Do Lifting Chains Need to Be Certified?

Mar 10th 2026

Rigging Safety Guide

Understanding inspection requirements, chain grades, and how to choose lifting-rated chain for overhead lifting.

Quick answer: Lifting chains used in overhead lifting must be properly rated, identifiable, and regularly inspected. Using lifting-grade alloy chain and properly tagged chain sling assemblies is the safest and most compliant approach.

Are lifting chains required to be certified?

When people ask whether lifting chains must be certified, they are usually referring to whether the chain is approved for overhead lifting and properly documented. In practice, the critical factors are whether the chain is lifting-rated, traceable to the manufacturer, and maintained through an appropriate inspection program.

Not every chain is designed for overhead lifting. Transport chain, security chain, and general utility chain may appear similar, but they are not interchangeable with alloy lifting chain designed specifically for lifting operations.

For most industrial lifting applications, operations rely on Grade 80, Grade 100, or Grade 120 alloy chain paired with rated components and properly identified chain sling assemblies.

Inspection requirements for lifting chains

Safety standards focus heavily on inspection and equipment condition. Chains and chain sling assemblies should always be checked before use and inspected periodically by qualified personnel. The inspection schedule should reflect how frequently the equipment is used and the environment in which it operates.

Frequent use, harsh environments, shock loading, and exposure to heat or chemicals can all increase wear and require more frequent inspection.

Typical inspection practices

Visual inspection before each lift
Routine inspections performed by trained personnel
Documented periodic inspections
Immediate removal from service if damage is discovered
Replacement of worn or questionable components

Common lifting chain inspection issues

Chains used in rigging operations must remain in good condition to safely support loads. During inspections, riggers should check for the following issues:

Cracked or bent links
Stretching or elongation of the chain
Deep nicks, gouges, or wear
Heat damage or discoloration
Corrosion or pitting
Damaged hooks or connectors
Missing identification tags

If any of these conditions are present, the chain or chain sling should be removed from service until it can be properly evaluated.

Important: Grade 70 transport chain is commonly used for cargo securement, but it is not intended for overhead lifting applications.

Choosing the right lifting chain

Selecting the correct chain involves more than just checking load weight. The lifting configuration, sling angle, hitch type, and environmental conditions all affect the safe working load of a chain sling.

For overhead lifting operations, alloy chain and professionally assembled chain slings provide a reliable solution because they combine lifting-rated chain with compatible hooks, master links, and identification tags.

Explore lifting chain and sling options

Alloy Chain Slings

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Lifting Chain

Compare lifting chain options by grade and application, including lifting-rated alloy chain and transport chain for cargo securement.

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Adjust-A-Link™ Grade 100 Chain Slings

Adjustable chain slings provide flexibility when lifting points vary between jobs, allowing quick adjustment of sling length.

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What Is a Lifting Chain?

Learn how lifting chain works, what grades are used in overhead lifting, and why inspection and traceability matter.

Read the Guide →

Can Grade 70 Chain Be Used for Lifting?

This guide explains the difference between transport chain and lifting chain so you can choose the right equipment.

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Conclusion

Lifting chains used in overhead lifting must be properly rated, clearly identified, and maintained through regular inspection. Using lifting-grade alloy chain and professionally assembled chain slings helps ensure equipment meets the demands of modern rigging operations.

By selecting the correct chain grade and maintaining a strong inspection program, companies can improve lifting safety, protect workers, and extend the service life of their rigging equipment.

Shop lifting chain and chain slings

Find lifting-rated chain, complete chain sling assemblies, and adjustable chain slings for demanding rigging applications.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do lifting chains need to be certified before use?

Lifting chains used in overhead lifting should be lifting-rated, properly identified, and supported by manufacturer documentation where applicable. Just as important, they must be inspected before use and maintained within an ongoing inspection program.

How often should lifting chains be inspected?

Lifting chains and chain slings should be visually inspected before use and periodically inspected by qualified personnel. The inspection frequency depends on service conditions, frequency of use, environmental exposure, and the severity of the application.

What chain grades are used for overhead lifting?

Grade 80, Grade 100, and Grade 120 alloy chain are commonly used for overhead lifting. These grades are designed for lifting applications, unlike transport chain, which is intended for cargo securement rather than overhead lifts.

Can Grade 70 chain be used for lifting?

No. Grade 70 chain is generally used for tie-down and transport applications, not overhead lifting. For lifting applications, use lifting-rated alloy chain and properly assembled chain slings.

What should I do if a chain sling is missing its tag?

If a chain sling is missing its identification tag, it should be removed from service until it can be properly identified and evaluated. Tags are important because they provide critical information such as capacity and product identification.

What damage should inspectors look for on lifting chains?

Inspectors should look for cracked or bent links, elongation, gouges, excessive wear, corrosion, heat damage, damaged hooks or connectors, and missing or unreadable tags. Any questionable chain or sling should be removed from service.

What is the best option for a complete lifting setup?

For many overhead lifting applications, a complete alloy chain sling assembly is the best option because it combines lifting-rated chain, hooks, master links, and identification in one ready-to-use solution. Adjustable chain slings can also be a good choice when lift points vary from job to job.