What is the safety factor for rope used for lifts?

The safety factor for rope used for lifts is determined based on both industry standards and manufacturer guidance, as well as safety regulations to ensure safe operation. The recommendation for a safety factor of 1/5 to 1/10 of the tested breaking strength provides a substantial margin that accounts for various unpredictable factors, such as wear and tear, environmental conditions, and dynamic loads that can occur during lifting operations.

In practical terms, this means that if a rope has a tested breaking strength of, for example, 1000 pounds, using a safety factor of 1/5 would mean that the working load limit (the maximum load that should be applied during normal use) would be 200 pounds. This approach helps to ensure that, even under unforeseen circumstances, the rope maintains structural integrity and prevents failure, thereby providing a safer lifting operation.

The other choices do not align with the recommended safety practices for lifting operations. Setting the safety factor too high, such as using the full tested breaking strength or 1/2 of it as a working limit, does not provide adequate safety margins considering the variables involved in real-world applications. Therefore, the guidance of using a safety factor that allows for a range between 1/5 and 1/10 of the