SIST EN 818-6:2001/oprA1:2006

Overview

EN 818-6:2000/prA1 is a CEN draft amendment for short link chains used in lifting - specifically chain slings. It defines the information on use and maintenance that manufacturers must supply with chain slings manufactured in accordance with EN 818-4 and EN 818-5. Annex A is informative and provides examples of detailed user and maintenance instructions. The document is produced by CEN/TC 168 and supports essential requirements of relevant EU Directives.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Manufacturer information: Specifies the scope and minimum content of instructions that must accompany chain slings, covering safe use, inspection, maintenance, storage and marking.
• Hazard identification: Hazards addressed by this part are identified in clause 4 (the standard references clause-level hazard coverage rather than listing hazards in full within the amendment).
• Use instructions (clause 5.5 amendment): Practical guidance includes use of edge protectors to prevent sharp edges from damaging lifting equipment. The draft amendment adds a recommendation:
  • Edge radius should be > 2 × chain diameter.
  • When lifting directly on lugs, recommended lug diameter is > 3 × chain pitch.
  • If lug diameter is below the recommendation, the working load limit (WLL) must be reduced by 50%.
• Maintenance and inspection guidance: Annex A (informative) contains example procedures and detailed information for routine inspection and maintenance that manufacturers may provide to users.
• Normative alignment and bibliographic updates: The amendment updates references and member lists and aligns the standard with EN 818-4/5 and related references (e.g., EN 1677 series noted in bibliography).

Applications and Who Uses It

• Manufacturers of short link lifting chains and chain slings - to prepare compliant user and maintenance documentation.
• Safety managers and procurement teams - to verify that supplied chain slings include required instructions and WLL guidance.
• Riggers, crane operators and maintenance personnel - who rely on manufacturer information for safe use, inspection intervals and correct maintenance practices.
• Inspectors and certification bodies - for conformity assessment and to ensure instructions meet EN 818-6 requirements.
• Training providers - to develop operator and inspection training aligned with manufacturer guidance.

Related Standards

• EN 818-4 and EN 818-5 - product and testing requirements for chain slings (EN 818-6 applies to slings conforming to these parts).
• EN 1677 series - referenced in the bibliography for related lifting components (bibliographic references updated by the amendment).

This amendment focuses on improving user safety and clarity of manufacturer-provided information for chain slings, promoting safer lifting operations and consistent maintenance practices. Keywords: EN 818-6, chain slings, short link chain, lifting safety, maintenance instructions, WLL, edge protectors.