The identification tag on a chain sling: a small detail of great importance
When you use a chain sling to lift a load, you need to know what the lifting equipment is designed for. How many legs does the sling have? What is the chain diameter? And what is the maximum load it can lift under the current conditions?
You can find the answers on the identification tag. Although small, it plays a crucial role in the safe use, correct identification, and inspection of the chain sling. A chain sling without a (legible) identification tag must not be used.
What information can be found on a chain sling’s identification tag?
The identification tag on our chain slings contains the following information:
- Manufacturer’s name or logo: This identifies who manufactured the chain sling.
- ID no.: This is the sling’s serial number.
- Type: In this field, a unique number can be stamped for the customer’s internal identification system.
- Date of manufacture: This indicates the month and year the chain sling was produced. This is important for ensuring compliance with inspection requirements. A chain sling must be inspected at least once every twelve months.
- EN standard: The tag also indicates which EN standard the sling complies with.
- CE marking: This serves as the manufacturer’s guarantee that the equipment complies with the relevant EU requirements.
- Angle of inclination: This specifies the maximum angle of inclination required to maintain the stated WLL (Working Load Limit).
- Number of legs in the chain sling: A chain sling can consist of 1, 2, 3, or 4 legs.
- Chain diameter: The diameter of the chain must also be clearly indicated on the identification tag (in this case, 6 mm).
- Maximum load (WLL – Working Load Limit): This is the maximum weight that the chain sling can lift at the specified angle of inclination.
- Pos. no.: This number indicates the sling’s specific number within the series.
Therefore, you cannot always interpret the WLL as a single, universal capacity. Consider it in the context of the sling’s configuration and the angle of inclination stated on the identification tag. Always consult the relevant information and load tables when planning a lift.
Check the identification tag before use
Before performing a lift, the identification tag must be present on the sling, intact, and legible. If the information cannot be deciphered, it is impossible to confirm with certainty which sling is being used or the load for which it is rated. Consequently, do not use the equipment until a competent person or the manufacturer has clarified the situation. Our guidelines also require that a sling without a legible identification tag be removed from service until a competent person assesses it.
The identification tag also facilitates traceability. ID information makes it easier to locate the sling within the manufacturer’s equipment records and track its history. This is especially useful when the equipment requires inspection, maintenance, or further examination. The identification tag does not replace inspection.
The identification tag does not replace inspection
A legible identification tag provides important information about the sling, but it does not guarantee the equipment is in good condition. Chain slings must still be inspected regularly and checked before use, in accordance with applicable requirements and company procedures. If a sling is damaged, or if you are in doubt about its condition, it must be taken out of service and assessed by a competent person.
In other words, the identification tag serves as an important starting point: it helps you identify the equipment and understand its limitations. Use it actively – and ensure that the marking always remains legible.
Read more about chains and chain slings here, or find load tables for chain slings. Also, read our article on the use of chain slings.
Publiceret af: CERTEX Danmark A/S
Sidst opdateret: 09. november 2026
Kontakt os
Hvis du har spørgsmål er du velkommen til at sende os en besked, så hjælper og rådgiver vi gerne.
Værd at vide - om kædesling
Tips og anbefalinger til løft med kædesling.
Kassationskriterier for kædesling
Hvornår skal et kædesling kasseres?
Sådan opbevares kædesling
Læs her hvorfor korrekt opbevaring af kædesling er en god ide.
