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Subchapter 14. Petroleum Safety Orders--Drilling and Production
Article 41. Wire Rope Lines
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§6640. Wire Rope Lines.


(a) All wire ropes used for pulling purposes shall be of sufficient strength to move or hold the loads. The maximum allowable working loads shall be based on a minimum factor of safety of four (4) for routine operations.

EXCEPTION: A factor of safety of three (3) is allowed when setting casing, pulling on stuck pipe, or while engaging in similar infrequent operations.

(b) The employer or a designated qualified person shall inspect wire rope lines at reasonable intervals for wear or broken wires or a combination of these or marked corrosion or other damage that may reduce the strength of the line to a point where it will not safely lift or otherwise handle the load.

NOTE: "Reasonable intervals" shall be determined by the nature and amount of work performed by the line and its exposure to the weather when not in use, and other damage that may reduce the safe handling of the loads.

(c) Spliced hoisting lines shall not be used except those lines that run into a well. This does not prohibit forming an eye in the end of a line by the splice method or by the use of wire rope clips or clamps.

"Contractor's standby" (half hitch and clips) shall not be used in any wire rope.

(d) When a hoisting line is in use, precautions shall be taken to prevent the fast (lead) line and that portion of the dead line between the crown block and the dead line anchor from contacting any structural members of the derrick or mast or stationary equipment therein, line spoolers and line stabilizers excepted.

(e) The hoisting line shall be securely fastened to the hoist drum and there shall be enough line on the drum to permit the traveling block to be laid horizontally on the derrick or mast floor.

EXCEPTION: This does not apply when a grooved hoist drum is used and more than a five (5) part fall is reeved, but in no case shall there be less than seven (7) anchor coils on the drum when the traveling block is at its lowest point of travel during hoisting operations.

(f) The dead line anchor for any wire rope shall be designed, constructed, installed and maintained to conform to good engineering practices. Provisions shall be made to prevent the deadline from becoming disengaged from the anchor.

(g) When a wire rope socket is used on any wire rope, it shall be attached to the line in a manner specified by the manufacturer of the rope. This does not apply to lines that run into a well.

(h) Eye splices shall be made in a manner to develop maximum splice efficiencies as set forth in wire rope manufacturer's tables.

(i) When wire rope clips (Crosby type) are used on any wire rope, the U-bolts shall be on the dead or short end of the rope and the saddle on the live end.

(j) The maximum number of clips on any wire rope, for end attachments shall be not less than specified in the manufacturer's tables for the rope diameter, and type of rope construction but in no case less than three (3). The spacing of the clips shall be approximately six (6) times the diameter of the rope. All clip bolts shall be kept tight.

(k) Where wedge or compressed fittings, or plate clamps are used on any wire rope, they shall be applied in a manner specified by manufacturer's tables.

(l) When the dead line of a hoisting line is secured to a dead line anchor and surplus or reserve line continues beyond the anchor, the line shall be secured to the anchor in such a manner as to prevent its being kinked, distorted or otherwise damaged.

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment filed 7-20-59; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 59, No. 12).

2. Amendment of article 41 heading, section heading, section and Note filed 5-8-95; operative 6-7-95 (Register 95, No. 19).

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