New rope has a lower safe working load than used rope.

New rope has a lower safe working load than used rope.

• A. Depends on rope type
• B. True
• C. False
• D. Not sure

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that safe working load (SWL) for rope depends on the rope’s condition. SWL is based on the rope’s breaking strength and a safety factor, with new rope rated at its full strength. As rope is used, wear from abrasion, knots, UV exposure, moisture, heat, and possible core damage reduce its actual strength, so the allowable working load must be derated. Because of this, new rope typically has a higher SWL than used rope, and the notion that new rope has a lower SWL goes against how SWL is determined.

The main idea is that safe working load (SWL) for rope depends on the rope’s condition. SWL is based on the rope’s breaking strength and a safety factor, with new rope rated at its full strength. As rope is used, wear from abrasion, knots, UV exposure, moisture, heat, and possible core damage reduce its actual strength, so the allowable working load must be derated. Because of this, new rope typically has a higher SWL than used rope, and the notion that new rope has a lower SWL goes against how SWL is determined.