(1) Sling identification. You must ensure that alloy steel chain slings have permanently affixed durable identification stating size, grade, rated capacity and reach.

(2) Attachments.

(a) You must ensure that hooks, rings, oblong links, pear shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links or other attachments have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain with which they are used or you must not use the sling in excess of the rated capacity of the weakest component.

(b) You must not use the makeshift links or fasteners formed from bolts or rods, or other such attachments.

(3) Inspections.

(a) In addition to the inspection required by WAC 296-24-29421, you must perform a thorough periodic inspection of alloy steel chain slings in use on a regular basis, to be determined on the basis of:

(i) Frequency of sling use;

(ii) Severity of service conditions;

(iii) Nature of lifts being made; and

(iv) Experience gained on the service life of slings used in similar circumstances. Such inspections must in no event be at intervals greater than once every 12 months.

(b) You must make and maintain a record of the most recent month in which each alloy steel chain sling was thoroughly inspected, and you must make such record available for examination.

(c) The thorough inspection of alloy steel chain slings must be performed by a competent person designated by the employer, and must include a thorough inspection for wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length. Where such defects or deterioration are present, you must immediately remove the sling from service.

(4) Proof testing. You must ensure that before use, each new, repaired, or reconditioned alloy steel chain sling, including all welded components in the sling assembly, is proof tested by the sling manufacturer or equivalent entity, in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of the American Society of Testing and Materials Specification A391-65 (ANSI G61.1-1968). You must retain a certificate of the proof test and shall make it available for examination.

(5) Safe operating temperatures. You must permanently remove an alloy steel-chain sling from service if it is heated above 1000°F. When exposed to service temperatures in excess of 600°F, employers must reduce the maximum working load limits permitted by the chain manufacturer in accordance with the chain or sling manufacturer's recommendations.

(6) Repairing and reconditioning alloy steel chain slings.

(a) You must not use worn or damaged alloy steel chain slings or attachments until repaired. When welding or heat testing is performed, you must not use slings unless repaired, reconditioned and proof tested by the sling manufacturer or an equivalent entity.

(b) You must not use mechanical coupling links or low carbon steel repair links to repair broken lengths of chain.

(7) Effects of wear. If the chain size at any point of any links is less than that stated in Table D-1, you must ensure the sling is removed from service.

(8) Deformed attachments.

(a) You must remove alloy steel chain sling with cracked or deformed master links, coupling links or other components from service.

(b) You must remove slings from service if hooks are cracked, have been opened more than 15% of the normal throat opening measured at the narrowest point or twisted more than 10 degrees from the plane of the unbent hook.