BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

818-4:1996
+A1:2008
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Short link chain for

lifting purposes —
Safety —
Part 4: Chain slings — Grade 8

ICS 53.020.30

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008

National foreword

This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008.

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It supersedes BS EN 818-4:1996 which is withdrawn.

The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in
the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to CEN text carry the number of the
CEN amendment. For example, text altered by CEN amendment A1 is
indicated by !".
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
MHE/1, Chains and fittings.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

This British Standard was Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

published under the
authority of the Standards
Board and comes into effect Date Comments
on 15 April 1997
30 September 2008 Implementation of CEN amendment A1:2008, and
© BSI 2008 alignment of BSI and CEN publication dates

ISBN 978 0 580 64080 3

 EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 818-4:1996+A1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2008
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ICS 53.020.30 Supersedes EN 818-4:1996

English Version

Short link chain for lifting purposes - Safety - Part 4: Chain slings
- Grade 8

Chaînes de levage à maillons courts - Sécurité - Partie 4: Kurzgliedrige Rundstahlketten für Hebezwecke - Sicherheit
Elingues en chaînes - Classe 8 - Teil 4: Anschlagketten - Güteklasse 8

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 7 March 1996 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 10 February 2008.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)
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Contents Page

Foreword..............................................................................................................................................................4
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................5
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................6
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................6
3 !Terms and definitions".................................................................................................................7
4 Hazards ...................................................................................................................................................8
5 Safety requirements ..............................................................................................................................9
5.1 Components of a chain sling................................................................................................................9
5.1.1 Chain .......................................................................................................................................................9
5.1.2 Forged steel components .....................................................................................................................9
5.1.3 Links........................................................................................................................................................9
5.1.4 Hooks ......................................................................................................................................................9
5.2 Design and construction.....................................................................................................................10
5.2.1 !Chain slings" assembled with mechanical joining devices ...................................................10
5.2.2 !Chain" slings assembled by welding .......................................................................................10
5.2.3 Endless !chain" slings.................................................................................................................10
5.2.4 Tolerance on length.............................................................................................................................10
5.3 Working load rating .............................................................................................................................11
5.3.1 Single-leg !chain" slings .............................................................................................................11
5.3.2 Multi-leg !chain" slings................................................................................................................11
5.3.3 Endless !chain" slings.................................................................................................................11
6 Verification of safety requirements....................................................................................................12
6.1 !Qualification of personnel .............................................................................................................12
6.2 Manufacturing proof force ..................................................................................................................13
6.2.1 General..................................................................................................................................................13
6.2.2 Manufacturing proof force factors .....................................................................................................13
6.2.3 Post-test examination .........................................................................................................................13
6.3 Final examination.................................................................................................................................13
6.3.1 !Chain" slings joined by mechanical devices ...........................................................................13
6.3.2 !Chain" slings of welded construction ......................................................................................13
7 Marking .................................................................................................................................................14
7.1 General..................................................................................................................................................14
7.2 Single-leg !chain" slings .............................................................................................................14
7.3 Multi-leg !chain" slings rated for a range of angles from 0° to 45° to the vertical ................14
8 Manufacturer's certificate ...................................................................................................................15
8.1 General..................................................................................................................................................15
8.2 !Chain" slings of welded construction ......................................................................................15
8.3 !Chain" slings joined by mechanical devices ...........................................................................15
9 !Information" for use ...................................................................................................................16
Annex A (normative) Alternative method of rating and marking a chain sling for a specific lifting
application ............................................................................................................................................21
A.1 General..................................................................................................................................................21
A.2 Alternative method of rating...............................................................................................................21
A.3 Manufacturing proof force ..................................................................................................................21
A.4 Marking of !chain" slings rated by the alternative method of rating......................................22
Annex B (informative) !Bases for calculation of values for the working load limits" ........................23

2
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EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

B.1 Calculated values of working load limits (WLL) for single-leg !chain" slings ......................23
B.2 Calculated values of working load limits (WLL) for multi-leg !chain" slings ........................23
Annex C (informative) Designation system for chain slings - Grade 8 .......................................................24
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Annex D (!normative") Identification tags for chain slings ..................................................................25

D.1 General .................................................................................................................................................25
D.2 Tags for chain slings...........................................................................................................................25
Annex ZA (informative) !Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC............................................................................................27
Annex ZB (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC........................................................................................28
!Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................29

3
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)
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Foreword
This document (EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 168 “Chains,
ropes, webbing, slings and accessories - Safety”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2008 and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by October 2008.

