( Reaffirmed 1990 )

IS : 3832 - 1986

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
HAND-OPERATED CHAIN PULLEY BLOCKS
( Second Revision )
Lifting C-hains, Associated Fittings and Components Sectional
Committee, MCPD 9

Chairman Representing
Z&RI P. K. NEVAT~A Indian Link Chain Manufacturers Ltd, Bombay

Members
SHRI S. V. APTE ( Alternate to
Shri P. K. Nevatia )
&RI M. M. ALIKHAN Directorate General of Technical Development,
New Delhi
SERI W. A. BALAK~ARAN Directorate General Factory Advice Service and
Labour Institutes ( Ministry of Labour, Employ-
ment and Rehabilitation ), Bombay
SHRI D. K. DAS ( Alternate )
DR P. K. CHAKRAVARTY Tractel-Tirfor India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
SHRI A. K. JAIN ( Alternate )
SHRI S. CHANDRA Indian Register of Shipping, Bombay
SHRI A. K. CHOPR~ ( Alternate )
SHRI B. L. CHITLANGIA Indian Chain Manufacturing Co, Calcutta
SHRI PRADIP C~ITLANGIA ( Alternate )
&RI A. N. GROSR National Test House, Calcutta
SHRI V. J~HARI Ministry of Railways
WORKS MANAGER ( CRANE ) ( Alternate )
SHRI K. H. NAWALE W. H. Brady &. Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRI P. VBNKATRAJ~AN ( Alternate )
SHRI M. V. S. RAO Steel Authority of India, New Delhi
SHRI A. N. DUTTA ( Alternate)
SHRI S. C. ROY Calcutta Port Trust, Calcutta
SRRI S. K. GH~SRAL ( Alternate )
SARI B. B. SHARMA Heavy Machine Building Plant, Heavy Engineering
Corporation Ltd, Ranchi
SHRI OM PRAT~AS.H( Alternate )
COL R. SEIVDASANI Ministry of Defence ( DGI )
SHRI A. M. SUBRAM.~NI~~I ( Alternate )
SHRI S. N. SUMAN Ministry of Shipping and Transport ( Development
Wing ), New Delhi
SHRI D. K. THAKUR’~.~ Jessop & Co L imited, Calcutta
( Continued on page 2 )

@ Cobyright 1986
INDIAN STANDARDS INSTITUTION
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act ( XIV of 1957 ) aod
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
nublisher shall be deemed to be an infrineement of coovrkht under the said Act.

c
IS:3832 - 1986
( Continued from page 1 )

Members Representing
SHRI T. N. UBOVEJA Directorate General of Supplies & Disposals ( Inspec-
tion Wing ), New Delhi
SHRI B. L. RAXNA, Director General, IS1 ( Ex-oficio Mcmbcr )
Director ( MCPD )
Secretary
SHRI S. P. ABBEY
Joint Director ( MCPD ), IS1

Chains Subcommittee, MCPD 9 : 1

Concener
SHRI P. K. NEVATIA Indian Link Chain Manufacturers Ltd, Bombay

Members
SERI S. V. APTE ( Altcrnafc to
Shri P. K. Nevatia )
DR P. K. CHARRAVARTY Tractel-Tirfor India Pvt Ltd, New Delhi
SERI K. H. NAWALE W. H. Brady & Co Ltd, Bombay
SHRI P. VENKATRAMAN ( Alternate )
SHRI ASROU V. OZA Ashok Steel Chain Mfg Co, Bombay
SHRI T. C. PHILIP ( Alternate )
REPRESENTATIVE Indian Register of Shipping, Bombay
SHRI S.C. ROY Calcutta Port Trust, Calcutta
SHRI S. K. GHOSH~L ( Altarnate )
SHRI T. N. UBOVEJA Directorate General of Supplies 8s Disposals
( Inspection Wing ), New Delhi
SHRI R. K. VYAS Hercules Hoists Limited, Bombay
SWXI P. B. KUC~ERIA ( Alternate )

2
 IS:3832 - 1986

Indian Standard
SPECIFICATION FOR
HAND-OPERATED CHAIN PULLEY BLOCKS

( Second Revision )

0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( Second Revision ) was adopted by the
Indian Standards Institution on 3 February 1986, after the draft finalized
by the Lifting Chains, Associated Fittings and Components Sectional
Committee had been approved by the Marine, Cargo Movement and
Packaging Division Council.

