BS 3243 Hand Oprated Chain Blocks PDF
BS 3243 Hand Oprated Chain Blocks PDF
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Specification for
Hand-operated chain
blocks
Licensed Copy: lbocvzr lbocvzr, University of Loughborough, 24 March 2004, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
UDC 621.861:621-219.523:[Link].3:006.3/.8
BS 3243:1990
© BSI 03-1999
Amendments issued since publication
First published May 1960
Second edition February 1973
Third edition June 1990
Amd. No. Date Comments
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Construction 1
4 Performance 3
5 Classification and selection of safe working load 5
6 Certificate of test and examination 5
7 Marking 5
Appendix A Classification 7
Appendix B Information to be supplied with the enquiry or order 7
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© BSI 03-1999 i
BS 3243:1990
Foreword
This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Mechanical
Handling Standards Policy Committee. It supersedes BS 3243:1973, which is
withdrawn.
The major new requirements in this standard are as follows:
a) the introduction of a classification system broadly based on ISO 4301,
published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO);
b) the introduction of a number of new tests.
Where chain blocks are used in conjunction with runway beams, the beams
should be designed and tested in accordance with BS 2853.
It has been assumed in the drafting of this British Standard that the execution of
its provisions is entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
Purchasers ordering chain blocks in accordance with BS 3243 are advised to
confirm in their purchasing contract that the manufacturer operates a quality
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Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 8, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
ii © BSI 03-1999
BS 3243:1990
1 Scope 2.7
extended dimension
This British Standard specifies requirements for
chain blocks that require the use of a hand chain the distance between the suspension level and the
both for hoisting and for lowering. It specifies tests bottom hook saddle, when the bottom hook is in the
and marking, together with matters relating to the extended position. It equals the sum of the drawn up
construction and classification of the block. dimension and the range of lift
NOTE 1 Details of block classification are given in Appendix A. 2.8
Information which the purchaser should supply in an enquiry or operating level
order is given in Appendix B. Recommendations for the care and
safe use of chain blocks are given in Appendix C. Details of an the level on which the operator stands
optional torque limiting device are given in Appendix D.
NOTE 2 The titles of the publications referred to in this 2.9
standard are listed on the inside back cover. representative sample block
a block representative of a production run or batch
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2 Definitions of blocks of the same type, i.e. with the same gears,
For the purposes of this British Standard, the brake, casing, chain, hooks, etc. but not necessarily
following definitions apply (see also Figure 1). the same range of lift
2.1
hand-operated chain block
3 Construction
a block reeved with a short link calibrated load 3.1 Brakes
chain, operated by a hand chain and giving a Blocks shall be provided with an automatic brake
mechanical advantage capable of arresting and sustaining the load in all
2.2 working positions and which permits smooth
working load limit (WLL) controlled lowering of all loads without serious
overheating such as to impair the efficient working
the maximum mass which the block is designed to of the block.
raise, lower or suspend
3.2 Ratchet wheels and pawls
2.3
safe working load (SWL) 3.2.1 General
the maximum mass (as certified by a competent Where ratchet wheels and pawls are included in the
person) which the block may raise, lower or suspend design, they shall be designed so that they maintain
under particular service conditions. full engagement as the brake pads wear.
NOTE See clause 5 and Appendix A for selection of SWL. 3.2.2 Pawl operating mechanism
2.4 Either pawls shall be spring loaded or engagement
suspension level with the ratchet wheel shall be ensured by other
1) Where a block is suspended from a hook: the equally effective and positive means. Engagement
level of the suspending hook saddle. between the pawls and ratchet wheels shall not
depend either on a tension spring or on gravity
2) Where a block is combined with a trolley: the alone.
level of the surface upon the trolley runs.
3.2.3 Position of pawls
NOTE In other cases the suspension level is the appropriate
level similar to those defined in 1) and 2). If the pawl operating mechanism fails during a
2.5 vertical lift, the pawl shall be fully operated by
drawn up dimension gravity so that the load is sustained without damage
to the mechanism.
the distance between the suspension level and the
bottom hook saddle when the bottom hook is in the 3.2.4 Pawl stop
fully raised position A pawl stop shall be provided and so positioned that
2.6 the pawl just clears the teeth of the ratchet wheel.
range of lift 3.3 Lubrication
the vertical distance which the bottom hook travels Blocks shall be capable of being lubricated both
between extended and highest positions initially and during servicing unless materials with
inherent lubricating properties are used.
Advice about lubrication shall be included in the
servicing instructions.