This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2008-02-10.

This document supersedes EN 814-4:1996.

The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ".

!This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).

For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annexes ZA and ZB, which are integral parts of this
document."

The other parts of EN 818 are:

Part 1 : General conditions of acceptance

Part 2 : Medium tolerance chain for chain slings - Grade 8

Part 3 : Medium tolerance chain for chain slings - Grade 4

Part 5 : Chain slings - Grade 4

!Part 6 : Chain slings – Specification for information for use and maintenance to be provided by the
manufacturer"

!Part 7 : Fine tolerance hoist chain, Grade T (Types T, DAT and DT)"

!deleted text"

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)
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Introduction
This European Standard has been prepared to be a harmonized standard to provide one means of conforming
with the essential safety requirements of the Machinery Directive.

The Directive stipulates that where chain with welded links is used for lifting accessories it is to be of short line
type and for the purposes of this standard this is chain having a ratio of nominal pitch to nominal size of 3:1.

The extent to which hazards are covered is indicated in the scope of this Part of EN 818. In addition, lifting
equipment shall comply as appropriate with !EN ISO 12100" for hazards which are not covered by this
standard.

Annex C gives a designation system for recording the identifying features of grade 8 chain slings. Since this
system is not widely used it has been included in this first edition of this standard as an informative annex,
however should its use become more generally accepted then the status of the information would need to be
reviewed.

!This standard is a Type C standard as stated in EN ISO 12100.

When provisions of this type C standard are different from those which are stated in type A or B standards, the
provisions of this type C standard take precedence over the provisions of the other standards, for equipment
that have been designed and built according to the provisions of this type C standard."

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

1 Scope
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This European Standard specifies the requirements related to safety, methods of rating and testing of single-,
two-, three-, four-leg and endless chain slings assembled by:

a) mechanical joining devices;

b) welding

using short link grade 8 medium tolerance lifting chain conforming to EN 818-2 together with the appropriate
range of components of the same grade.

!deleted text"

The hazards covered by this European Standard are identified in clause 4.

Bases for the calculation of working load limits are given in annex B.

Annex C gives an example of a designation system for chain slings.

2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated, references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of any of these publications apply
to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references, the
latest edition of the publication referred to applies.

!deleted text"

EN 818-1, Short link chain for lifting purposes - Safety – Part 1: General conditions of acceptance

EN 818-2, Short link chain for lifting purposes - Safety – Part 2: Medium tolerance chain for chain slings -
Grade 8

!EN 818-6:2000+A1", Short link chain for lifting purposes - Safety – Part 6: Chain slings - Instructions for
use and maintenance

!EN 1050", Safety of machinery – Risk assessment

!EN 1677-1:2000+A1", Components for slings - Safety – Part 1: Forged steel components - Grade 8

!EN 1677-2:2000+A1", Components for slings - Safety – Part 2: Forged steel lifting hooks with latch -
Grade 8

!EN 1677-4:2000+A1", Components for slings - Safety – Part 4: Links - Grade 8

!deleted text"

!EN ISO 12100-1, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 1: Basic
terminology, methodology (ISO 12100-1:2003)

EN ISO 12100-2, Safety of machinery - Basic concepts, general principles for design - Part 2: Technical
principles (ISO 12100-2:2003)"

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

3 !Terms and definitions"

!For the purposes of this document, the terms, definitions and symbols given in EN 818-1:1996+A1 and the
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

following apply."

!3.1
chain sling
assembly consisting of a chain leg or chain legs joined to upper and lower terminals for attaching loads to the
hook of a crane or other lifting machine

NOTE See Figures 1 to 4."

3.2
nominal size of !chain" sling
The nominal size of short link chain, in millimetres, used in the manufacture of the !chain" sling.

