What kind of damage is a lifting chain subject to that would require its condemnation?

A lifting chain is an essential component of safe material handling and is subject to various types of damage that can compromise its integrity. When contemplating what types of damage would necessitate condemning the chain, the presence of cracks in links is particularly critical because such defects can significantly diminish the strength and reliability of the chain. Cracks can occur due to excessive wear, overloading, or metal fatigue, and they can lead to catastrophic failures if the chain is placed under strain during lifting.

In contrast, normal wear is expected over time and does not automatically mean the chain is unsafe, provided the wear is within acceptable limits. Color discoloration may indicate exposure to heat or other environmental factors but does not inherently affect the structural integrity of the chain. Exposure to sunlight, while potentially causing degradation of some materials, is less critical for steel chains that are designed to withstand some environmental impact.

Thus, the appearance of cracks in the links is a clear indication that the lifting chain must be condemned to ensure the safety of operations, as it poses an immediate risk for failure during use.