Section 6 Fittings, loose gear and ropes

6.1.1 This Section defines the requirements for fittings, loose gear and ropes which may be used in combination with OPTS and their components.

6.1.2 In general, all requirements as provided in Ch 8 Fittings, Loose Gear and Ropes of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 are applicable to OPTS. Additional requirements are given in this Section.

6.1.3 All fittings and items of loose gear which are in the main load path of the OPTS supporting personnel shall be selected, taking into account the loading requirements of this Code. The design loads shall be calculated as per the requirements of Ch 1, 3 Loads and factors and Ch 1, 4 Load cases and load combinations with the exception of the application of the risk coefficients as defined in Ch 1, 3.8 Risk coefficient. The risk coefficient for fittings and loose gear is to be taken as γ_n.LG = 1,6.

6.2.1 Fittings, as detailed in Ch 8, 2 Fittings of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022, are usually used in derrick systems as per Ch 2 Derrick Systems of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 and are not usually used in the design of OPTS. If it is intended to apply fittings as defined in Ch 8, 2 Fittings of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022, details are to be submitted for examination.

6.2.2 The risk coefficient γ_n.LG shall be applied to enhance the required nominal size of the fitting.

6.3.1 Blocks including hook blocks, if applied in the design of the OPTS, are to be designed in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 8, 3 Blocks of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. Alternatively, blocks are to be designed as per the requirements of a recognised National or International Standard.

6.3.2 The risk coefficient γ_n.LG shall be applied to enhance the required nominal size of the fitting. The risk coefficient γ_n.LG shall be applied to enhance the required nominal size of the block.

6.4.1 Spreaders and lifting beams, if applied in the design of the OPTS, are to be designed in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 8, 4 Spreaders and lifting beams of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. Alternatively, spreaders and lifting beams are to be designed as per the requirements of a recognised National or International Standard.

6.4.2 The risk coefficient γ_n.LG shall be applied to enhance the required nominal size of the spreader or lifting beam.

6.4.3 Reference is made to Ch 8, 4.2 Loading and allowable stress 4.2.2 of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 for spreaders and lifting beams that will be used in open-sea, offshore or in conditions where there is significant dynamic loading.

6.5.1 The safety factors as defined in the following for items of loose gear are only applicable where those items are directly engaged in the main load path for lifting or supporting of personnel. In the cases of cargo or other load handling, the safety factors are to be taken as defined in the related sections of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022.

6.5.2 Loose gear items, in general, are to have a safety factor of γ_n.LG × 6 against the ultimate tensile strength of the materials used.

6.5.3 The hook and hook block are to comply with the requirements of Ch 8, 3.5 Hook blocks of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. With respect to Ch 8, 3.5 Hook blocks 3.5.1.(a) of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 the required safety factor against the ultimate tensile strength is generally set to γ_n.LG × 6. With respect to Ch 8, 3.5 Hook blocks 3.5.1.(b) of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022 the risk coefficient γ_n.LG shall be applied to the dead load and SWL.

6.5.5 Shackles, if applied in the design of the OPTS, are to be designed in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 8, 5.1 Shackles of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. Alternatively, shackles are to be designed as per the requirements of a recognised National or International Standard including the application of the risk coefficient γ_n.LG.

6.5.6 Swivels and lifting eyes, if applied in the design of the OPTS, are to be designed in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 8, 5.3 Swivels and lifting eyes of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. Alternatively, swivels and lifting eyes are to be designed as per the requirements of a recognised National or International Standard including the application of the risk coefficient γ_n.LG.

6.5.7 Chains, links and rings, if applied in the design of the OPTS, are to be designed in accordance with the requirements given in Ch 8, 5.4 Chains, links and rings of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. Alternatively, chains, links and rings are to be designed as per the requirements of a recognised National or International Standard including the application of the risk coefficient γ_n.LG.

6.5.8 All other items of loose gear will be specially considered on the basis of the requirements of Ch 8, 5 Loose gear of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022.

6.6.1 Steel wire ropes are to be designed in accordance with the requirements of Ch 8, 6 Steel wire ropes of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022. For the evaluation of the required minimum breaking load the risk coefficient γ_n.WR (and γ_n.DW respectively), shall be applied as defined in Ch 1, 5.8 Rope safety factors.

6.6.2 The application of fibre ropes will be specially considered. See also Ch 8, 7 Fibre ropes of the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2022.