3.3
nominal grade of !chain" sling
For the purpose of designation in accordance with annex C, is the same as the grade of the short link chain
used in the manufacture of the !chain" sling i.e. 8.

3.4
master link
A link forming the upper terminal of a chain by means of which the !chain" sling is attached to the hook of
a crane or other lifting machine. !deleted text"

!NOTE See Figures 1 to 4."

3.5
length of a leg
For a finished !chain" sling, is the length from the lower bearing point of the lower terminal to the upper
bearing point of the upper terminal !deleted text".

!NOTE See Figures 1 to 4."

3.6
intermediate master link
A link used to connect one or two legs of a sling to a master link.

3.7
lower terminal
A link, hook or other device fitted at the end of a leg of a sling, remote from the master link or upper terminal.

3.8
mechanical joining device
A means of connection which does not depend on welding. It may be integral with a component or be a
separate component !deleted text".

!NOTE See Figure 5."

3.9
joining link
A welded link fitted to the end of a chain to connect it either directly or through an intermediate link to an upper
or lower terminal or intermediate master link or in the case of an endless !chain" sling to the other end of
the chain !deleted text".

!NOTE See Figures 1 to 4."

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

3.10
intermediate link
A welded link used to form a connection between the terminal and the joining link fitted to the chain !deleted
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text".

!NOTE See Figures 1 to 4."

3.11
manufacturing proof force (MPF) of a chain sling
A force applied during manufacture as a test to the whole !chain" sling or a force applied as a test to a
section of !chain" sling.

3.12
working load limit (WLL) of a chain sling:
The maximum mass which a sling is authorized to sustain in general lifting service.

!3.13
master link assembly
assembly consisting of a master link together with two intermediate master links"

4 Hazards
!Accidental release of a load, or release of a load due to" failure of lifting accessories such as slings or
their component parts puts at risk either directly or indirectly the !safety or health" or health of those
persons within the danger zone of lifting equipment.

In order to provide the necessary strength and durability of lifting accessories this Part of EN 818 lays down
requirements for the design, selection of materials of construction and testing to ensure that specified levels of
performance are met.

Fatigue failure has not been identified as a hazard when chain slings having the specified levels of
performance given in this Part of EN 818 are used in general lifting service.

Since failure can be caused by the incorrect choice of grade and specification of lifting accessory this Part of
EN 818 also gives the requirements for marking and the manufacturer's certificate.

Errors in fitting together of !slings" can also lead to premature failure and this Part of EN 818 contains
dimensional requirements to allow correct fit.

Those aspects of safe use associated with good practice are given in !EN 818-6:2000+A1".

Table 1 contains !those hazards", which require action to reduce risk identified by risk assessment as
being specific and significant for chain slings grade 8.

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Table 1 — Hazards and associated requirements

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Hazards identified in annex A of Relevant

!EN 1050" clause/sub-clause
of this Part of EN
818

!1 e)" Mechanical hazard

due to inadequacy 5
of strength
!deleted text"

15 Errors of fitting 5.2

hazard

5 Safety requirements

5.1 Components of a chain sling

5.1.1 Chain

The chain shall comply with EN 818-2.

5.1.2 Forged steel components

Forged steel components, including mechanical joining devices, for use with grade 8 chain in the manufacture
of chain slings shall comply with !EN 1677-1:2000+A1".

5.1.3 Links

Master links and intermediate master links shall comply with !EN 1677-4:2000+A1".

Lower terminal links shall comply with !EN 1677-4:2000+A1" except for those clauses relating to link
dimensions.

Joining links and intermediate links shall comply with !EN 1677-4:2000+A1" except for those clauses
related to link dimensions.

Lower terminal links, joining links and intermediate links shall satisfy the appropriate requirements of 5.2.

5.1.4 Hooks

Forged steel lifting hooks with latch shall comply with !EN 1677-2:2000+A1".

Hooks not covered by these standards shall comply with the requirements of 5.1.2.

NOTE The details of forged steel self-locking hooks are contained in !EN 1677-3:2001+A1", which is in the
course of preparation.

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

5.2 Design and construction

5.2.1 !Chain slings" assembled with mechanical joining devices

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5.2.1.1 The assembly of the !chain" sling shall be undertaken in accordance with the chain
manufacturer's instructions.

