BRITISH STANDARD BS 4898:1973

CONFIRMED
JANUARY 1980

Specification for

Chain lever hoists

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UDC 621.861.065.4 – 514.2

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 BS 4898:1973

Co-operating organizations

The Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, under whose

supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives
from the following Government departments and the scientific and industrial
organizations:

Associated Offices Technical Committee Engineering Equipment Users’ Association*

Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Hydraulic Equipment
Manufacturers Ltd
Association of Mining Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers
British Compressed Air Society
British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’
Association
British Gear Manufacturers’ Association
British Internal Combustion Engine
Manufacturers’ Association
British Mechanical Engineering Confederation
British Pump Manufacturers’ Association
British Steel Industry
Crown Agents for Overseas Governments and
Administrations
Department of Employment (H.M. Factory
Inspectorate)*
Department of the Environment
Department of Trade and Industry
Department of Trade and Industry — National
Engineering Laboratory
Electricity Council, the Central Electricity
Generating Board and the Area Boards in
England and Wales*
Gas Council
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Heating and Ventilating
Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
(Automobile Division)
Institution Plant Engineers
Institution of Production Engineers
London Transport Executive
Machine Tool Trades Association
Ministry of Defence*
Ministry of Defence, Army Department*
National Coal Board*
National Physical Laboratory (Department
of Trade and Industry)
Process Plant Association
Railway Industry Association of Great
Britain
Royal Institute of British Architects
Telecommunications Engineering
Manufacturing Association

The Government departments and scientific and industrial organizations

marked with an asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were
directly represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of this
British Standard:

Chain Testers Association of Great Britain Machine-made Chain Manufacturers’

Dock and Harbour Authorities Association Association
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors National Association of Steel Stockholders
Federation of Wire Rope Manufacturers of National Federation of Building Traders
Great Britain Employers
Honourable Company of Master Mariners North East Coast Institution of Engineers
Lifting Equipment Manufacturers’ Association and Shipbuilders
Lloyds Register of Shipping Individual companies and members
This British Standard, having London Construction Safety Group
been approved by the
Mechanical Engineering
Industry Standards
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Executive Board on Amendments issued since publication
14 March 1973

© BSI 08-1999 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference MEE/64
Draft for comment 70/23477

ISBN 0 580 07740 3

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 BS 4898:1973

Contents

Page
Co-operating organizations Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Operation 1
4 Design 1
5 Materials 1
6 Components 1
7 Lubrication 2
8 Effective effort 3
9 Tests 3
10 Marking 3
Appendix A Information required from the purchaser 4
Appendix B Safe working load related to conditions of service 4
Appendix C Recommendation relating to contracts 4
Appendix D Care and safe use of chain lever hoists 4
Figure 1 — Diagram of chain lever hoist 2
Publications referred to Inside back cover

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 BS 4898:1973

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the authority of the Mechanical
Engineering Industry Standards Committee in order to specify the requirements
necessary to ensure that chain lever hoists are safe and efficient in use. The
specification of these essential requirements is not intended to inhibit individual
design. This standard requires that the chain lever hoists satisfy a specific load
performance, and provision is made for optional tests to prove the design. In this
connection reference is made in 9.1 to serially produced equipment. For the
purposes of this standard “serially produced” has been taken to mean equipment
produced in sequence, to a given design and under the same production
conditions, so as to ensure a minimum variation in the quality level. The size of
series has not been considered, but each series would be considered to be ended
as soon as there is any change to the design or method of manufacture. Therefore,
an overall design factor of safety is not required and is not given in this standard.
The chain lever hoists specified in this standard are intended for use with load
chain and hooks as specified in the relevant British Standards. However, where
an equivalent but more recent ISO standard exists, which has been fully accepted
in this country, it may be adopted until the British Standard is revised to
implement it.
The concept of working load limit is incorporated in this British Standard.
Working load limit is the designed maximum safe working load and has been
introduced to allow items of lifting equipment to be derated and still conform to
the relevant British Standard. Such derating would normally only be introduced
at the request of a purchaser where experience of use under particular conditions
of service (see Appendix B) has indicated the necessity. Thus, normally the safe
working load would be equal to the working load limit. It should be noted that
equipment will always be tested at a proof load which has been based on the
working load limit and will always be marked with the safe working load specified
by the purchaser. In the case of chain lever hoists used for hauling, the working
load is considered to be equivalent to the force sustained by the load chain, and
this will be equal to the sum of both the gravitational and the frictional forces.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.
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Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 4, 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.

