What is the purpose of wire rope inspection criteria like wear, kinks, and broken wires?

• A. To determine rope color
• B. To calculate rope length for future use
• C. To determine the location of the rope during operation
• D. To identify deterioration that could lead to rope failure; any worn/damaged rope must be removed from service

Answer: (D)

Regular inspection checks for wear, kinks, and broken wires because they reveal damage that can reduce a rope’s load-carrying capacity or lead to sudden failure. Wear wears away the outer wires and thins the rope, weakening it; broken wires create weak points that can propagate under tension; kinks distort the rope’s shape and can hide internal damage that spreads with use. When these signs appear, the rope has likely crossed a safety threshold and must be removed from service until it’s repaired or replaced. The purpose isn’t about color, length, or locating the rope during operation; it’s about identifying deterioration that could cause a dangerous rope failure and acting to prevent it.