Chain slings should be removed from service if any of the following defects are noted.

• A. Lack of free movement
• B. Excessive corrosion or pitting
• C. Missing or unreadable identification
• D. All the above

Answer: (D)

When a chain sling is inspected, anything that could compromise its ability to lift safely or to be tracked for service life must trigger removal from service. Lack of free movement means the chain or links may be bound, bent, or misaligned, which can cause dangerous binding or sudden failure under load. Excessive corrosion or pitting weakens the metal, reducing strength and fatigue resistance, so a sling with visible corrosion or pits can fail under normal lifting. Missing or unreadable identification prevents verifying the sling’s rated load, testing status, and service life, making it impossible to ensure it’s appropriate for the lift. Because any one of these issues elevates the risk, all of these conditions indicate the sling should be taken out of service.