Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam

What is true concerning a wire rope's safety factor?

1. Is higher for guy wires than for personnel hoists

2. Is lower for guy wires than for personnel hoists

3. Is the same for all applications

4. Depends on the type of wire material

The correct answer is: Is lower for guy wires than for personnel hoists

The safety factor of a wire rope is an important consideration in its application and use across different environments. A lower safety factor for guy wires, compared to personnel hoists, is true because guy wires typically experience static loads and are designed to stabilize structures without the dynamic loading that personnel hoists endure. Personnel hoists are subject to varying, dynamic loads due to the weight of the load being lifted, wind conditions, and potential impacts from operational use. As a result, they are designed with a higher safety factor to ensure safety under these more dynamic and potentially unpredictable conditions. Guy wires, on the other hand, are often used in more static applications, like supporting telephone poles or towers, where the loads do not fluctuate as much. This allows for a lower safety factor, taking into account the different operational risks associated with each application. Understanding these distinctions is essential for ensuring safety and compliance with industry standards in engineering and construction practices.