Health and Safety Bulletin No. 1 Embrittlement - Serious risk to alloy lifting chain integrity when lifting loads in a corrosive environment

Certain alloy lifting chains, such as Grade T (8, 80, 800) and Grade V (10, 100, 1000), and associated components may not be suitable for use where corrosive conditions are present, such as the use of acid or caustic baths and particularly where alloy lifting chains are suspended or immersed.  

The steel from which these chains and components are made is susceptible to embrittlement and brittle overload in corrosive environments. 

Embrittlement failures require both a corrosive environment and tensile stresses to be present. 

Embrittlement can take place without any noticeable visual change to the material’s surface.

Corrosive environments are typically found in radiator repair workshops, electroplating workshops, galvanising workplaces or any other industries where items are placed in corrosive baths to clean or treat materials. 

The addition of heat, such a heated caustic bath can increase the level of corrosion and embrittlement.

Alloy lifting chains can also be affected if they are used or stored near such corrosives, because of corrosive fumes in the atmosphere.

Certain alloy lifting chains, such as Grade T (8, 80, 800) and V (10, 100, 1000), and components should not be used or stored where there are corrosive environments due to the use of acid or alkaline products.

A risk assessment should be undertaken where an alloy lifting chain is used or stored in acidic, alkaline or other corrosive environment.

If there is any doubt about the suitability of a chain or other lifting component then users should ensure the chains and components are removed from service immediately and seek advice from a competent person, such as the manufacturer or supplier.