Suspension Rope Inspection

A competent person must inspect ropes for defects prior to each work shift and after every occurrence that could affect a rope's integrity.

Wire rope must be replaced in the following circumstances:

• When the rope has any physical damage that impairs its function and strength
• When the rope has any kinks that might impair the tracking or wrapping of rope around the drum(s) or sheave(s)
• When the rope has six randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay or three broken wires in one strand in one rope lay
• When the rope has abrasion, corrosion, scrubbing, flattening, or peening causing loss of more than one-third of the original diameter of the outside wires
• When the rope has evidence of heat damage resulting from a torch or any damage caused by contact with electrical wires
• The rope has evidence that a secondary brake has been activated during an overspeed condition and engaged the suspension rope

To learn more about Scaffolding Safety visit our Construction Scaffolding Safety Online Training web page.