In the state of Nevada, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards regulate the use of wire rope and rigging. Maintaining high safety standards couldn’t be more important for your business. If you aren’t using wire ropes safely, you could be taking risks with potentially disastrous consequences. That’s why the task of familiarizing yourself with your state’s wire rope safety standards is so vital.
Wire Rope Safety Standards in Nevada
Strong Materials
One of the most important standards is the strength of the wire ropes, which is determined by how they were bound. Manufacturers bind together metal strands to increase the overall strength of the wires. This creates structural and mechanical actuation, allowing for reliable motion control. The number of wire per strand and strands per rope is listed when buying ropes, and these will dictate the strength of the wire rope. A casing or a coating is used to finish and secure the rope.
Manufacturers utilize many different metal materials for various needs:
- Aluminum is versatile and light
- Titanium is light and high strength
- Copper is conductive and corrosion resistant
- Steel is very malleable
- Nickel is versatile and cortisol resistant
Determining which of these you need to do your job safely will depend on the job itself.
Safe Working Loads
The breaking strength of the wire rope is the maximum tensile load or force that a wire rope will hold before it simply breaks. It’s multiplied by a safety factor to determine the operating or working load, and this is what professionals using these ropes need to be aware of in order to stay safe and never exceed the safe working load. There are several types of wire rope and mechanical cable, and it’s these that will dictate the working load, too.
Load Connections to Hoist Ropes
For slings, locking safeguards need to be used according to the OSHA safety standards for the use of wire ropes. These load connections must be safely locked in place to protect anyone working in the area where the hoisted load is located. Do not take any risks while using wire ropes to hoist heavy loads. Always remember to factor in the maximum tensile load, as well.
Rope fittings in Construction
Construction safety and health regulations also apply when you’re using wire ropes in construction, as well as the OSHA safety standards. The relevant standard states, “Rigging equipment for material handling, Wire rope, in part, requires the safe working load recommended by the manufacturer for specific, identifiable products shall be followed, provided that a safety factor of not less than 5 is maintained.”
Fall protection equipment
Fall protection is an important function of wire ropes in many industries and sectors. Safety lines should not use knots, though, because OSHA does not recommend their use. They can reduce the breaking strength of the ropes by up to 50%. There are some circumstances in which they can be used though. For example, if the fall protection system is designed to accommodate the relevant reduction in strength, knots can be used, as long as they are the right kinds of knots.
Be sure to check the laws and safety standards in your state if you’re not sure. Seek clarification from a trusted source if you have any further questions.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
If you have questions about Nevada’s wire rope and rigging supplies standards, our experts are here to help. We can also provide guidance on the safest and most secure wire rope supplies for your project or business. Contact us to discuss your options today.
