REMEMBER: ANY PRODUCT WILL BREAK IF ABUSED. MISUSED OR OVERUSED.
Any well-designed and well-built product can become hazardous in the hands of a careless user.
Therefore:
1. Never exceed the Work Load Limit.
2. Match components properly.
3. Keep out from under a raised load.
4. Avoid shock loads.
5. Inspect products regularly.

It would be impossible in the scope of this publication to list all possible dangers and misapplications associated with the use of all products contained here. However, in order to promote safe rigging habits, the most common hazards associated with the use of these products are outlined.

Rigging manuals or other, more specific, literature should be consulted for more detailed information and cautions.

WORK LOAD LIMIT
Never exceed the Work Load Limit (WLL) or Rated Capacity.
The Work Load Limit is the maximum load which should ever 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 catalog ratings are based upon usual environmental conditions, and consideration must be given to unusual conditions such as extreme high or low temperatures, chemical solutions or vapors, prolonged immersion in salt water, etc. Such conditions or high-risk applications may necessitate reducing the Work Load Limit.

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 or 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 product with which they are used. Remember: Any chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

RAISED LOADS
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 or 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 load - Work Load Limit will not apply. A shock load is generally significantly greater than the static load. Avoid shock loads.

REGULAR INSPECTIONS
Inspect products regularly for visible damage, cracks, wear, elongation, rust, etc. Protect products from corrosion. The need for periodic inspections cannot be overemphasized. 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.

Due to the diversity of the products involved and uses to which they can be put, it would be counterproductive to make blanket recommendations for inspection procedures and frequency. Best results will be achieved when qualified personnel base their decisions on information from rigging and engineering manuals and on experience from actual use in the field.

Frequency of inspection will depend on environmental conditions, application, storage of product 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 to be inspected for wear, deformation, cracks or elongation - a sure sign of 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 again by someone not aware of the hazard of the defect.
Read additional warnings and other important information throughout this Catalog.

DEFINITIONS
Information contained in this price list is subject to change; all weights and dimensions are approximate. Ratings are stated in short tons (2,000 lbs.) or pounds. All dimensions are in inches; all weights are in pounds. Other definitions in glossary at conclusion of this Catalog.

Work Load Limit (WLL) or Rated Capacity
The Work Load Limit is the maximum load which should ever be applied to the product, even when a product is new and when the load is uniformly applied - straight line pull only. Avoid side loading. All catalog ratings are based upon usual environmental conditions, and consideration must be given to unusual conditions such as extreme high or low temperatures, chemical solutions or vapors, prolonged immersion in salt water, etc. Never exceed the Work Load Limit.

Proof Test Load (Proof Load)
The term "Proof Test" designates a quality control test applied to the product for the sole purpose of detecting defects in material or manufacture. The Proof Test Load (usually twice the Work Load Limit) is the load which the product withstood without deformation when new and under laboratory test conditions. A constantly increasing force is applied in direct line to the product at a uniform rate of speed on a standard pulling machine.

Breaking Strength/Ultimate Strength
Do not use Breaking Strengths as a criterion for service or design purposes. Refer to the Work Load Limit instead.

Breaking Strength is the average force at which the product, in the condition it would leave the factory, has been found by representative testing to break, when a constantly increasing force is applied in direct line to the product at a uniform rate of speed on a standard pull testing machine.

Remember: Breaking Strengths, when published, were obtained under controlled laboratory conditions that are almost impossible to duplicate in actual use.

Design Factor (sometimes referred to as safety factor)
An industry term denoting theoretical reserve capability. Usually computed by dividing the catalog Breaking Strength by the catalog Work Load Limit and generally expressed as a ratio. For example: 5 to 1.

Shock Load
A load resulting from the rapid change of movement, such as impacting, jerking or swinging of a static load. Sudden release of tension is another form of shock loading. Shock loads are generally significantly greater than static loads. Any chock loading must be considered when selecting the item for use in a system.
Avoid shock loads