1.0 Conditions of Use
Intended Purpose: These chains are designed exclusively for lifting pumps and breathers within the water and wastewater sectors.
Load Application:
- Load must be applied solely in the longitudinal direction of the pump lifting chain.
- The maximum permissible load is the Working Load Limit (WLL) specified on the lifting chain's identification tag.
- Chain links must be aligned in the direction of the load.
Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +350°C.
Shock Loading: Applying load with impact or shock is prohibited.
Edge Loading: Must be avoided. If contact with edges is possible, the load must be reduced using the relevant factors as recommended by chain supplier.
Personnel: Operation must be conducted by competent personnel only.
Pre-Use Check: A visual inspection for damage is mandatory before every use.
2.0 Restrictions of Use
Use with chemical substances (e.g., acids, alkalis, their fumes), or in food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications is conditionally permitted and requires prior written approval from the chain supplier for each specific case.
Any surface coating procedure requires prior consultation with the pump lifting chain supplier.
This guide assumes the absence of extremely hazardous conditions. For offshore operations, lifting people, or handling hazardous loads (e.g., liquid metal, nuclear materials), a specific risk assessment regarding the chain's suitability is mandatory.
3.0 Inspection Before First Use
Prior to initial operation, verify:
The delivered pump lifting chain matches the order specifications.
The Test Certificate, Certificate of Conformity, and Declaration of Conformity are present.
All markings on the stainless steel pump lifting chain (WLL, identification) correspond with the provided certificates.
All stainless steel pump lifting chain data is recorded in a dedicated chain register/file.
This operating guide is available to, and has been read and understood by, all relevant personnel.
4.0 Inspection Before Each Use of Pump Lifting Chain
The chain must be in a clean condition and visually inspected for any visible damage before every lifting operation. If damage is suspected or any withdrawal criteria (Section 10.0) are met, the chain must be immediately withdrawn from service for inspection by a competent person.
5.0 Inspection After Extraordinary Events
Following any extraordinary event (e.g., accident, overload, collision, exposure to extreme heat, acids, or chemicals), the chain must be immediately taken out of service and inspected by a qualified person.
6.0 Reasonably Foreseeable Misuse
Single-leg pump lifting chains must not be used as multi-leg slings.
Never use for lifting persons.
Do not use in explosion-protected areas or for purposes not specified in Sections 1.0 & 2.0.
Do not apply heat, weld on, or drill into the stainless steel pump lifting chains.
7.0 Assembly Instructions
Assembly to the pump or breather must be performed by a qualified person. All connecting components (e.g., shackles) must be rated for lifting purposes.
8.0 User Safety Precautions
Wear suitable gloves during handling and operation.
When operating under conditions noted in Restrictions of Use (Section 2.0), the Working Load Limit (WLL) must be reduced using the assigned reduction factors to maintain the required safety level.
9.0 Residual Risks
Chain failure and dropped loads may result from:
Exceeding the WLL.
Failure to reduce the WLL under severe conditions (temperature, edge loading, shock).
Inappropriate use with chemicals, food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals.
Severe vibration under heavy load, transverse loading, or using uninspected, knotted, or twisted chains.
10.0 Actions in Case of Accidents or Damage
If the chain is deformed due to overload or any extraordinary event, the entire lifting assembly must be withdrawn from service for inspection/repair by a qualified person.
11.0 Maintenance, Inspection, and Repair of Pump Lifting Chains
Maintenance: Clean chains regularly.
Inspection:
Inspect in a clean, dry state, free of oil and dirt.
Painting is only permitted if it does not hinder condition evaluation. Never cover surface cracks or defects.
Cleaning must not cause material embrittlement, overheating (e.g., flame cleaning), or abrasion (e.g., sandblasting).
Perform a formal inspection by a competent person at least annually. Increase inspection frequency based on severity of service (e.g., frequent WLL lifts, corrosive environments, visible wear).
It is recommended to perform a crack test (e.g., load test to 1.5 x WLL with visual inspection, or dye-penetrant test) every two years.
Withdrawal Criteria: Remove chain from service if any of the following are found:
Broken parts, deformation, notches, or cracks.
Doubts concerning safety or correct function.
Missing or illegible identification tag.
Unreadable component markings.
Wear where the mean link diameter is reduced to 90% or less of its nominal size.
Repair: Repairs may only be conducted by a qualified person. Welding, heat treatment, and straightening of bent links are strictly forbidden. All inspections and repairs must be documented and records kept for the pump lifting chain's service life.
12.0 Storage
Store pump lifting chains clean and dry. Protect from chemical, mechanical, and thermal influences during storage.
Post time: Dec-19-2025
