Page 87 - Green Pin Product Catalog

Machinery definition according to Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC – Article 2 – definitions (a) and
Machinery Regulation 2023/1230/EU

“An assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves and which are joined together,
intended for lifting loads and whose only power source is directly applied human effort.”
“The maximum working load shall be prominently marked on the lifting machinery. The marking shall be
legible, indelible and in an un-coded form. Where the maximum working load depends on the configuration
of the lifting machinery, each operating position shall be provided with a load plate indicating, preferably in
diagrammatic form or by means of tables, the working load permitted for each configuration.” LIFTING SLING FITTINGS

This definition means that a sling is a Machine and that the hooks, master links and connecting links are not
considered as a machine themselves, but as components of a machine. The CE and the WLL markings in
consequence, are mandatory only on the assembled sling tag as the sling is the machine according to MD
2006/42/EC. This rule is still valid with the new Machine Regulation 2023/1230 which will replace the MD
cited previously within early 2027.

Instructions for use

Master links and master link assemblies, should be inspected before use to ensure that:
• all markings are legible.
• Master links and master link assemblies with the correct WLL has been selected with respect to
the sling design.
• Master links and master link assemblies are free from nicks, gouges, and cracks.
• Master links and master link assemblies are not heat treated, modified, repaired, or reshaped by
machining or bended. (This may affect their Working Load Limit). FOR WIRE ROPE
• Master links and master link assemblies are not distorted or unduly worn.
Master links and master link assemblies must be regularly inspected in accordance with the safety standards
given in the country of use. This is required because the products in use may be affected by issues such
as wear, misuse and overloading, which may lead to deformation and alteration of the material structure.
Inspection should take place at least every six months, and more frequently when the links are used in severe
operating conditions.
Symmetry of loading 3 .1
The WLL values mentioned are based on symmetrical loading of the sling. This means that when the load is
lifted the sling legs are symmetrically distributed in the plane and all legs of the sling have the same angle to
the vertical. The loading can be assumed to be symmetric if all the following conditions are met:
• the load is less than 80% of marked WLL, and
• sling leg angles to the vertical are all more than 15°, and
• sling leg angles to the vertical are all within 15° to each other, and
• in the case of three- and four-leg slings, the plane angles are within 15° of each other.

If one of the above parameters is not met, the loading should be considered to be asymmetric, and the lift
should be referred to a competent engineer to establish the safe rating for the sling. Alternatively, in the case
of asymmetric loading, the sling should be derated to half the marked WLL. If the load tends to tilt during the
lift, it should be lowered, and the attachments changed by repositioning the attachment points or by using
compatible shortening devices. The safety factor of 4 or 5 on the individual components is designed for
safety only. Never exceed the indicated WLL.

Use the below reduction table if a multi leg sling for wire rope fittings is not used for the purpose for which
it has been designed, for example for a lifting operation with fewer legs than the number of legs of the sling:

Types of chain sling Number of legs used Factor to apply to marked WLL
Two-leg 1 1/2
Three- and four-leg 2 2/3
Three- and four-leg 1 1/3

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