Before any lifting operation begins, one of the first safety checks should be the Chain Sling identification tag. This small tag carries important information that helps operators confirm whether the sling is suitable for the load, the lifting method, and the working condition. Reading it correctly can prevent unsafe lifting, overloading, and equipment misuse.
Chain Slings are commonly used in heavy-duty lifting, rigging, material handling, fabrication, construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, shipbuilding, steel, and infrastructure applications. Since these environments involve heavy and sometimes irregular loads, every sling must be checked before use.
Why the Identification Tag Matters
A Chain Sling identification tag helps the operator understand the sling’s safe lifting limits and basic specifications. It acts as a quick reference point before the sling is connected to a crane hook, hoist, or lifting point.
The tag helps confirm:
- Working Load Limit
- Chain grade
- Sling configuration
- Number of legs
- Chain size
- Manufacturer details
- Traceability or identification number
- Inspection and safety information
A sling should not be used if the tag is missing, unreadable, damaged, or unclear. Without this information, the operator cannot confidently verify whether the sling is suitable for the lifting task.
Check the Working Load Limit
The Working Load Limit, commonly known as WLL, is one of the most important details on the tag. It tells the maximum load the sling can safely lift under specified conditions. Operators should compare the WLL with the actual load weight before lifting. The sling should never be used beyond its rated capacity. If the lift involves angles, multiple sling legs, or uneven load distribution, the effective lifting capacity may change. This is why the WLL should always be checked along with the lifting method.
The chain sling content confirms that Gunnebo Industries Grade 100 alloy Chain Slings are proof-tested to twice their Working Load Limit and marked for traceability.
Check the Chain Grade
The tag may mention the chain grade, such as Grade 100. Chain grade indicates the strength level of the alloy steel chain. Higher-grade chains are designed for stronger lifting performance, but operators should not assume capacity only based on grade. The WLL, chain size, number of legs, and sling configuration must also be checked.
Grade 80 and Grade 100 alloy steel chains are commonly used for heavy-duty lifting, slinging, and material handling because they are engineered for strength, durability, and wear resistance. We supply only Grade 100 chain assuring better safety and product lifetime compared to Grade 80 or Grade 60 chains.
Check the Sling Configuration
Chain Slings can be used in different configurations, including single-leg, multi-leg, and shortened assemblies using grab hooks. The identification tag helps confirm the sling arrangement and capacity. This matters because a single-leg sling and a multi-leg sling will not always have the same lifting capacity. The lifting angle and the way the load is connected can also affect the safe working limit.
Before lifting, operators should confirm that the tag matches the actual sling assembly being used. The master link, coupling links, hooks, grab hooks, and lifting points should also be checked for visible damage, wear, or deformation.
Check Traceability Information
Traceability is important in industrial lifting because it helps connect the sling to its manufacturing and material records. A traceability number or marking helps identify the sling’s source, inspection history, and compliance documentation. The provided chain sling content states that Gunnebo Industries lifting chains are individually marked for traceability back to the raw material batch.
This is useful for maintenance teams, safety officers, and plant operators who need to manage lifting equipment records.
New Sling Tag
We have updated our sling tag to a rougher finish that ensures better readability from a longer distance.