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Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders Group 13. Cranes and Other Hoisting Equipment Article 101. Slings

§5047. Natural and Synthetic Fiber Rope Slings.

(a) Sling Use.

(1) Fiber rope slings made from conventional three strand construction fiber rope shall not be used with loads in excess of the rated capacities prescribed in Tables S-18 through S-21.

(2) Fiber rope slings shall have a diameter of curvature meeting at least the minimums specified in Figures S-4 and S-5.

(3) Slings not included in these Orders shall be used only in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(4) Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall not be used for suspending personnel platforms.

(b) Safe Operating Temperatures. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings, except for wet frozen slings, may be used in a temperature range from minus 20o F to plus 180o F without decreasing the working load limit. For operations outside this temperature range and for wet frozen slings, the sling manufacturer's recommendations shall be followed.

(c) Splicing. Spliced fiber rope slings shall not be used unless they have been spliced in accordance with the following minimum requirements and in accordance with any additional recommendations of the manufacturer:

(1) In manila rope, eye splices shall consist of at least three full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least six full tucks, three on each side of the splice center line.

(2) In synthetic fiber rope, eye splices shall consist of at least four full tucks, and short splices shall consist of at least eight full tucks, four on each side of the center line.

(3) Strand end tails shall not be trimmed flush with the surface of the rope immediately adjacent to the full tucks. This applies to all types of fiber rope and both eye and short splices. For fiber rope under one inch in diameter, the tail shall project at least six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck. For fiber rope one inch in diameter and larger, the tail shall project at least six inches beyond the last full tuck. Where a projecting tail interferes with the use of the sling, the tail shall be tapered and spliced into the body of the rope using at least two additional tucks (which will require a tail length of approximately six rope diameters beyond the last full tuck).

(4) Fiber rope slings shall have a minimum clear length of rope between eye splices equal to 10 times the rope diameter.

(5) Knots shall not be used in lieu of splices.

(6) Clamps not designed specifically for fiber ropes shall not be used for splicing.

(7) For all eye splices, the eye shall be of such size to provide an included angle of not greater than 60 degrees at the splice when the eye is placed over the load or support.

(d) End Attachments. Fiber rope slings shall not be used if end attachments in contact with the rope have sharp edges or projections.

(e) Removal from Service. Natural and synthetic fiber rope slings shall be immediately removed from service if any of the following conditions are present:

(1) Abnormal wear;

(2) Powdered fiber between strands;

(3) Broken or cut fibers;

(4) Variations in the size or roundness of strands;

(5) Discoloration or rotting;

(6) Distortion of hardware in the sling.

(f) Repairs. Repairs shall only be made by the manufacturer or equivalent entity. Only fiber rope slings made from new rope shall be used. Use of repaired or reconditioned fiber rope slings is prohibited.

(g) Employers must ensure that natural and synthetic fiber-rope slings:

(1) Have permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer, and that indicate the recommended safe working load for the type(s) of hitch(es) used, the angle upon which it is based, type of fiber material, and the number of legs if more than one; and

(2) Not be used without affixed and legible identification markings as required by subsection (g)(1) of this section.

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

HISTORY

1. Amendment of subsections (a)(3) and (f) filed 5-1-87; operative 5-31-87 (Register 87, No. 19).

2. New subsection (a)(4) filed 4-24-2007; operative 5-24-2007 (Register 2007, No. 17).

3. New subsections (g)-(g)(2) filed 1-18-2012; operative 1-18-2012 pursuant to Labor Code section 142.3(a)(4)(C). Submitted to OAL for printing only pursuant to Labor Code section 142.3(a)(3) (Register 2012, No. 3).

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