Inspection of Chain-slings? We Answer Your Questions.

Chain-slings carry heavy loadsular inspections are therefore legally required and essential for workplace safety. Here you will find the most important answers regarding inspection intervals, requirements and procedures.

Table of Contents.

Who is allowed to inspect chain slings?

Legally compliant inspections – including visual inspections and crack testing – may only be carried out by trained inspectors.
The prerequisite is qualification as a “competent person” (qualified inspector) in accordance with DGUV Rule 100-500 and TRBS 1203.

The inspection can be performed either by the Dolezych Inspection Service  or by internally trained qualified inspectors within your company.

How often must chain slings be inspected?

• The chain sling must be inspected before first use.
• A visual inspection is required at least once a year.
• Crack testing is typically carried out every three years.

In addition, the following applies:

• Depending on the operating conditions (e.g. heavy use or aggressive environments), shorter inspection intervals may be required. These are determined by the operator based on a risk assessment.
• After overloading or shock loading, the chain sling must be inspected immediately.
• All inspections must be documented. Inspection records must be retained and traceable within the company for at least three years.

Which standards and regulations are fundamental for the use of chain slings?

• DIN EN 818
• DIN 685
• DIN EN 1677

How can you identify an approved chain sling?

An approved chain sling can be identified by the standard-compliant markings directly on the product. These include, among others:

• Manufacturer's mark
• Grade (e.g. 8, 10, 12)
• Working Load Limit (WLL)
• Traceability marking, where applicable

In addition, compliance is verified through manufacturer documentation (e.g. a factory certificate or declaration of conformity), confirming adherence to the applicable standards.

How must a chain-sling be marked?

A chain-sling must be clearly and permanently marked:

• with a capacity tag (including all information required by the applicable standard)
• and an inspection tag

What information is shown on the capacity tag?

The tag includes, among other things, the following information:

• Grade (usually also indicated by the number of chain legs)
• CE marking
• Number of chain legs
• Nominal chain diameter (in mm)
• Manufacturer (e.g. “DD” for Dolezych)
• Date of manufacture (month/year)
• Working Load Limit (WLL)
• Permissible sling angle

What information is shown on the inspection tag?

The inspection tag contains:

• a unique inspection number
• the date of the next inspection

What is the load capacity of a chain-sling if the capacity tag is missing?

The marking must be complete and legible.
If it is damaged or missing entirely, the lifting chain must no longer be used.

In short: Without proper marking, the permissible load capacity is 0.

After reinspection, the capacity tag can be replaced by a qualified inspector.

Which documents are supplied with the chain-sling?

When purchasing a new lifting chain, you will receive:

• the manufacturer's certificate (including the declaration of conformity)

Where can you find the operating instructions for Dolezych chain-slings?

You can find all current instructions in our operating instructions section.