© BSI 03-1999 1
BS 3243:1990
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2 © BSI 03-1999
BS 3243:1990
In designs which include ball bearings which are 3.5.6 Slack end anchorage
used in the shear mode, the entry hole for The slack end anchorage shall be designed to
assembling the balls shall be firmly sealed so that withstand the test detailed in 4.2.3.
the balls cannot become detached from the assembly
in service. 3.5.7 Terminal links
Where the means of attachment of a shank hook is Any links used for connecting the load chain to a
dependent on a split collar mating with an enlarged terminal fitting shall be of the same material as the
head on the shank, the means of retention shall be load chain, and shall be heat treated to provide
secure. mechanical properties and strength not less than
those of the load chain.
3.4.2 Top hook
3.6 Hand chain
Where provision is made for the top hook to swivel,
it shall remain positionally stable under load. 3.6.1 Chain
The hand chain shall have sufficient strength to
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© BSI 03-1999 3
BS 3243:1990
loosening of connections.
least 5 min.
4.2.6 Light load test
[Link] Acceptance criteria
[Link] Test procedure
There shall be no breakage of material, partial or
complete, nor such distortion as could result in the A representative sample block shall be loaded with
release of the load. a test weight of between 2 % and 5 % of WLL which
NOTE Following this test all parts should be made unusable.
shall be raised and lowered through a height of
between 250 mm and 500 mm.
4.2.3 Slack end anchorage/end stop test
[Link] Acceptance criterion
[Link] Test procedure
When the hand chain is released at any point during
A representative sample block shall be subjected to raising and lowering, the brake shall hold the
at least 2.5 times the WLL such that the slack end weight.
anchorage or end stop supports the full load without
NOTE Blocks which are fitted with seals may appear to hold
restraint from other components (e.g. gearing, the load by the brake, when in fact it is being held by seal friction
brake). only. This condition does not meet the acceptance criterion.
[Link] Acceptance criteria 4.2.7 Brake lock-out test
There shall be no breakage of material, partial or [Link] Test procedure
complete, nor such distortion as could result in the A representative sample block shall be subjected to
release of the load. a test load of between 5 % and 7 % of WLL. A
4.2.4 Endurance test restraining pin shall be inserted through the load
NOTE For the purposes of this test, the block may be reeved chain on the slack side and the hand chain shall be
with a single fall provided the tension in the load chain equals the operated in the lowering direction until the
actual tension imposed when the fully reeved block is raising the restraining pin provides a lock against a heavy pull
WLL.
on the hand chain.
[Link] Test procedure
[Link] Acceptance criterion
A representative sample block shall be loaded with
On removal of the restraining pin, the brake shall
the WLL which shall be raised and lowered so that
immediately engage and prevent the load from
the mechanism is in notion for 100 h at an
descending.
equivalent minimum hand chain speed of 20 m/min
in 500 mm to 600 mm steps. Table 1 — Proof loads
NOTE It is permissible to change brake pads and the portion of WLL Proof load
chain working over the load chain sprocket a maximum (min)
of 2 times during the test. It is also permissible to lubricate the
t
block and chain regularly during the test.
[Link] Acceptance criteria up to 10 1.5 × WLL
10 to 20 WLL + 5 t
There shall be no breakage of material, partial or
> 20 1.25 × WLL
complete, nor such distortion as could result in the
release of the load. NOTE Attention is drawn to Certificate of Exemption, F2054,
made under the Shipbuilding an Ship-Repairing
regulations, 1960, which requires all chain pulley blocks to be
tested to 1.5 times their SWL.
4 © BSI 03-1999
BS 3243:1990
When the test is carried out by operating the hand % of working load limit
chain wheel by power, the hand chain drive shall be M1 100
interrupted a minimum of three times whilst both M2 80
lifting and lowering, in a manner that does not M3 63
assist the brake of the chain block to arrest or M4 50
sustain the load.
All hooks and end fittings shall be regarded as 6 Certificate of test and examination
having been proof tested by this test. A certificate of test and examination shall be issued
On completion of the test the block shall be for each individual block, giving the following
examined by a competent person. information:
NOTE Examination may normally be carried out without a) alphanumeric identification;
dismantling.
b) make and type;
[Link] Acceptance criteria
c) classification (see 5.1);
The block shall be free from deformation, cracks,
flaws or other defects, there shall be no loosening of d) safe working load (see 5.2);
connections and the block shall operate e) load chain size and grade;
satisfactorily. f) proof load applied (see 4.3.1)
4.3.2 Light load test g) date the test and examination were completed.
[Link] Test procedure The certificate shall be signed by an authorized
Each block shall be loaded with a test weight of person, and shall declare that each block was
between 2 % and 5 % of WLL which shall be raised submitted to the proof test described in 4.3.1 and
and lowered through a height of between 250 mm was subsequently examined by a competent person,
and 500 mm. and that it complies with BS 32431).
