See the safety protocols we put in place when it comes to chains.

Chains might seem like one of the strongest and best options for moving anything on a construction site, but it simply isn’t so. Tucker Paving has over three decades in the construction industry, offering site construction services like site clearing, site grading, stabilized subgrade, base work, and underground utilities—and asphalt and concrete paving—and we have seen our share of chains failing. If a chain fails while there is a lot of force on it, then things can turn dangerous in a heartbeat; a chain recoiling or breaking can be unpredictable and can become a missile. Since the safety of everyone on our jobsites is always our leading priority, we instruct our employees on the correct protocols for using chains.

Best Safety Practices for Using Chains on a Worksite

These are the protocols concerning using chains on a construction site that we follow:

  • Never use chains to pull stuck vehicles or equipment. Always use a recovery rope or strap.
  • Do not pull on anything horizontally with a chain. Use a strap or recovery rope.  
  • Chains should be used only for lifting, tying down, or holding something into position.
  • Always check a chain’s identification and ensure the load-rated tag is present and readable. 
  • Always inspect chains and components like master links, hooks, and fittings for wear (over 10% reduction in dimension) or damage. Look for:
    • Wear and damage, like nicks, gouges, cracks, and excessive wear on inner and outer link surfaces.
    • Deformation like bent, twisted, or distorted links, which can happen from hitting sharp edges or overloading.
    • Stretch and/or elongation, such as links that look lengthened or narrowed; this often requires measuring against original dimensions and indicates overloading.
    • Corrosion and/or heat damage; this can look like rust, chemical damage, or weld spatter, which weakens the metal.

Safety is always our biggest concern at Tucker Paving. We have 30 years of experience in the asphalt and concrete paving industry. We complete projects for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. Contact us by calling (863) 299-2262, or fill out our contact form online, and let us help you with your next project.