Safety Warnings

Important — Read warnings before using this website.

All products are sold with the understanding that the purchaser is familiar with their safe use and correct application. Fortune Rope & Metals Co., Inc. assumes no responsibility for the use or misapplication of any product it sells. Responsibility for design and use decisions rests with the user.

Important Warnings

Remember: any product will break if abused, misused or overused. Therefore:

• ↦Never exceed the work load limit.
• ↦Match components properly.
• ↦Keep out from under a raised load.
• ↦Avoid shock loads.
• ↦Inspect products regularly.

Work Load Limits

Never exceed the work load limit (WLL), safe working load (SWL), or rated capacity. The work load limit is the maximum load which should never be applied to the product, even when the product is new and when the load is uniformly applied — straight line pull only. Avoid side loading. All ratings are based upon usual environmental conditions, and consideration must be given to unusual conditions such as 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 capacity. Work load limit will not apply if product has been welded or otherwise modified.

Matching Of Components

Components must match. Make certain that components such as hooks, links, shackles, etc., used with wire rope (or chain or cordage), are of suitable material and strength to provide adequate safety protection. Attachments must be properly installed and must have a work load limit at least equal to the products with which they are used. Remember — any chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Raised Load

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 and 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."

Shock Loads

Avoid impacting, jerking, or swinging of a load — Work Load Limit will not apply. A shock load is generally significantly greater than the static load. Avoid shock loads.

Regular Inspection

Inspect products regularly for visible damage, cracks, wear, elongation, rust, etc. Protect all products from corrosion. 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 insure periodic inspection intervals.

Frequency of inspection will depend on environmental conditions, application, storage of object prior to use, frequency of use, whether or not life, limb, or valuable property are at risk, 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 by someone not aware of the hazard of the defect.