REGULAR INSPECTIONS
It is recommended that all products be inspected regularly for cracks, visible damage, elongation, rust, etc. Protect all products from corrosion. Products cannot operate at their rated capacity indefinitely. Therefore, regular inspections will help to determine when to replace a product and thereby, reduce rigging hazards.
How often inspections are conducted will depend on environmental conditions such as, application, storage of product prior to use, frequency of use, etc. When in doubt, inspect products prior to each use. Be careful to check for wear, rust, deformation, cracks or elongation. Elongation is a sure sign Of imminent failure. If the inspection results in any of the aforementioned conditions, remove from service immediately. In fact, it is recommended that items identified to be removed from service be destroyed rather than discarded.
DEFINITIONS
Please note that all weights and dimensions listed in this catalog are approximate. Ratings are shown in short or net tons that are equal to 2000 lbs. All dimensions are shown in inches and all weights are shown in I.. unless otherwise noted.
Working Load Limit: The working load limit is the maximum load that should ever be applied to the product.
Proof Test Load: The proof test load refers to figure that is twice the working load limit. Proof load testing is performed as a quality control check to detect any possible defects in material or manufacture. Note: The proof load test figure is not the same as a working load limit. Again, never exceed the working load limit.
Breaking Strength Ultimate Strength: Breaking strength is the average force at which the product (as new) has been found to break after representa-tive testing. The tests are conducted when applying a constant and direct inline force to the product at a uniform rate of speed. Note: Breaking strength is not the same as working load limit. Again, never exceed the working load limit.
Design Factor/Safety Factor: This is a term used in the rigging industry usually computed by dividing the catalog breaking strength by the catalog working load limit. The design or safety factor is then expressed as a ratio such as 5:1.
Shock Load: A load resutting from rapid change of movement, such as impacting, jerking or swinging of a static load. Sudden release of tension is another form of shock loading. Shock loads are generally significantly greater than static loads. Any shock loading must be considered when selecting the item for use in a system.