0.2 Hand-operated chain pulley blocks are used extensively for material
handling during construction, erection and maintenance of industrial
plants.
0.3 This standard, first revised in 1971, has been revised again in-view
of the technological advancement and the experience gained by the
manufacturers during these years. The minimum requirements of load
chains have been up-graded to Grade 40. Further a design test to
prove the design of the block to a factor of safety of 4 has been included.

0.4 Recommendations for the safe use and maintenance of hand-operated

chain pulley blocks are given in Appendix A ( see also Fig. 2 ).

0.5 The information to be supplied by the purchaser with the enquiry

and order is given in Appendix B.

0.6 In the preparation of this revision assistance has been derived from
ES : 3243-1973 ‘Hand-operated chain pulley blocks’, issued by British
Standards Institution ( BSI ).

0.7 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this

standard is complied with, the final value, observed or calculated,
expressing the result of a test or analysis, shall be rounded off in accord-
ance with IS : 2-1960*. The number of significant places retained in the
rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this
standard.

*Rules for rounding off numerical values ( rcvistd ).

3
IS : 3832 - 1986

1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard lays down the general requirements and testing of
the hand-operated chain pulley blocks, worm or spur gear type.

2. TERMlNOLOGY
‘2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply
( see a!so Fig. 1 9.
2.1 Hand-Operated Chain Pulley Blocks - A block reeved with a
load chain and operated by a hand chain so as to give a mechanical
advantage.
2.2 Working Load Limit - The maximum mass which the block shall
lift in general service.
2.3 Safe Working Load - The maximum mass which the block shall
lift in a particular stated service; it shall not be greater than the working
load limit but it may be less.
2.4 Range of Lifting - The distance between the upper and lower
limits of travel of the load hook.
2.5 Velocity Ratio - The ratio between the velocities of hand chain
and load. It is equal to the number of metres the hand chain has to be
moved to raise or lower the hook through a distance of one metre.
2.6 Factor of Safety - The ratio between the ultimate strength of the
pulley block as a unit and working load limit where the ultimate strength
of the pulley block is the minimum load on the load hook under which
the load chain or any other component of the pulley block gives away.
2.7 Chain Pull or Operating Effort - Average effort in newtons
exerted by the operator on the hand chain to lift the load equal to work-
ing load limit and keep it in motion.
2.8 Suspension Level - The level of the suspended hook bed in the
case of a block suspended from a hook. In the case of a block combined
with a trolley, the level of the surface upon which the trolley runs. In
other cases, similar appropriate levels.
2.9 Head Room - The distance between the saddle of the load hook
and suspension level when the load hook is in highest position, without
causing any undue tension on ‘load chain lifting end anchorage’.
2.10 Extended Dimension - The distance between suspension level
and the -bottom hook saddle, when the bottom hook is in the lowest
operating position, without causing any undue tension on ‘load chain
slack end anchorage’. It equals the sum of the head room and range
of lifting.

4
 IS :3832 -1986

LOAD CHAIN

TOP HOOK

SUSPENSION LEVEL

T
5
::
LOAD CHAIN 2
SLACK END
ANCHORAGE
-LOAD CHAIN ke
LIFTING END
ANCHORAGE

HAND CHAIN

WITH SWIVEL

LOAD CHAIN

b4in MIN ’

BOTTOM BLOCK tN
EXTENDED POSITION
FIG. 1 CHAIN PULLEY BLOCK
5
IS : 3832 - 1986

2.11 Operating Level - The level on which the operator stands.

2.12 Competent Person - The person who is approved and declared
as such under the relevant statutory provisions.

3. DESIGN
3.1 The blocks shall be so designed that all components shall withstand
without failure, an application to the block of a load equal to at least
four times the working load limit.

4. CONSTRUCTION

4.1 Frame - The frame of the block shall be designed for proper
strength and it shall maintain alignment under all expected conditions
of service.
4.2 Gears - The gears shall be designed for proper strength and for
surface durability such as to afford efficient operation throughout the
period guaranteed by the manufacturers. In case of enclosed gearing,
means shall be provided for ample lubrication.