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1 Scope
This British Standard specifies the requirements for
chain lever hoists (see Figure 1) fitted with
calibrated steel short link chain1) and it includes the
new concept of working load limit (see Foreword).
Information required from a purchaser in an
enquiry or order is listed in Appendix A and a
recommendation relating to contracts is included in
Appendix C.
Appendix D includes recommendations for the care
and safe use of chain lever hoists.
NOTE The title of the British Standard referred to in this
standard is given on the inside back cover.
2 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the
following definitions apply:
2.1
chain lever hoists
a portable tool reeved with a load chain, and
operated by a lever so as to give a mechanical
advantage
2.2
working load limit
the maximum mass which a chain lever hoist should
lift in general service
2.3
safe working load2)
the maximum mass which a chain lever hoist should
lift in a particular stated service. It will never be
greater than the working load limit but it may be
less
3 Operation
The load shall be moved by the operation of a lever
and the direction of movement shall be determined
by means of a reliable ratchet arrangement.
It shall be possible to change the direction of
movement of the load chain without releasing the
load.
Means shall be provided to allow the operator to
move slack chain quickly to its required position
when the hoist is not under load.
4 Design
Chain lever hoists shall be designed so that they are
capable of withstanding all the tests given in 9.
1) When British Standard specifications have been produced for surface hardened calibrated short link chain and roller chain for
lifting purposes, these types of chain will be included in this specification.
2) Unless the user states otherwise it would be assumed that the safe working load is equal to the working load limit
(see Foreword).
3) See also the construction lifting operation regulations for their requirements with regard to the shape of hook.
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BS 4898:1973
5 Materials
Chain lever hoists shall be made from any
appropriate material which possesses the necessary
strength and physical properties to meet the
requirements of this standard. Materials shall
conform to the relevant British Standard, where
such exists.
6 Components
6.1 Chain. The load chain shall comply with the
requirements of the relevant British Standard. A
terminal chain stop shall be provided at the free end
of the chain.
6.2 Hooks3). The hook shall have the necessary
strength and physical properties to satisfy the
requirements of this standard. The hooks shall be
designed in accordance with the design parameters
given in the relevant British Standard for hooks.
Hooks shall be detachable for inspection of stressed
parts such as shanks. The shank shall either
1) be provided with a nut or collar of minimum
outside diameter of at least 1" times the
diameter of the shank. The continuous length of
the shank engaged by the nut or collar on the load
side shall be at least equal to 2/3 of the diameter of
the shank before being interrupted by drilling for
split pins or other fittings, or
2) be so shaped from the solid as to afford the
same security as though a nut were fitted in the
manner given in 1).
Hooks shall swivel freely under load.
6.3 Pawls. Pawls shall be spring loaded or
engagement with the ratchet wheel shall be ensured
by other equally effective means. Engagement shall
not depend on a tension spring. The relative width
and positioning of the ratchet wheel and pawl shall
be such as to ensure full engagement irrespective of
wear of the friction faces. The design shall be such
that the sustaining pawl can only move sufficiently
to just clear the teeth of the ratchet wheel.
6.4 Guide. Means shall be provided to ensure the
effective guidance of the load chain into the pockets
of the load chain wheel.
1
Not for Resale
 BS 4898:1973

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Figure 1 — Diagram of chain lever hoist

6.5 Brake. An automatic brake shall be provided
which is capable of arresting and holding the load
securely in all working positions whilst the load
chain is in tension.
7 Lubrication
Chain lever hoists shall be supplied lubricated.
Facilities for adequate lubrication of all working
parts shall be provided as appropriate, unless
materials with inherent lubricating properties are
used.

