Section 6.31. Cables, ropes, block and tackle

(a) Cables. Cables for scaffolds and hoists shall not be less than 1/4 inch in diameter, and shall possess a factor of safety of at least eight. A metal tag shall be placed on all cables at a point readily accessible to inspection showing the size and material of the cable, including the maximum safe load and the date of renewal. There shall be compliance with the following additional requirements:

(1) Cable fastenings. The fastenings of all cables shall be of an approved type. Particular care shall be taken in the pouring of sockets, and the metal used shall be zinc. Where thimbles and clamps are used the fastenings shall be made under the supervision of a competent man and not less than three approved clamps or clips shall be used at each fastening. Clamps shall be installed with the U-bolt on the dead end of the cable.

(2) Splicing. The splicing of cables is prohibited.

(3) Maintenance and inspection. Cables shall at all times be maintained in a perfectly safe operating condition and frequent inspections shall be made.

(4) Riding of cables. Where ‘‘riding’’ of the cable on the drum occurs, it shall be adjusted immediately but the adjustment shall only be done by someone thoroughly familiar with the machine and experienced in such work.

(b) Ropes. For all other lifeline applications, rope of a minimum of 3/4 inch manila or equivalent, with a minimum breaking strength of 5,400 pounds, shall be used. A tag shall be placed on all ropes readily accessible to inspection, showing the size and material of the rope, including the minimum breaking strength in pounds. In addition, the following requirements shall be met:

(1) Fastenings of ropes. Ropes shall be at least double lashed at each point of suspension. Lifelines used on rockscaling operations, or cut in areas where the lifeline may be subjected to cutting or abrasion, shall be a minimum of 7/8 inch wire core manila rope.

(2) Splicing. The splicing of ropes is prohibited.

(3) Knots. Rope knots shall have their free ends lashed to the standing part to prevent their becoming untied. All knots shall be tested and made secure before the rope is used.

(c) Block and tackle. Block and tackle shall fit the size of the rope they carry and shall be so constructed that they do not chafe or abrade the ropes running through them.

(d) Inspection and storage. All ropes, slings, and tackle shall be thoroughly and frequently inspected. When not in use they shall be stored in a dry place.

(e) Protection of rope or cable when using acid. Wherever any solution containing acid, caustic or any other substance injurious to hemp rope fibre or iron or steel cables is to be used to clean buildings or other structures, the hangers and falls of the scaffold shall be protected to a height of at least six feet above the platform with acid-resisting material, and further provided that the ropes or cables shall hang over the outside edge of the scaffold platform. Solutions containing acid or caustics shall not be stored in the same room with scaffolding equipment.

(f) Builders’ hoists. Builders’ hoists shall comply with all the requirements of Chapter 7 (relating to elevators, lifts, escalators, dumbwaiters, hoists, and tramways), and shall not be operated without a ‘‘State Certificate of Operation’’ on display in or adjacent to the hoist shaftway.

The provisions of this § 6.31 amended November 20, 1971, 1 Pa.B. 2166.

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 34 Pa. Code § 6.14 (relating to suspended scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.15 (relating to painters’ swinging scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.19 (relating to needle beam scaffolds); 34 Pa. Code § 6.20 (relating to roofing brackets and scaffolds); and 34 Pa. Code § 6.26 (relating to boatswain’s chair).