- Stock them properly -
In a sheltered, ventilated space. Preferably on a pallet.
Even UV-protected ropes will last longer when stored out of direct sunlight.
- Choose the right size -
An undersized cross section hawser will wear out sooner and an oversize hawser
will appear hard to use and expensive. A choice of the right material is an essential condition.
- Do not overload -
A rope should have a safety factor of 5:1. Do not exceed the specific loads since serious damage to people or materials can result. Handrails and life lines must normally have a 12:1 safety factor.
- Keep them away from -
Chemicals, alkalines and particularly from battery fluids. Extended time in such an environment can make the rope useless.
- Do not permit -
Lines to kink or knot where not needed. The pulling of the ropes over rough surfaces or sharp edges. High tension over sharp corners. The running of ropes through undersized fairleads or sheaves.
- Keep them clean -
Dirt or salt in a rope increase internal abrasion.
- Maintenance -
After every use, wash the ropes with fresh water, dry them in the open, stock
them in a suitable place according to the above instructions.
- SAFETY -
Accidents involving ropes are more frequent than any other sort of accident
on board ships.
Although a lot of money and effort have been invested in trying to eliminate
as far as possible the safety problems inherent to ropes, including the snap
recoil distance, it is absolutely essential to make sure you do not ever find
yourself:
- positioned between a rope under tension and a heavy moveable object or a
bulkhead.
- with one or both feet inside a coil of rope that is being used.
- inside the snap-back danger zone, which will be defined differently each
time depending on the path of the rope on the deck.
- Attention -
Not all ropes can be handled exactly the same way: there are a few details that depend on the construction or the raw material. But if you follow the above instructions at all times you will be safe and the ropes will last longer.