National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) Mobile Crane Practice Exam

What should be done if broken wires are found in the rotation resistant wire rope?

1. Remove the rope immediately

2. Continue to use until more wires are broken

3. Inspect more closely before making a decision

4. Lubricate the rope to prevent further damage

The correct answer is: Remove the rope immediately

When broken wires are found in rotation-resistant wire rope, the safest and most responsible action is to remove the rope immediately. This is because the integrity of the rope is compromised, which can significantly increase the risk of failure during use. Wire ropes are designed to handle specific loads, and any signs of damage, such as broken wires, can indicate that the rope may not be able to perform safely under load. Continuing to use the rope until more wires are broken can lead to catastrophic failures, potentially resulting in accidents, injuries, or fatalities. Inspecting the rope more closely without taking immediate action may also lead to insufficient risk management, as the damaged rope could still be in use while a decision is pending. Lastly, lubricating the rope may not address the fundamental issue of broken wires and could even mask the problem rather than resolving it. Thus, removing the damaged wire rope as soon as broken wires are discovered is the best course of action to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards.