain's education programs are designed to promote the proper use of all CM products, and to assist users in complying with OSHA regulations.
OSHA regulations are not intended to inhibit technological progress. The use of chains and chain attachments at higher working load ratings than specified in ANSI B30.9 is permitted by OSHA if they substantially exceed the strength requirements described in B30.9. In such instances they may be used at ratings recommended by the manufacturer. Herc-Alloy 800 chain and accessories meet these requirements and may be used at the working load limits published in this Data Book.
USE OF CHAIN UNDER HEAT CONDITIONS
When the chain itself is heated to temperatures shown below, the Working Load Limits should be reduced as indicated.
| Temperature of Chain | Reduction in Working Load Limit* While Heated | Permanent Reduction in Working Load Limit** |
| 500°F. | none | none |
| 600°F. | 10% | none |
| 700°F | 20% | none |
| 800°F | 30% | none |
| 900°F. | 40% | 10% |
| 1000°F. | 50% | 15% |
*While chain is at temperature shown in first column.
**When chain is used at room temperature after having been heated to temperatures shown in first column.