A spreader bar cable snapped on me last month during a lift

We were setting a 12-ton HVAC unit on a roof in Charlotte, about 30 feet up. The lift itself was fine, but one of the old wire rope slings on the spreader bar gave out with a loud crack. It happened right as we started to swing the load into position. I hit the emergency stop and we had to set the unit down on the roof deck, not the pads. We found the cable had a bunch of broken wires we missed during the morning check. Has anyone else had a sling fail like that during a routine pick? What's your check routine for older wire rope?

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3 Comments

carr.jennifer6mo ago

Damn, that's a scary sound to hear on a job. Glad you caught it and got it down safe. We had a 1/2 inch wire rope choker snap on a steel beam lift last year, same deal with hidden broken wires inside a bend. My routine now is a real slow, hands-on check, feeling for any pricks or flat spots, especially on old gear.

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tylermason6mo ago

Seems like overkill for a quick check.

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karen_martin6mo ago

Morning checks are a great time to find new ways to almost die. My routine is basically just giving the old cables a worried look.

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