4.3 Load Brakes - All pulley blocks which are not inherently self-
sustaining when the pull of the hand chain is removed, shall be provided
with an automatic mechanical load brake which will prevent self-lowering
of the load and arrest and sustain load in all working positions. The
load brake shall also allow smooth lowering of the load without serious
overheating which may impair efficient working of the block.

4.4 Pawls

4.4.1 Pawls shall be of sufficient strength to arrest the full load from
lowering due to gravity.

4.4.2 The relative width and positioning of the ratchet wheel and the
paw1 shall be such as shall ensure full engagement irrespective of wear
of the friction faces. _
4.4.3 The paw1 and the ratchet shall be made of steel, hardened
and tempered or given an equivalent treatment to provide satisfactory
degree of wear resistance together with toughness. The hardness of the
paw1 tip shall not be less than 40 HRC and that of ratchet not less than
30 HRC.
4.4.4 The paw1 shall engage with the ratchet wheel either by means
of a spring other than a tension spring or by some other equally effective
means.

4.4.5 The paw1 shall be so positioned that it engages the ratchet wheel
under gravity, should its operating mechanism fail.

6
 IS : 3832 - 1986

4.4.6 Adequate arrangements shall be made to ensure that the paw1

does not seize on the paw1 pin.

4.5 Bearing - Bearing used shall be of plain or rolling type.

4.5.1 Rolling bearings shall conform to IS : 5669-1970*, IS : 3697-

1966? or IS : 4215-1983$.
4.5.2 Bronze or Cast Iron Plain BInrings - When plain bearings are used,
their maximum bearing pressure shall not exceed the following values
unless manufacturer can produce evidence satisfactory to those concerned
that a higher pressure is permissible:
In Bronze Bearings In Cast Iron Bearings
MN/m2 MN/m2

Steel shaft - ground 17

Steel shaft - not ground 14 :04
( 10 MN/m2 J 1 kgf/mm2 )

4.5.3 Plain Bearings in Materials Other than Cast Iron or Brome - Higher
bearing pressures than those specified in 4.5.2 may be used by the manu-
facturer if evidence is produced that higher pressures may be used.

4.6 Lubrication - The block shall be provided with adequate facilities

for lubrication unless materials with inherent lubricating properties are
used.
4.7 Suspendon
4.7.1 Hook - Top and bottom hooks shall conform to IS : 8610-19775.
The bottom hooks shall be so designed that it shall be free to swivel in
the loaded conditions without twisting the load chain. The top hook
shall be so designed that it can swivel under no load condition. The
continuous length of the shank engaged by nut on the load side shall be
at least equal to two-thirds of the diameter of the shank before being
interrupted by the drilling for split pins or other fixings unless the shank
is so shaped from the solid to afford the same degree of security as though
fitted with a nut.
NOTE-Hooks conforming to IS : 3815-1969)) shall also be permissible up to
31 December 1985.

4.7.2 Other Fittings - Suspension fittings other than hooks shall be of

sufficient strength to effect a static factor of safety of not less than four
unless otherwise required by the relevant Indian Standard.

*General plan of boundary dimensions for radial rolling bearings.

+Boundary dimensions for tapered roller bearings.
tRing type needle bearings (Jirst rcoision).
§Point hooks with shank capacity up to 25 tonnes-trapezoidal section.
IlPoint hooks with shank for general engineering purposes.
7
IS :3832 - 1986

4.7.3 All suspension fittings shall be readily ~detachable for inspection

of stressed parts, such as shanks.

4.8 Load Chain

4.8.1 Grade - The minimum requirements of a load chain on~a chain

pulley block shall not be less than that of Grade M (4) chain conforming
to IS : 3109 ( Part 2 )-1982*.

NOTE - Grade 80 chains conforming to IS : 6216-1982t should be preferred as they

have longer service life.

4.8.2 The chain link dimensions shall conform to IS : 3109 ( Part 2 )-

1982* or IS : 6216-1982t.

4.8.3 Length of Ch ain - The total length of the load chain shall exceed
the minimum len,eth required to give the prescribed range of lift by not
less than three links per fall to ensure that the slack and anchorage is not
loaded.