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8 Effective effort
When requested by the user, the manufacturer shall
declare the operating effort on the lever required to
raise a load equal to the working load limit, together
with the effective radius of the handle of the hoist.
9 Tests
9.1 Design test. At the purchaser’s option and
expense a sample chain lever hoist or hoists shall be
selected by the representative of the purchaser and
shall be subjected to at least 4 times the working
load limit for at least one minute, without breakage
of material, partial or complete, or such distortion as
could result in the release of the load. Following this
test, all parts shall be defaced to make them
unusable. If a testing machine is used it shall satisfy
the Grade B requirements of BS 1610.
In the case of serially produced chain lever hoists,
subject to the purchaser’s agreement, evidence of
the successful result of this test, on an initial
production model of each series, would be
considered as meeting this requirement.
9.2 Operational proof test. Each chain lever hoist
shall be subjected by the manufacturer to an
operational load of 1.5 times the working load limit,
in such a manner as to ensure that every part of the
hoist mechanism comes under load. During the test
there shall be no deleterious deformation.
9.3 Examination. After the operational proof test,
the chain lever hoist shall be thoroughly examined
by a competent person. It shall be deemed to comply
with the requirements of this standard only if it is
found free from deformation, cracks, flaws or other
defects.
9.4 Certificate of test and examination. A
certificate of test and examination shall be issued
for each individual chain lever hoist giving the
following information:
1) distinguishing mark,
2) safe working load (see Clause 2),
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BS 4898:1973
3) description,
4) chain size and grade,
5) operational proof load applied (see 9.2),
6) date and place of test.
The certificate shall be signed on behalf of the
company by an authorized person, and shall declare
that each chain lever hoist was submitted to the
operational proof test specified in 9.2 and was
subsequently examined by a competent person and
that it complies with the requirements of BS 4898.
The certificate may be the appropriate statutory
form provided the required information is given.
10 Marking
10.1 General. The following information shall be
permanently and legibly marked on a suitable part
of the hoist:
1) distinguishing mark,
2) safe working load (see Clause 2),
3) grade of chain,
4) name of maker or supplier
NOTE The mark BS 4898 on or in relation to a product is a
claim by the manufacturer that it complies with the
requirements of this standard.
10.2 Units for safe working loads. Safe working
loads of less than 1 000 kg shall be marked in kg, to
the nearest whole kg.
Safe working loads of 1 000 kg or more shall be
marked in tonnes (1 tonne = 1 000 kg). The letter “t”
is a permissible abbreviation for tonne. The value
shall be given to a single place of decimals, except
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where the figure after the decimal point would be 0,
in which case 0 shall be omitted, and except in the
case of 1.25 t, which shall be given to 2 decimal
places.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the certification facilities offered
by BSI; see the inside back cover of this standard.
3
 BS 4898:1973
Appendix A Information required
from the purchaser
The enquiry and order should state:
1) The safe working load (see Clause 2).
2) Working load limit (see Clause 2).
3) If additional tests are required (see 9.1).
4) Maximum range of travel.
5) The number of this British Standard,
i.e. BS 4898.
6) Conditions of service (see Appendix B).
7) The regulations under which the chain lever
hoist is to be used.
Appendix B Safe working load related
to conditions of service
This standard has been based on the assumption of
certain conditions of service. The purchaser will be
aware in certain cases of abnormal conditions. In
selecting new chain lever hoists or in using existing
chain lever hoists the following points should be
carefully considered and where necessary referred
to the manufacturer.
1) Where the chain lever hoist is to be used
continuously at, or near, its safe working load,
the safe working load should not be more
than 80 % of the working load limit.
2) Where loads are lowered through distances
exceeding 6 m or where low operating efforts are
necessary, the manufacturer’s advice should be
sought, particularly as regards the design of
brake mechanisms.
Appendix C Recommendation relating
to contracts
It is recommended that contracts relating to chain
lever hoists to this standard should include the
following provision:
Inspection. Representatives of the purchaser should
have access to the works of the manufacturer at all
reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting the
chain lever hoists during manufacture, and
witnessing the tests and methods of examination
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Appendix D Care and safe use of chain
lever hoists
Chain lever hoists are precision made and should be
treated with appropriate care. Do not drop chain
lever hoists from a height.
Never subject a chain lever hoist to a greater load
than the safe working load marked on the hoist. The
hoist has been tested to more than this load, but it
has been done under carefully controlled conditions.
The use of a chain lever hoist at any load greater
than the safe working load may result in damage.
Attention is particularly drawn to the possibility of
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overloading a chain lever hoist when pulling loads
over uneven ground. Never increase the length of
the lever.
Keep the chains well lubricated along their whole
length and especially at the contact points between
the links. Where oils and greases are not desirable
use a dry lubricant. Failure to maintain correct
lubrication reduces the life of a chain. If the chain
jumps, does not work smoothly, or marks in use it is
probably out of pitch and should be replaced. Before
use, examine the chain to ensure that there is no
twist. In the case of hoisting on two parts of chain,
twist can arise from the chain hook being
accidentally turned over. Never load the point of the
hook.
Never use a load chain as a sling, i.e. by
back-hooking. Do not tie knots in the load chain or
join it by bolts. Do not allow dirt and hard grease to
gather in the pockets of the load wheel. Never run
the chain out too far. When the maximum range of
travel is exceeded an excessive and dangerous load
is imposed on the load chain terminal stop.
Make sure that the brake setting or adjustment is
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
All chain lever hoists should be entered in the
appropriate register and submitted to at least the
statutory requirements regarding inspection and
examination.
Not for Resale
 BS 4898:1973

Publications referred to

This standard makes reference to the following British Standard

BS 1610, Methods for the load verification of testing machines.
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