5.2.1.2 !Chain" slings shall be so designed and manufactured that when assembled in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions, the unintentional disconnection of any component part cannot occur.

5.2.1.3 Pear-shaped links shall only be used if they have an integral joining device.

5.2.1.4 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.

5.2.1.5 The component parts of the chain sling shall comply with the requirements of 5.1 except in respect
of joining and intermediate links.

5.2.2 !Chain" slings assembled by welding

5.2.2.1 Pear-shaped links shall not be used as terminals.

5.2.2.2 Joining links and intermediate links shall have a working load limit not less than that of the chain(s)
to which they are connected in a chain sling.

5.2.2.3 The dimensions of joining links and intermediate links shall be such as to ensure adequate
articulation with parts of the chain sling which they connect.

5.2.2.4 The component parts of the !chain" sling shall comply with the requirements of 5.1.

5.2.3 Endless !chain" slings

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.

5.2.4 Tolerance on length

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

5.2.4.2 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 2.

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Table 2 — Tolerance on length

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Multiple leg !chain" slings

Type of !chain" sling Difference in length between the longest and shortest legs

Nominal lengths up to and Nominal lengths over 2 m

including 2 m

Joined by mechanical devices 10 mm max. 5 mm/m

Assembled by welding 6 mm max. 3 mm/m

5.3 Working load rating

5.3.1 Single-leg !chain" slings

Single-leg !chain" slings shall be rated at a working load limit in accordance with table 3.

5.3.2 Multi-leg !chain" slings

Multi-leg !chain" slings shall be rated for symmetrically distributed loads only and in accordance with
table 3.

Each !chain" sling shall have a single working load limit for the range of angles from 0 up to and
including 45° to the vertical or additionally a working load limit for the range of angles from 45° up to including
60° to the vertical.

NOTE An alternative method for rating and marking of !chain" slings when not for use general service is given in
annex A.

NOTE For rating of !chain" slings with asymmetrically distributed loads see !EN 818-6:2000+A1".

5.3.3 Endless !chain" slings

Endless !chain" slings shall be rated for choke-hitch only and be in accordance with table 3.

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Table 3 — Working load limits

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Nominal size Working load limits, t, for

of
!chain" β β
β

sling
90

mm

Single-leg Three - and - four - leg

Two leg !chain" slings
!chain" !chain" slings
slings
0° < β ≤ 45° 45° < β ≤ 60° 0° < β ≤ 45° 45° < β ≤ 60°
Endless
!chain"
slings in
choke hitch

Factor 1,4 Factor 1,0 Factor 2,1 Factor 1,5 Factor 1,6

4 0,5 0,71 0,5 1,06 0,75 0,8

5 0,8 1,12 0,8 1,6 1,18 1,25
6 1,12 1,6 1,12 2,36 1,7 1,8

7 1,5 2,12 1,5 3,15 2,24 2,5

8 2 2,8 2 4,25 3 3,15
10 3,15 4,25 3,15 6,7 4,75 5

13 5,3 7,5 5,3 11,2 8 8,5

16 8 11,2 8 17 11,8 12,5
18 10 14 10 21,2 15 16

19 11,2 16 11,2 23,6 17 18

20 12,5 17 12,5 26,5 19 20
22 15 21,2 15 31,5 22,4 23,6

23 16 23,6 16 35,5 25 26,5

25 20 28 20 40 30 31,5
26 21,2 30 21,2 45 31,5 33,5

28 25 33,5 25 50 37,5 40
32 31,5 45 31,5 67 47,5 50
36 40 56 40 85 60 63

40 50 71 50 106 75 80
45 63 90 63 132 95 100

!deleted text"

6 Verification of safety requirements

6.1 !Qualification of personnel

All testing and examinations shall be carried out by a competent person."

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

6.2 Manufacturing proof force

6.2.1 General
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Unless 6.2.1 b) applies, assembled !chain" slings with accessories shall be subjected to a manufacturing
proof force test.