4.8.4 Load Chain Wheel - The load chain wheel shall be made of
material suitable for use with load chain employed and be of adequate
strength and shall be suitably designed to ensure effective operation of
the chain and should be properly secured with shaft, preferably with
splines.

4.8.5 Guide - Means shall be provided to ensure effective guidance of

the load chain into chain wheel pockets.

4i8.6 Stripper - A stripper shall be provided to ensure effective dis-

engagement of the load chain from the load chain wheel.

4.8.7 Idler Wheels - The chain pulley blocks shall be provided with
idler wheels so shaped as to avoid the twisting of the chain when passing
around.

4.8.7.1 The pitch diameter of the idler wheels shall be such that the
bending action of the link is avoided.

4.9 Anchorages - The load chain anchorages, associated fittings and

framework at the slack end shall be at least equal in strength to 2’5 times
the maximum tension in the load chain when the working load limit is
being lifted.

*Short-link chain grade M (4): Part 2 Calibrated load chain for pulley blocks and
other lifting appliances ( second revision ).
tShort link chain, grade T (8), calibrated for pulley blocks and other lifting
appliances (first fevirion ).

8
 IS:3832 - 1986

4.10 Hand Chain

4.10.1 Grade - The material, welding and finish shall be at least equal
to that of grade 30 chain. Hand chain shall be in untested, pitched and
polished condition. It should have proper seating in hand chain wheel
and should not over ride.
4.10.2 Link Dimensions - The following dimensions are recommended:

Nominal Size Pitch Outside Width

mm mm mm
18.5 * 0.5 17 f 0.5
: 18’5/19’5 f O-5 20 f 0.5

4.10.3 Length of Chain - The length of the hand chain shall be such
that the lowest point of the suspended loop shall hang at least 400 mm
above the operating level.
4.10.4 The hand chain shall be joined without twist.

4.10.5 Hand Chain Whiel - Hand chain wheels shall be provided with
flanges and designed to ensure effective operation with the hand chain.
4.10.6 Hand Chain Guide - The hand chain guide shall be so designed
that the chain will not come out of the hand chain wheel during use nor
get caught between guide and hand chain wheel.

5. MATERIALS

5.1 The material shall be so selected as to meet the ultimate properties

keeping the factor of safety in mind. Some of the recommended
materials for different components of pulley block are given below:
Component Conforming to
Frame IS : 226-1975”
IS : 961-19757
IS : 2062-1984:
Chain wheel
IS : 210-1978s
IS : 305-19811)
IS : 617-19757

*Structural steel ( standard quality ) (Jfth revision ).

$Structural steel ( high tensile ) ( second retrision ).
SWeldable structural steel ( third rcuirion ).
§Grey iron castings ( third revision ).
/IAluminium bronze ingots and castings ( second revision ).
TAluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings for general engeneering pur-
poses ( second revision ).

9
IS : 3832 - 1986

Component Conforming to
IS : 1030-1982*
1s : 2107-1977t
IS : 2108-1977:
Gears
IS : 1875-1978s
IS : 4367-196711

6. RATING

6.1 The hand-operated chain pulley blocks shall be rated according to

the working load limit which in case of a block with four or fewer falls
shall be determined from the safe working load of the load chain.
Where the falls exceed four, or angles are introduced into the chain
run, a chain stronger than that for the corresponding four-fold block is
required to provide for the additional load caused by friction.

7. EFFORT AND VELOCITY RATIO

7.1 The manufacturer shall declare the operating effort on the hand
chain required to raise the safe working load, and also the velocity ratio
of the block ( see Appendix C ).
7.1.1 The operating effort shall be equivalent to the minimum weight
suspended on the hand chain which, given a start, continues to travel
downwards and to raise the full safe working load on the hook.

8. TESTS
8.1 Design Test - At the purchaser’s option and expense a sample
block or blocks shall be selected by the representative of the purchaser
and shall be subjected by a tensile testing machine, to at least four times
the working load limit, 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.

8.2 Operational Proof Test - Each chain pulley block shall be

subjected by the manufacturer to a proof load of 1.5 times the working
load limit through a lenght of lift which will ensure that every part of
the block mechanism and each tooth of the gears comes under load.

