Chain is widely used in construction work involving excavation, where which condition would quickly destroy other types of slings?

• A. delicate type loads
• B. dirt, moisture, and abrasion
• C. light, smooth loads
• D. sunlight and cold weather

Answer: (B)

In excavation work, slings are often exposed to dirt, moisture, and abrasive surfaces. Chain slings are metal and built to resist such harsh conditions, so they hold up much better than other sling types that are susceptible to moisture damage, rot, or wear from grit and rough handling. Synthetic or natural fiber slings can absorb moisture, swell, weaken, or deteriorate quickly when dragged through soil or mud, and they wear faster under abrasive contact. Metal chains also handle rough handling and sharp edges more robustly, as long as they’re protected from sharp edges and kept well‑maintained to prevent corrosion. While sunlight and cold weather can degrade some materials over time, chain slings remain far less vulnerable to immediate failure under those conditions. So, the condition described—dirt, moisture, and abrasion—would rapidly destroy other slings much more than it would destroy chain slings.