Important Warnings
Read all warnings before using this website.
Failure to follow warnings and instructions may result in serious injury or death.
Anyone using this website must read and understand all warnings and other information listed below and preceding and/or adjacent product description. The following apply to all of the products on this website. Warnings specific to individual products follow, and can be accessed directly using the Table of Contents above.
All products are sold with the express understanding that the purchaser is thoroughly familiar with their correct application and safe use. Use all products properly, in a safe manner and for the application for which they were intended. Edwards Wire Rope assumes no responsibility for the use or misapplication of any product. Responsibility for design and use decisions rests with the user.
REMEMBER: ANY PRODUCT WILL BREAK IF ABUSED, MISUSED, OVERUSED OR NOT MAINTAINED PROPERLY. Such breaks can cause loads to fall or swing out of control, possibly resulting in serious injury or death as well as major property damage.
Therefore:
- Never exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL).
- Match components properly.
- Keep out from under a raised load.
- Avoid shock loads.
- Inspect products regularly.
It would be impossible to list all possible dangers and misapplications associated with the use of all products contained on this website. However, in order to promote safe rigging habits, the most common hazards associated with the use of these products are outlined.
Working Load Limit
This is the term used throughout the website. There are, however, other terms used in the industry which are interchangeable with the term Working Load Limit. These are: WLL, SWL, Safe Working Load, Rated Load Value, Resulting Safe Working Load, and Rated Capacity.
Never exceed the Working Load Limit.
The Working Load Limit is the maximum load which should ever be applied to a product, even when the product is new and when the load is uniformly applied - straight line pull only. Avoid side loading. All catalog ratings are based upon usual environmental conditions, and consideration must be given to unusual conditions such as extreme high or low temperatures, chemical solutions or vapors, prolonged immersion in salt water, etc. Such conditions or high-risk applications may necessitate reducing the Working Load Limit.
The Working Load Limit will not apply if product has been welded or otherwise modified.
Matching of Components
Components must match. Make certain that componenets such as hooks, links or shackles, etc. used with wire rope (or chain or cordage) are of suitable material size and strength to provide adequate safety protection. Attachments must be properly installed and must have a Working Load Limit at least equal to the product with which they are used. Remember: Any chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Raised Loads
Keep out from under a raised load. Take notice of the recommendation from the National Safety Council Accident Prevention Manual concerning all lifting operations:
"All employees working at cranes or hoists or assisting in hooking or arranging a load should be instructed to keep out from under the load. From a safety standpoint, one factor is paramount: Conduct all lifting operations in such a manner, that if there were an equipment failure, no personnel would be injured. This means keep out from under a raised load and keep out of the line of force of any load."
Do not operate a load over people. Do not ride on loads.
Shock Loads
Avoid impacting, jerking or swinging of load as the Working Load Limit could be exceeded and the Working Load Limit will not apply. A shock load is generally significantly greater than the static load. Avoid shock loads.
Regular Inspections
Inspect products regularly for visible damage, cracks, wear, elongation, rust, etc. Protect all products from corrosion. The need for periodic inspections cannot be overemphasized. No product can keep operating at its rated capacity indefinitely. Periodic inspections help determine when to replace a product and reduce rigging hazards. Keep inspection records to help pinpoint problems and to ensure periodic inspection intervals.
Due to the diversity of the products involved and uses to which they can be put, it would be counterproductive to make blanket recommendations for inspection procedures and frequency. Best results will be achieved when qualified personnel base their decisions on information from rigging and engineering manuals and on experience from actual use in the field.
Frequency of inspection will depend on environmental conditions, application, storage of product prior to use, frequency of use, etc. When in doubt, inspect products prior to each use. Carefully check each item for wear, deformation, cracks or elongation - a sure sign of imminent failure. Immediately withdraw such items from service.
Rust damage is another potential hazard. When in doubt about the extent of corrosion or other damage, withdraw the items from service.
Destroy, rather than discard, items that have been judged defective. They might be used again by someone not aware of the hazard involved.
Additional warnings and information on wire rope, chain, cordage, blocks, and tools can be found in the following sections. These should be read and understood thoroughly before using a particular item.