Wire rope and rigging gear are often put through some of the harshest conditions for wear and tear. With proper use and care, you can certainly extend the lifespan of your wire ropes and rigging supplies, but they’re not supposed to last forever. They will eventually have an expiration date, and as an owner or manager, it’s your responsibility to make sure that only the highest quality wire ropes and rigging supplies are used. This entails ensuring that ropes and gear are replaced at the first sign of distress or breakage. Continue reading to find out when to remove wire ropes and rigging gear from service.
When to Remove Wire Rope and Rigging Gear From Service
More often than not, rigging trouble is caused by failing to maintain gear properly or not knowing the appropriate time to retire the gear altogether. Ignoring warning signs can lead to catastrophic failures, resulting in serious injuries or even death to employees. So what exactly are you supposed to do when your rigging supplies no longer meet the highest safety and performance standards? OSHA has pretty clear guidelines for what you’re required to do with broken and worn stainless steel wire ropes. However, we’ve outlined the essential information about when to remove wire ropes and rigging supplies below.
If you notice any of these following signs, you must dispose of your wire rope immediately:
- Broken strands or wires
- Severe corrosion of the wire rope
- Wear and tear
- Bird caging or distortion
- Damaged end fittings
- A reduction in a wire that’s greater than ⅓ the diameter of the outer wire
- Flattened areas on the wire rope
- Severe heat damage
- Misplacement of outer wires
Your Source for All Wire Ropes and Rigging Supplies
If you’ve noticed any of the above signs of failure, it’s time to remove your wire ropes. Replacing wire ropes can be a hassle, but with Silver State Wire Rope and Rigging, we can ensure that your experience will be hassle-free. Our knowledgeable staff will be able to help you replace your wire rope and rigging supplies. Contact us for more information.