What is a common defect that can condemn a chain sling?

A chain sling can be condemned for several reasons, each of which significantly impacts its safety and effectiveness during lifting operations.

Firstly, a missing Safe Working Load (SWL) tag is a critical defect as it provides important information about the maximum load the sling can safely handle. Without this tag, users cannot assess if the sling is appropriate for the intended lifting task, posing a risk of overload and potential failure.

Additionally, twists or kinks in a chain sling can lead to uneven wear and compromise the integrity of the sling. These distortions can change the way load is distributed across the chain, increasing the likelihood of failure during use.

Lastly, pitting refers to small, localized corrosion damage that can occur on the surface of the chain links. This degradation can weaken the chain and reduce its overall strength, rendering it unsafe for lifting applications.

Each of these defects—missing tags, twists or kinks, and pitting—individually can severely compromise a chain sling’s operational capabilities and safety. Therefore, all of these conditions can justify condemning a chain sling, making the selection of all of them as a correct answer appropriate.