Suspension Scaffold Ropes

Suspension scaffold hoists require personnel to understand the following suspension rope criteria and maintenance:

• Winding drum hoists are required to have at least four wraps of suspension rope at the lowest point of scaffold travel.
• All other types of hoists are required to have suspension rope long enough to lower scaffolds to the level below, without having the rope end pass through the hoist, or to have the rope end configured or provided with means so the end does not pass through the hoist.
• Suspension ropes supporting adjustable suspension scaffolds must be of a diameter large enough to provide sufficient surface area for the functioning of brake and hoist mechanisms.
• Suspension ropes must be shielded from heat-producing processes. When acids or other corrosive substances are used on a scaffold, the ropes must be shielded, treated to protect against the corrosive substances, or be of a material that will not be damaged by the substance being used.

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