Fibre rope inspection

Find out how to inspect and when to discard fibre rope.

Avoid using rope that has:

• signs of aging (like a bleached colour)
• wear on individual fibre and strands
• evidence of break down (like powder materials on sheaves or points of wear).

If in doubt, destroy the used rope.

When the fibre shows wear in any area, the rope should be re-spliced. Do this where possible to eliminate the damaged area.

How to inspect fibre rope

Regularly inspect rope for frayed strands and broken yarns.

Open rope gently. If any fibre or fragments fall out, rope should be discarded.

How to open fibre rope – Twist the rope opposite direction to lay

How to open fibre rope – With hands apart push hands together to open rope

Both outer and inner rope fibre contribute to the strength of the rope. When either is worn, the rope is compacted or hard. This indicates reduced strength.

When to discard fibre rope

Discard factors for fibre rope are when rope is displaying:

• anything other than its original bulk
• 25% abrasion reduction (to be discarded)
• its original bulk with a pulled strand
• 25% abrasion reduction and pulled strand.

Minimal strength loss - continue use

Significant strength loss - Continue use

Severe strength loss - retire sling