NOTE The certificate may be the appropriate statutory form
[Link] Acceptance criterion provided that the required information is given.
When the hand chain is released at any point during
raising and lowering, the brake shall hold the 7 Marking
weight. 7.1 General
NOTE Blocks which are fitted with seals may appear to hold
the load by the brake, when in fact it is being held by seal friction
The following information shall be permanently and
only. This condition does not meet the acceptance criterion. legibly marked on a suitable part of the block:
a) alphanumeric identification;
b) classification (see 5.1);
c) safe working load (see 5.2);
d) grade of the load chain;
1) Marking BS 3243:1990 on or in relation to a product represents a manufacturer’s declaration of conformity, i.e. a claim by or
on behalf of the manufacturer that the product meets the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of the claim is therefore
solely the responsibility of the person making the claim. Such a declaration is not to be confused with third party certification of
conformity, which may also be desirable.
© BSI 03-1999 5
BS 3243:1990
6 © BSI 03-1999
BS 3243:1990
Chain blocks are designed for lifting loads vertically allowances. Chain blocks should never be used for
and should not be used at an angle without towing. Loads should never be lifted with the point
reference to a competent person nor without due of the hook.
© BSI 03-1999 7
BS 3243:1990
The load chain should never be run out too far. If any of the following defects are found during
When the bottom hook is run out beyond the in-service inspection, the block should be referred to
extended dimension, an excessive and dangerous a competent person for thorough examination:
load is imposed at the load chain slack end a) wear or damage to the load chain;
anchorage. When the block is rigged, care should be NOTE This may take the form of wear at the bearing
taken to ensure that the load can be landed without surfaces between links and damage in the form of bent links,
running the load chain out beyond the extended nicks, stretching of links or corrosion. Such damage may
dimension (see Figure 1). manifest itself by the load chain jumping or being noisy or not
working smoothly or by undue effort on the hand chain or by
Alterations should never be made to the load chain the presence of marks on the crown of the links.
without reference to the block maker or to a b) opening out of the hooks due to overload or to
competent person. point loading;
Swivel shank hook assemblies should be examined c) damage to the chain anchorages or load chain
and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s end stop (where fitted);
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instructions.
d) damage to the hand chain;
If a block has been out of service for some time, the
e) slipping of the brake;
brake should be checked to ensure that it operates
correctly before the block is re-used. f) damage to the frame, covers, etc., of the block
body, chain guides, etc.
It is important to ensure that the suspension point
for a block is strong enough to take the dynamic and BS 6521 provides guidance for proper use and
static loads applied. maintenance of calibrated round steel link lifting
chains.
If a block needs more than ordinary effort to operate
it, then it is likely to be either defective or For further information on safe use, see section 6 of
overloaded. the Lifting Equipment Engineers’ Association “Code
of practice for the safe use of lifting equipment”2).
Most chain blocks have to be subjected to statutory
periodic examination by a competent person. They
Appendix D Torque limiting device
should be inspected frequently and cleaned and
lubricated at recognized intervals and in accordance For certain applications, the purchaser may specify
with the manufacturer’s instructions. a torque limiting device in the drive train adjacent
to the hand chain wheel. This device should be set to
limit the input torque so that the load cannot exceed
the proof load. The manufacturer or supplier should
demonstrate the effectiveness of this device by a
suitable test on request.
NOTE This device should be rendered inoperative during the
proof test. After the test, it should be reinstated.
2) Available from the Lifting Equipment Engineers’ Association, 21–23 Woodgrange Road, London E7 8BA.
8 © BSI 03-1999
BS 3243:1990
Publications referred to
BS 2853, Specification for the design and testing of steel overhead runway beams3).
e
BS 2903, Specification for higher tensile steelhooks for chains, slings, blocks and general engineering
purposes.
BS 4942, Short link chain for lifting purposes.
BS 4942-1, Specification for general conditions of acceptance.
BS 4942-6, Specification for grade T(8) calibrated chain.
BS 5750, Quality systems3).
BS 6521, Guide for proper use and maintenance of calibrated round steel link lifting chains.
ISO 4301, Lifting appliances — Classification3).
ISO 7597, Forged steel lifting hooks with point and eye for use with steel chains of grade T(8).
ISO 8539, Forged steel lifting components for use with grade T(8) chain Code of practice for the safe use of
lifting equipment4).
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3)
Referred to in the foreword only.
4)
Published by the Lifting Equipment Engineers’ Association and available from Waggoners Court, The Street, Manuden,
Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 1DW.
© BSI 03-1999
BS 3243:1990
Revisions
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We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: 020 8996 9000. Fax: 020 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
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