Code for cables, slings and rigging used in diving operations

Note: This code is referenced in Ontario Regulation 629/94 (Diving Operations)  made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Cable Construction

1. The cable used by a crane or similar hoisting device in all hoisting operations shall,
   1. be steel wire rope of the type, size, grade and construction recommended by the manufacturer of the crane or similar hoisting device;
   2. be compatible with the sheaves and the drum of the crane or similar hoisting device;
   3. be lubricated to prevent corrosion and wear; and
   4. have its end connections securely fastened and shall be kept with at least three full turns on the drum.
2. The cable used by a crane or similar hoisting device shall not,
   1. subject to section 3, contain six randomly-distributed wires that are broken in one rope lay or three or more wires that are broken in one strand in a rope lay;
   2. be smaller than its nominal rope diameter by more than,
      1. i. one millimetre for a diameter up to and including nineteen millimetres,
      2. ii. two millimetres for a diameter greater than nineteen millimetres up to and including twenty-nine millimetres; and
      3. iii. three millimetres for a diameter greater than twenty-nine millimetres;
   3. be worn by more than one-third of the original diameter of its outside individual wires;
   4. show evidence of kinking, bird-caging, corrosion or other damage resulting in distortion of the rope structure; or
   5. show evidence of possible rope failure including rope damage caused by contact with electricity.
3. Cable that is static or is used for pendants shall not,
   1. contain three or more broken wires in one lay or in a sections between end connectors; or
   2. have more than one broken wire at an end connector.
4. Rotation-resistant wire rope shall not be used for a cable for boom hoist reeving and pendants.
5. Rotation-resistant wire rope shall not be used where an inner wire or strand for a cable is damaged or broken.

Cable Strength

6. A cable used by a crane or similar hoisting device shall be capable of supporting at least,
   1. three and one-half times the maximum load to which it is likely to be subjected if it is used on a device other than a tower crane and it winds on a drum or passes over a sheave;
   2. five times the maximum load to which it is likely to be subjected if it is used on a tower crane and it winds on a drum or passes over a sheave;
   3. three times the maximum load to which it is likely to be subjected if it is a pendant or is not subject to winding or bending; and
   4. ten times the maximum load to which it is likely to be subjected if the crane or similar hoisting device is used for supporting persons.

Cable Inspection

7. All cable used by a crane or similar hoisting device shall be visually inspected by a competent worker at least once a week when the crane or similar hoisting device is being used.
8. The worker performing an inspection shall record the condition of the rope or cable inspected in the log book for the crane or similar hoisting device.

Cable Fastening

9. Cable used by a crane or similar hoisting device shall be securely attached,
   1. by binding and fastening the cable around an oval thimble in a way that is strong enough to prevent the cable thimble from separating; or
   2. by fastening the cable within either a tapered socket by means of virgin zinc or a wedge-type socket fitted with a wire rope clip at the dead end to prevent the accidental release or loosening of the wedge.

10. The dead end cable of wedge socket assembly on a hoisting line shall extend between 100 millimetres and 300 millimeters out of the socket.

Slings and Rigging

11. A container, sling or similar device for rigging or hoisting an object, including its fitting and attachments, shall be,
    1. suitable for its intended use;
    2. suitable for and capable of supporting the object being rigged or hoisted;
    3. so arranged as to prevent the object or any part of the object from slipping or falling;
    4. capable of supporting at least five times the maximum load to which it may be subjected; and
    5. capable of supporting at least ten times the load to which it may be subjected if it is to be used to support a person.
12. A sling or similar device made of web-type fabric or nylon shall be labelled to indicate its load rating capacity.
13. No sling or similar device for rigging or hoisting made of web-type fabric or nylon shall be used if it may be cut.

Safety Cables and Hoisting Hooks

14. Every hoisting hook shall be equipped with a safety catch.
15. A safety catch is not required on a hoisting hook used in placing structural members if the method of placing protects workers to the same standard as a safety catch does.
16. A hoisting hook shall have its load rating legibly cast or stamped on it in a location where the person using the hook can readily see it.
17. A hoisting hook shall not be used if it is cracked, has a throat opening that is greater than as manufactured or is twisted from the plane of the unbent hook.

Hook Blocks

18. A hook block shall have its load rating and weight legibly cast or stamped on it in a conspicuous location.

Overhauling Weights

19. An overhauling weight used on the cable of a crane or similar hoisting device shall be,
    1. prevented from sliding up or down the able; and
    2. securely attached to the load hook and the cable.
20. No overhauling weight used on the cable of a crane or similar hoisting device shall be split.

Chains

21. Only an alloy steel chain or a chain manufactured for the purpose shall be used for hoisting.
22. No alloy chain shall be annealed or welded.
23. A chain used for hoisting shall be selected, annealed, normalized and repaired in accordance with the specifications of its manufacturer.

Clamps

24. A friction-type clamp used in hoisting materials shall be constructed so that an accidental slackening of the hoisting cable does not release the clamp.

Guide Ropes

25. If a worker may be endangered by the rotation or uncontrolled motion of a load being hoisted by a crane or similar hoisting device, one or more guide ropes or tag lines shall be used to prevent the rotation or uncontrolled motion.
26. No guide rope or tag line shall be removed from a load referred to in section 25, until the load is landed and there is no danger of it tipping, collapsing or rolling.

This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and should not be used as or considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply and enforce these laws based on the facts they find in the workplace.