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Cargo Net Safety Tips

Cargo Net Safety

Helinets’ braided nylon external nets are treated for UV and abrasion protection. 

New net working loads are based on tests of new and unused materials. 

It can be expected that strength will decrease as the net is put into use. 

Always inspect cargo nets for broken meshes, abrasion above 20% of strand

diameter, security of hooks, rings and perimeter rope.

* Use the correct size and strength cargo net for the job

* Never stand near a cargo net under tension

* Do not shock load the cargo net

* Do not load sharp cornered objects in the cargo net

* Avoid extreme heat (above 250F) when using the cargo net

* Avoid abrasive surfaces

Standards for safe usage of rope

NEW ROPE TENSILE STRENGTHS: New rope tensile strengths are based on tests of  new and unused spliced rope of standard construction in accordance with manufacturer’s Standard Test Methods. It can be expected that strengths will decrease as soon as a rope is put into use. Because of the wide range of rope use, changes in rope conditions, exposure to the many factors affecting rope behavior, and the possibility of risk to life and property it is impossible to cover all aspects of rope applications or to make blanket recommendations as to working loads.

WORKING LOADS: Working loads are for rope in good condition with appropriate splices, in non-critical applications and under normal service conditions. Working loads are based on a percentage of the approximate breaking strength of new and unused rope of current manufacture. For the three-strand, eight-strand, twelve-strand and double braid rope products, when used under normal conditions, the working load percentage is 20% of published strengths. Normal working loads do not cover dynamic conditions such as shock loads or sustained loads, nor do they cover where life , limb or valuable property are involved. In these cases a lower working load must be used.

A higher working load may be selected only with expert knowledge of conditions and professional estimates of risk, if the rope has been inspected and found to be in good condition, and if the rope has not been subject to dynamic loading (such as sudden drops, snubs or pickups), excessive use, elevated temperatures, or extended periods under load.

NORMAL WORKING LOADS: Normal working loads are not applicable when rope has been subject to dynamic loading. Whenever a load is picked up, stopped, moved or swung there is an increased force due to dynamic loading. The more rapidly or suddenly such actions occur, the greater the increase will be. In extreme cases, the force put on the rope may be two, three or even more times the normal load involved. Examples could be ropes used as tow line, picking up a load on a slack line, or using rope to stop a falling object. Dynamic effects are greater on a low elongation rope such as polyester than on a high elongation rope such as nylon, and greater on a short rope than on a long one. Therefore, in all such applications normal working loads as given do not apply.

DYNAMIC LOADING: For dynamic loading applications involving severe exposure conditions, or for recommendations on special applications, consult the manufacturer.

DANGER TO PERSONNEL: Persons should be warned against the serious danger of standing in line with a rope under tension. Should the rope part, it may recoil with considerable force. In all cases where any such risks are present, or where there is any question about the load involved or the condition of use, the working load should be substantially reduced and the rope properly inspected before every use.

WINCHING LINES: Braided rope can develop a twist when constantly used on a winch. This makes handling more difficult and the rope should be relaxed and rotated in the opposite direction to remove a twist. To avoid this condition the direction of turns over the winch should be alternated regularly.

SPLICING AND KNOTS: Splices should be used instead of knots wherever possible because knots can decrease rope strength up to fifty percent. When splices are used, always use the manufacturer’s recommended splicing procedures. When knots are used, be sure to take into consideration the knot’s corresponding reduction to the rope strength and adjust your working load accordingly.

ROPE INSPECTION: Avoid using rope showing signs of aging and wear. If in doubt, destroy the used rope. No type of visual inspection can be guaranteed to accurately and precisely determine the actual residual strength. When the fibers show wear in any given area, the rope should be re-spliced, downgraded, or replaced. Check the line regularly for frayed strands and broken yarns. Pulled strands should be re-threaded in the rope if possible. A pulled strand can snag on a foreign object during rope operation.

Both outer and inner rope fibers contribute to the strength of the rope. When either is worn, the rope is naturally weakened. Open the strands of the rope and look for powdered fiber, which is one sign of internal wear. A heavily used rope will often become compacted or hard which indicates reduced strength. The rope should be discarded if this condition exists.

AVOID ABRASIVE CONDITIONS: All rope will be severely damaged if subjected to rough surfaces or sharp edges. Chocks, winches, drums and other surfaces must be kept in good condition and free of burrs and rust. Pulleys must be free to rotate and should be of proper size to avoid excessive wear.

AVOID CHEMICAL EXPOSURE: Rope is subject to damage by chemicals. Consult the manufacturer for specific chemical exposure, such as solvents, acids, and alkalis. Consult the manufacturer for recommendations when a rope will be used where chemical exposure (either fumes or actual contact) can occur.

AVOID OVERHEATING: Heat can seriously affect the strength of synthetic ropes. The temperatures at which 50% strength loss can occur are: Polypropylene 250F, Nylon 350F, Polyester 350F. When using rope where the temperature exceeds these levels (or if it is too hot to hold), consult the manufacturer for recommendations as to the size and type of rope for the proposed continuous heat exposure conditions. When using ropes on a capstan or winch, care should be exercised to avoid surging while the capstan or winch head is rotating. The friction from the slippage causes localized overheating which can melt or fuse synthetic fibers, resulting in severe loss of tensile strength.

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