UK Lifting Equipment are a Nottinghamshire based company with over 28 years combined experience in the manufacture and supply of lifting equipment and components. In the time we have been trading, we have seen many improvements in the standards to which chains and other components are made, especially those relating to health and safety.
One of the most significant standards which applies to chains is the grading system which has been adopted by many legislative and trade bodies in many different lands. The purpose of this standard is to classify different types of chains and to specify which types of chains can safely be used for certain applications and in certain environments. As lifting equipment specialists, all the lifting chains and lifting chain slings we supply are of Grade 8 or Grade 10 specification.
The chain grading system is primarily concerned with the material from which chains and components are made, and the tensile strength and hardness of those materials. Lower grades, such as 3 and 7, are made from carbon steel and are suitable for applications such as guard rails and securing loads onto trailers. These types of chain should not be used for overhead lifting. Grades 8 and grade 10 lifting chains are made from alloy steel, which means they are stronger and harder than carbon steel chains, and are suitable for lifting operations.
When installing one or several lifting chain slings at your premises, it is important to correctly calculate the specification of sling which will be required. This is not as simple as calculating the maximum weight of the load and selecting a chain which can support that weight; there are other factors which must be taken into account, such as the angle at which the chains will bear the load, and the points at which they will be attached. There are established formulae which can help you with such calculations. If you are unsure how to go about calculating your requirements, get in touch with our friendly and experienced team who will be happy to help.
You will find that once you have the relevant information, it is quite straightforward to decide which grade of lifting chains will be best in your case. For example, it may be the case that there are Grade 8 lifting chain slings available which can safely handle the maximum proposed load. However, by opting for Grade 10 lifting chain slings instead, you could construct a sling of equal capacity with slimmer chains, reducing the overall weight of the rig and improving manoeuvrability.
It is of utmost importance that all lifting chains and lifting chain slings are installed, operated and maintained in harmony with LOLER and other relevant regulations. Here at UK Lifting Equipment, we will be happy to help you determine what equipment you require, and supply Grade 10 and Grade 8 lifting chains and components for you installation. With our competitive product ranges and UK based sales and support team, trust us for lifting equipment supplies.
