Industry news — Disposing of Damaged Wire Rope & Wire Rope Slings

Wire ropes may only last a few months in heavy-duty mining applications, and wire rope slings also last for varying lengths of time. Environment, bending, stresses, shock loading and abrasion are just a few things that impact the life of wire rope slings.

You should always inspect your lifting equipment for damage before use, some common observations that may indicate that your wire rope is unsafe and should be serviced or discarded are: corrosion, a one-third reduction in outer wire diameter, damaged fittings (e.g. hooks, latches, rings, links etc), distortion, kinking bird caging, or other evidence of damage to the wire rope structure and excessive broken wires.

If you notice any of the above damage, remove the wire rope or wire rope sling immediately from service and organise for a qualified technician to service the item. If the equipment is marked as unsalvageable, then follow the discard method below.