*Carbon steel castings for general engineering purposes ( third rcuision ).

+Whiteheart malleable iron castings ( fint rcoision ).
XBlackheart malleable iron castings ( jirst rcuision ).
HCarbon steel billets, blooms, slabs and bars for forgings (f0urth rcuision ).
I/Alloy and tool steel forgings for general industrial use.

10
 IS:3832 - 1986

When the test is carried out by operating the hand chain wheel by power,
the load shall also be lifted and lowered by hand through a distance
sufficient to prove the satisfactory working of the mechanism of the block.

8.3 Examination - After operational proof test, the block shall be

examined by a corn_petent person. It complies with this standard only if
it is found free from deformation, cracks, flaws or other defects.

9. INSPECTION, CERTIFICATE OF TEST AND EXAMINATION

9.1 Inspection - The representative of the purchaser shall have access

to the works of the manufacturer at all reasonable times for the purpose
of witnessing the specified test and inspecting the test equipment and
methods of examination.

9.2 Certificate of Test and Examination - A certificate of test and

examination shall be issued with every consignment of blocks, giving
the following information for each one:

a) Safe working load,

b) Distingushing mark,
c) Description,

4 Range of lift,

e) Load chain size and grade,

f) Number tested, and

9) Operational proof load applied.

10. MARKING

10.1 After the chain block passes the proof test, it shall be permanently
and legibly stamped with the following information:

a) Distinguishing mark;
b) Safe working load;

c) Grade of load chain;

d) Range of lift; and

e) Manufacturer’s name, initials or trade-mark.

Safe working load shall be marked in such a way that it is clearly

legible from operating level.

11
IS:3832 - 1986

10.1.1 The chain pulley blocks may also be marked with the IS1
Certification Mark.
NOTE - The use of the IS1 Certification Mark is governed by the provisions of
the Indian Standards Institution ( Certification Marks ) Act and the Rules and
Regulations made thereunder. The ISI Mark on products covered by an Indian
Standard conveys the assurance that they have been produced to comply with the
requirements of that standard under a well-defined system of inspection, testing and
quality control which is devised and supervised by ES1 and operated by the producer.
IS1 marked products are also continuously checked by IS1 for conformity to that
standard as a further safeguard. Details of conditions under which a licence for the
use of the IS1 Certification Mark may be granted to manufacturers or processors,
may be obtained from the Indian Standards Institution.

11. PRES-ERVATIVE MAINTENANCE

11.1 The hand-operated chain pulley blocks shall be painted on

non-working surfaces and the working surfaces shall be covered with
grease.

APPENDIX A
( Clause 0.4 and Fig, 2 )

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFE USE AND MAINTENANCE

OF HAND-OPERATED CHAIN PULLEY BLOCKS

A-l. Never lift a load in excess of the safe working load marked on the
block. The block has been proof-loaded to one-and-a-half times the safe
working load, but this has been done under carefully controlled condi-
tions. -Use of the block at any load greater than the safe working load
may result in damage.

A-2. Never use a load chain as a sling, that is, by back hooking.

A-3. Before use, examine the load chain to ensure that there is no twist.
In the case of a block lifting on two falls, twist can arise from the bottom
block being accidentally turned over.

A-4. Keep load chains well lubricated along their whole length and
especially at the contact points between the links. In special circum-
stances, chains may be used dry, but their life will be considerably
reduced.

A-5. If the load chain jumps, does not work smoothly or marks in use, it
is probably out of pitch and should be replaced.
A-6. Do not allow dirt and hard grease to gather in the pockets of the
load or hand chain wheels.

12
 IS:3832 - 1986

A-6.1 Do not store or leave the pulley blocks lying on the ground where
they can collect dirt.
A-7. Chain pulley blocks dare designed for lifting loads vertically and
should not be used for pulling horizontally or at an angle.
A-6. Never lift with the point of the hook.
A-9. Never run the load chain out too far. When the block is run out
beyond the extended dimensions, an excessive and dangerous load is
imposed at the load chain slack end anchorage.
A-10. All pulley blocks should be registered and, at periodic intervals,
should be thoroughly cleaned, inspected and lubricated.
A-11. Care shall be taken when replacing the chains that the same grade
of chain is fitted. Blocks shall be marked with the grade of chain.
A-12. Check the suspension fixture for top hook for adequate strength to
support the load being lifted and the weight of the chain pulley block.