Each individual section of a !chain" sling (i.e. MPF1, MPF2, MPF3 and MPF4 in figure 6) shall be
subjected to a force at least equal to 2,5 times its working load limit in accordance with !6.2.2".

6.2.2 Manufacturing proof force factors

Sections of !chain" sling assemblies shall be subjected to manufacturing proof forces in kilonewtons, at
least equivalent to loads calculated by multiplying the working load limit of the relevant chain size by the
factors given in table 4.

Table 4 — Manufacturing proof force factors

Section to which manufacturing proof Manufacturing proof force factors

force is applied (see figure 6)

MPF1 2,5
MPF2 3,5
MPF3 4
MPF4 5,25

6.2.3 Post-test examination

After completion of the manufacturing proof force test, when required (see !6.3.1" a) and !6.3.2")
and the removal of the force, the !chain" sling shall be examined by a competent person. Any faulty
chain or component shall be replaced, and the !chain" sling re-tested and re-examined by a competent
person.

6.3 Final examination

6.3.1 !Chain" slings joined by mechanical devices

Following completion of the assembly of the !chain" sling, it shall either:

a) Be subjected to the manufacturing proof force(s) and subsequently examined by a competent

person in accordance with !6.2"; or

b) Be examined visually by a competent person to ensure freedom from defects provided that the
chain and each component has been certified as having been subjected to the manufacturing test as
specified in:

1) EN 818-1 and EN 818-2 for short link chain of grade 8;

2) !EN 1677-1:2000+A1" to !EN 1677-4:2000+A1" for components of grade 8

for chain slings (see 5.1).

6.3.2 !Chain" slings of welded construction

Following completion of the welded !chain" sling the joining links shall be heat treated and samples of
links tested in accordance with !EN 1677-4:2000+A1".

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

If the whole !chain" sling is heat treated it shall be subjected to the manufacturing proof force(s) and
subsequently examined by a competent person in accordance with !6.2". The manufacturer shall also
verify that all components remain in accordance with the appropriate standards specified in 5.1.
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If only the inserted links are heat treated they and any parts of the !chain" sling affected by their
processing shall be subjected to the manufacturing proof force(s) and subsequently examined by a competent
person in accordance with !6.2" provided that the chain and all other components have been certified as
having been subjected to the manufacturing test as specified in:

1) EN 818-1 and EN 818-2 for short link chain of grade 8;

2) !EN 1677-1:2000+A1" to !EN 1677-4:2000+A1" for components of grade 8

for chain slings (see 5.1).

7 Marking

7.1 General

!Each chain sling shall be marked in compliance with this clause. The information specified in 7.2 and 7.3
shall be marked on a substantial metal tag as shown in Annex D or on a label permanently attached to the
master link or to a link immediately adjacent to it.

NOTE The information may also be marked all or in part on the master link, provided that the mechanical properties
of the link are not impaired."

7.2 Single-leg !chain" slings

The following information shall be marked:

a) !the working load limit in tonnes, unit t to be included;"

b) the individual identification mark (related to the 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.

7.3 Multi-leg !chain" slings rated for a range of angles from 0° to 45° to the vertical

The following information shall be marked:

a) the working load limit and the range of angles

example: 16t 0° to 45°'

b) the individual identification mark (related to the manufacturer's certificate);

c) the grade of the !chain" sling i.e. "8";

d) the !chain" sling manufacturer's name or symbol;

e) the number of legs;

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 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

NOTE In addition, the tag or label or a separate tag or label attached in a similar manner may be marked with the
working load limit applicable for use at 45° to 60° to the vertical.
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

example: 11,2t 45° to 60°.

NOTE The nominal size may be marked if required as an option.

8 Manufacturer's certificate

8.1 General

Each assembled !chain" sling shall be provided with a dated certificate stating conformance with this Part
of EN 818 and giving at least the following information:

a) the name of the !chain" sling manufacturer or supplier including date of issue of the
certificate and authentication;

b) number and Part of this standard i.e. EN 818-4;

c) the identification number or symbol of the !chain" sling;

d) a description of the !chain" sling, to include a list of all component parts;

e) the nominal size of chain and grade mark 8;

f) the nominal length

g) the working load limit (WLL).

