In a previous update, it was mentioned that a new ASME B30.30 Ropes volume of the ASME B30 Safety Standards was in the works. The new standard that includes both wire and synthetic ropes, has now passed its final hurdle of ANSI approval, and will be published in early 2019.
There are now two new ASME B30 safety standard volumes being proposed to cover: hydraulic platform transporters; and unmanned aircraft (drones) used for inspection, testing, maintenance, and lifting. The subcommittees are currently being staffed with subject matter experts, and the lengthy process of justifying and developing an ASME document has begun.
The Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (AWRF) Technical Committee has a series of Recommended Practices and Guidelines (RP&G) for the testing of products and operation of equipment associated with the rigging and lifting industry. AWRF is an organization for the promotion of companies manufacturing, fabricating, or distributing: lifting, rigging and load securement devices made of chain, rope, and synthetic products. These documents provide simple shop guidance for the user when manufacturing, inspecting, and operating the equipment used for testing and fabrication. Access to these Recommended Practices and Guidelines is one of the many benefits available to members of AWRF, and can be found on the Members Only tab of https://awrf.org/.
ASTM International (ASTM), formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, also has standards related to chain lifting and load handling products. The ASTM A01.27 Chain Subcommittee, manages these standards related to Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain, chain fittings, and slings. It has been several years since there were revisions, but ASTM is currently re-staffing the subcommittee, and the standards are to be reviewed for update, or reaffirmation.
The International Standards Organization (ISO) TC111 subcommittees are currently reviewing the requirements for mechanical testing of materials used in rigging products. The TC111 subcommittee is responsible for international standards associated with chains, chain slings, components and accessories; and the outcome of this subcommittee can have an effect on the testing requirements of rigging requirements on an international level.
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