13
 3. No direct binding of a 4. No overloading.
I. No twisting. No capsizing for 2. Sling loads from the
double type chains. center of the hook. load with a load chain.

6. No overlifting. No overlowering. 7. No rough handl- 8 Don’t forget to oil the

5. NO extreme slant
mg. load chatn after use.
slinging.

Fro.2 ILLUSTRATIONSFOR THE SAFE USE OF HAND-OPERATED CHAIN PULLEY BLOCKS

,
 IS : 3832 - 1986

APPENDIX B
( Clause 0.5 )
INFORMATrON TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE PURCHASER
WITH THE ENQUIRY OR ORDER
Particulars of hand-operated chain pulley blocks:

4 Capacity or load to be lifted in tonnes.

b) Conditions of service.
cl Lift in metres ( above operating level and below operating level ).
4 Type of suspension ( hook, lug push trolley or geared trolley ).
e> Headroom ( maximum headroom permissible in metres ).
f) Distance between suspension level and floor level/operating level.
.d Spur gear or worm gear type.
h) Whether the design test is required.

APPENDIX C
( Clause 7.1 )
EFFORT RELATED TO RATING
C-l. Table 1 gives the operating efforts for two classes of pulley blocks
with rating up to 6.0 tonnes. It represents average good practice. It
is intended as a guide in choosing the correct type of block to suit the
conditions of work and type of duty.
TABLE 1 EFFORT RELATING TO RATING
( Uauses C-l and C-3 )
CLASS OF BLOCK RATING, TONNES*
r --_--_ --_A__-_ _-_--7
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.5 4.0 6.0
OPERATINO EFFORT, NEWTONS?
r--------- h---------~
Class 1 250 300 350 500 500 700
Light cranes, runways lifting parts
into position for machining duty
more than 300 h/year
Class 2 350 350 500 700 700 1 000
General purpose erection tackle,
maintenance tackle, maintenance
cranes, etc, I@0 to 300 h/year
*l tonne = 1 000 kg.
TRoughly a man can pull 250 newtons continuously and 350 newtons for a short
period.

15
IS:3032-1986
C-2. For blocks rated above 6 tonnes, operating effort required is a matter
for arrangement between the manufacturer and the purchaser, in the
light of the relevant figures declared as required in 7.
C-3. The figures given in Table 1 are not intended as rigid categories,
but as an indication to be used imaginatively and flexibly. For example
a worm gear block may be designed to lift l-6 tonnes with an operating
effort of 500 newtons, and would therefore be a Class 2 block. If this
type of block is fitted to a frequently used light crane, it should be down
rated to a safe working load of one tonne to make it a one man machine.
This, of course, is at the customer’s discretion. On the other hand, the
customer may require an occasionally used maintenance crane in a
power house where 500 newtons operating effort will be acceptable.
Arbitrary figures are quoted to classify duty in relation to the
number of hours in usage, to permit a rough relative assessment of
operating costs and initial costs.
For intermediate ratings the operating effort for the next higher
rating should be expected.

16
 AKENDMENT NO. 1 OCTOBER 1987

TO

IS:3832-1986 SPECIFICATION FOR HAND-OPERATED

CHAIN PtiLLEYBtiCKS

(Second Revision)

(Page 7, clause 4.7.1, Note) - Substitute the

following for the existing Note:

'Note - Hooks conforming to 13:3815-1969//

shall also be permissible up to 31 December
1987-l

(MCPD 9)
 AMENDMENT NO. 2 JULY 2003
TO
IS 3832:1986 SPECIFICATION FOR
HAND-OPERATED CHAIN PULLEY BLOCKS
(Second Reviswn )

( Page 7, clause 4.7.1, first line ) — Substitute the following for the
existing:
‘Top and bottom hooks shall be as per the agreement between the purchaser
and the manufacturer.’

(ME 14)
Reprography UniL BIS, New Delhi, India

r, . ,,