NOTE The manufacturer named on the certificate can be the fabricator of a welded !chain" sling or the
assembler of a !chain" sling jointed by mechanical devices.

8.2 !Chain" slings of welded construction

In addition to the information given in 8.1 the certificate shall also include:

a) the value of manufacturing proof force(s) applied;

b) the name of the person or establishment which carried out the manufacturing proof force test
and final examination.

8.3 !Chain" slings joined by mechanical devices

In addition to the information given in 8.1 the certificate shall also include:

a) in the case of !chain" slings proof-tested following assembly (see !6.3.1" a)), the
following information:

1) the name of the person or establishment which carried out the manufacturing proof
test and final examination;

2) the value of manufacturing proof force(s) applied;

b) tn the case of !chain" slings not proof-tested after assembly (see !6.3.1" b)), the
name of the competent person or establishment which carried out the visual examination.

15
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

9 !Information" for use

!Information" for use shall accompany each chain sling and shall be in accordance with the relevant
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

clauses of !EN 818-6:2000+A1".

!
1

Key

1 master link L 3

2 mechanical joining device

3 chain
4 mechanical joining device 4
5 hook or other lower
terminal 5

L length of chain sling

a) Mechanically joined single-leg chain sling

2
Key
3
1 master link
2 intermediate link (if
required) 4
L

3 joining link
4 chain 5

5 joining link 6

6 intermediate link (if

required) 7
7 hook or other lower
terminal
L length of chain sling
b) Welded single-leg chain sling

NOTE The chain slings shown are examples of typical forms of single-leg chain slings to illustrate the terms used but
are not intended to limit the design of chain slings.

Figure 1 — Single-leg chain slings"

16
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

!
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

Key 3

1 master link

L
4
2 intermediate link (if required)
3 joining link
4 chain 5

5 joining link 6

6 intermediate link (if required)

7 hook or other lower terminal 7

L length of chain sling

NOTE Mechanical joining devices would replace intermediate and joining links for mechanically joined chain slings
(see Figure 1).

Figure 2 — Two-leg chain sling"

2
Key
3
1 master link 4
L

2 intermediate master link

3 joining link
5
4 chain
5 joining link 6

6 intermediate link (if required)

7 sling hook or other terminal
7
L length of chain sling

NOTE Mechanical joining devices would replace intermediate and joining links for mechanically joined chain slings
(see Figure 1).

Figure 3 — Three-leg chain slings"

17
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

!
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

3
4

L
Key

1 master link
2 intermediate master link
5
3 joining link
6
4 chain
5 joining link
6 intermediate link (if required)
7 sling hook or other terminal
7
L length of chain sling

NOTE Mechanical joining devices would replace intermediate and joining links for mechanically joined chain slings
(see Figure 1).

Figure 4 — Four-leg chain sling"

18
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

!
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

Key

A mechanical joining devices

NOTE Typical examples of mechanical joining devices are shown, the examples illustrated are not intended to limit
the design of mechanical joining devices.

Figure 5 — Mechanical joining devices"

19
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

a) Single-leg sling b) Two-leg slings

c) Three-leg slings d) Four-leg slings

Figure 6 — Sections of slings to which manufacturing proof force is applied

20
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Annex A
(normative)
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Alternative method of rating and marking a chain sling for a specific

lifting application

A.1 General
The rating of a chain sling used for a specific application is given in A.2 and may be used as an alternative to
the method of rating given in 5.3.

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.

A.2 Alternative method of rating

NOTE A master link designed for use in a !chain" sling rated by the method given in 5.3 is not necessarily
suitable for a !chain" sling rated by the alternative method.

A.2.1 Two-leg !chain" slings

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

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

A.2.2 Three and four-leg !chain" slings

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 of a single-leg x cos β"

A.3 Manufacturing proof force

Where the alternative method of rating is adopted assembled !chain" slings with accessories shall be
subjected to a manufacturing proof force test generally in accordance with !6.2" except that the
manufacturing proof force factors shall be as given in table A1.

