Ensuring compliance with standards and regulations is critical in industries where lifting and rigging operations are integral to daily tasks. In Australia, the use of lifting chains is governed by strict guidelines to ensure safety and efficiency. This blog will delve into the various standards and regulations that govern lifting chains, providing an overview of what businesses need to do to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

<H2>Key Standards and Regulations for Lifting Chains

• AS 2321:2014 - Short-Link Chain for Lifting Purposes

• This Australian Standard specifies requirements for short-link chains used for lifting purposes, ensuring that the chain is made from high-quality materials and meets specific mechanical properties. It covers dimensions, tolerances, and performance criteria to ensure the chain's reliability and safety in lifting operations.

• AS 3775.1:2014 - Chain Slings for Lifting Purposes - Wrought Steel - Grade T(80) and V(100)

• This standard outlines the requirements for chain slings used for lifting, including the materials, design, manufacture, testing, and marking of chain slings. It ensures that chain slings are capable of safely lifting heavy loads without failure.

• AS 3776:1990 - Lifting Components for Grade T Chain Slings

• This standard covers the components used in Grade T chain slings, such as hooks, links, and connectors. It ensures that these components meet specific mechanical properties and performance criteria to provide safe and reliable lifting solutions.

• AS 4991:2004 - Lifting Devices

• This standard applies to lifting devices, including those that incorporate lifting chains. It specifies requirements for the design, manufacture, testing, and inspection of lifting devices to ensure their safety and reliability in various lifting operations.

<H2>Ensuring Compliance

• Regular Inspections and Maintenance

• Conduct regular inspections of lifting chains and related components to identify any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Implement a maintenance schedule to ensure all lifting equipment remains in optimal condition.   As stated in the Australian Standard AS 2550.1-2020 - General Requirements For Cranes, Hoists And Winches,  it is required that a ‘competent person’ inspect the equipment, and records should be kept of these inspections. Under the Standard, a ‘competent person’ to inspect lifting equipment is someone who, through training, experience, and knowledge, is capable of identifying existing and potential risks, hazards, and non-compliances with the standards and regulations applicable to lifting equipment. This person should be able to evaluate the safety of the equipment, develop inspection plans and procedures, and provide advice on preventive and corrective maintenance. Lifting equipment inspections also need to involve a detailed evaluation of the machinery, its components and safety features. At Bunzl Safety & Lifting, we can provide inspections on all forms of under the hook lifting rigging and height safety equipment at your site (or alternatively, equipment can dropped into one of our branches) by our fully qualified and highly experienced inspectors. All inspections of equipment are also electronically recorded in real time using the latest asset management software, which can be securely accessed by customers at any time.