VIUsing Shackles Safely
Selecting the Correct Shackle. Shackles are available in a range of material grades, sizes and designs. Select the shackle to be used and plan the lift taking the following into account:
– Type of shackle to be used – dee or bow, British Standard or other design.
– Type of pin – screwed with collar and eye are suitable for general purposes; with countersunk head for where clearance is limited; bolt and nut for where the pin may be out of sight or subject to movement.
– Full resultant imposed load – when using shackles with multi-leg slings remember that as the included angle increases and so does the load in the leg and any attachment to the leg. When used to suspend pulley blocks account must be taken of the imposed load due to operating effort.
Store and handle shackles correctly.
– Inspect shackles before use and before placing into storage.
– Select the correct pattern of shackle and pin for the application.
– Allow for the full resultant imposed load.
– Fully tighten the pin.
– Ensure the load acts through the centre line of the shackle using spacers if necessary to meet this requirement.
