Wire rope hoists undergo constant wear and tear. That’s why inspections are crucial to a safe operating environment.
OSHA Standard Number 1926.1413
Wire ropes have a finite life that is much shorter than the expected life of the hoist. Improperly installed, poorly lubricated, worn and damaged hoisting ropes routinely fail, causing the potential for a catastrophic accident. In fact a hoisting rope that was in perfect condition the day before can be ruined by a single damaging lift that causes a kink or bird cage.
Properly trained and experienced personnel must inspect the wire rope on hoists on a regular basis in accordance with ANSI and OSHA standards and regulations as well as the manufacturer’s recommendation. In addition, the operator is responsible to complete visual inspections before each shift and before lifting a load.
Replace wire rope if:
- Broken wires or excessive wear
- 12 randomly broken wires in one lay of rope
- 4 broken wires in one strand in one lay
- 1 outer wire is broken at the contact point with the core, which has worked its way out
- Wear on individual wires to of ⅓ of original diameter Kinks •
- Tight kinks – Shortens lay
- Open kinks – Opens the lay – Caused by sudden release of the load – Hoist operating in restricted area
- Wear beyond the nominal diameter- The rope diameter for a given rope size, measured across the high points of the rope. Replace wire rope if the diameter reduction is greater than the allowable reduction.