ROPE SAFETY
Handling
  • Never stand in line with rope under tension. Synthetic ropes have higher recoil/snap back
    tendencies than natural fiber rope.
Overloading
  • Avoid sudden strains. Shock loading can cause failure of rope normally strong enough
    to handle a load.
Abrasion
  • Do not drag rope over rough ground. Dirt and grit picked up by the rope will work into
    the strands, abrading the inside fibers.
  • Do not keep winches, drums and other surfaces dirty.
  • Do not use pulleys that don’t run smoothly are not the proper size.
Chemicals
  • Avoid chemical exposure, especially for natural fibers. Solvents, acids and alkalies are
    particularly dangerous.
Heat
  • Avoid overheating including heating from friction as a result of rope surging over or around
    a rotating winch head. Storing rope at elevated temperatures can also reduce strength.
Splicing and Knots
  • Use a splice rather than a knot whenever possible for joining rope. A knot can reduce the
    strength of the rope by 50%.