21
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Table A.1 — Manufacturing proof force factors for the alternative method of rating
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

Section to which Manufacturing proof force

manufacturing proof force factors
is applied

MPF1 2,5
MPF2 5,0
MPF3 5,0
MPF4 10,0

A.4 Marking of !chain" slings rated by the alternative method of rating

A.4.1 General

The information specified in A.4.2 shall be either:

a) marked on a metal tag or label permanently attached to the master link or to a link immediately
adjacent to it; or

b) all or part of the information marked on the master link, provided that the mechanical
properties of the link are not impaired.

A.4.2 Multi-leg !chain" slings rated by the alternative method

The following information shall be marked:

a) the working load limit and the angle at which rated;

example: 16 t 27°;

b) the individual identification mark (related to the manufacturer's certificate);

c) the manufacturer's name or symbol;

d) the grade of the !chain" sling "8";

e) the number of legs;

NOTE The nominal size of chain may be marked if required as an option.

22
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Annex B
(informative)
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

!Bases for calculation of values for the working load limits"

B.1 Calculated values of working load limits (WLL) for single-leg !chain" slings
!The calculated values for the working load limits are based on the following equation:"

2 × 1 4 × π × 200 × d n2
WLL = in t
g × 1000

WLL = 0,0320353 d n2 in t

where:

WLL is expressed in tonnes, and

2
g = acceleration due to gravity (in m/s i.e. 9,806 65).

!The calculated values have been rounded down to the nearest lower value of the R40 series of preferred
numbers in accordance with ISO 497. These values are listed in Table 3 column 2."

B.2 Calculated values of working load limits (WLL) for multi-leg !chain" slings
!The calculated values for the working load limits are based on the equation for the single-leg chain sling
multiplied by the appropriate factor given in Table 3. They have been rounded down to the nearest lower value
of the R40 series of preferred numbers in accordance with ISO 497. These values are listed in Table 3
columns 3 to 7."

e.g. for the 22 mm nominal size -

15,505 x 1,4 = 21,7.

The next lower R40 number is 21,2.

23
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Annex C
(informative)
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

Designation system for chain slings - Grade 8

General format

EN 818-4 -8- 10x30 H 2 M 2500

EN and part(s) Number block

Grade of sling

Size of chain

Lower terminals
Hook – H
Link – L
Special – S

Number of legs
Type of manufacture: welded W
mechanical M

Length of a leg in mm

24
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Annex D
(!normative")
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

Identification tags for chain slings

D.1 General
For the purposes of identification of chain slings, tags !shall" be affixed to the slings having the
information for marking given in 7.2 legibly and permanently embossed or stamped.

Suspension elements and lower terminals of chain slings !shall" not exhibit a marking of the working load
limit.

D.2 Tags for chain slings

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 in figures D1 and D2.

Front side

(rear side left blank)

1
90º
1
20 t

3
Key

1 number of chain legs

2 manufacturer's name or symbol

3 individual identification mark

4 code number denoting nominal size of chain, in mm

Figure D.1 — Tags for single-leg chain slings

25
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

45º
45º 60º
1
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

t
2 2
20 60º 20 t t

2 t

3 4 5

Key

1 number of chain legs

2 code number denoting nominal size of chain, in mm

3 front side (rear side left blank)

4 front side

5 rear side (if the particulars are displayed on both sides)

Figure D.2 — Tags for multi-leg chain slings

26
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Annex ZA
(informative)
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!Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of the
New Approach Directive 98/37/EC, amended by 98/79/CE on machinery.

Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and has
been implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the normative
clauses of this standard confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity
with the relevant Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

WARNING - Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling
within the scope of this standard.

27
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

Annex ZB
(informative)
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of the
New Approach Directive 2006/42/EC on machinery.

Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and has
been implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the normative
clauses of this standard confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of conformity
with the relevant Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

WARNING - Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the
scope of this standard."."

28
 BS EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008
EN 818-4:1996+A1:2008 (E)

!Bibliography
Licensed copy: Ehab Tadrous, Petrolift, Version correct as of 21/02/2010 11:24, (c) BSI

[1] ISO 497, Guide to the choice of series of preferred numbers and of series containing more rounded
values of preferred numbers"

29
 BS EN
818-4:1996
+A1:2008 British Standards Institution (BSI)
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.
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