Section 1 General

1.1.1 Fittings, loose gear and ropes are, in general, to be manufactured in accordance with International or recognised National Standards.

1.1.2 Tables of standard dimensions for certain fittings and items of loose gear are given in this Chapter. These dimensions are nominal and appropriate allowance is to be made for working tolerances. The symbols used are shown on sketches of typical designs of these items, which are given here for illustration purposes only.

1.1.3 Tables of minimum breaking loads for a range of steel wire ropes and fibre ropes are also given.

1.1.4 Alternative designs and designs for items not covered by appropriate standards will be considered on the general basis of the requirements of this Chapter.

1.1.5 For large items that exceed the scope of current National Standards, or where the standard formulae in this Code are not appropriate (e.g. ramshorn hooks on heavy lift applications), full calculations in support of the design of the item are to be submitted for consideration. Alternatively, a programme of prototype testing may be agreed to demonstrate the adequacy of the item.

1.1.6 The safe working load (SWL) of any item is to be not less than that required by the appropriate requirements of this Code for the position occupied by the item in the rig.

1.2.1 Materials are to comply with the requirements of Ch 1, 1.6 Materials and fabrication and Ch 11 Materials and Fabrication.

1.2.2 The selected steel grade is to provide adequate assurance against brittle fracture and is to comply with Ch 11, 1.2 General material requirements 1.2.2, with the operating temperature chosen as being the lesser of either that from an assigned winterisation notation or the lowest temperature of operation for the lifting appliance (see Ch 11, 1.2 General material requirements 1.2.4).

1.2.3 Steel for bearing brackets and other items welded to the ship’s structure (including to the masts, derrick posts and crane pedestals) is, generally, to comply with the requirements of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022.

1.2.4 Steel for other items not welded to the ship’s structure is to comply with LR’s requirements as in Ch 8, 1.2 Materials and construction 1.2.2 or with an appropriate National or International Standard recognised by LR as suitable for the intended purpose. For routes to achieve materials compliance for classed or certified applications see also Ch 1, 1.6 Materials and fabrication.

1.2.5 Where items are flame cut from solid material, they are subsequently to be machined or forged and machined as necessary and the faces are to be dressed to give a smooth finish. Attention is to be paid to the rolling direction of the plate.

1.2.6 Steel castings and forgings are to be normalised or otherwise heat-treated at a temperature and according to a method appropriate to the material and size of the item.

1.2.7 Cast, forged and fabricated items are to be so designed and constructed as to minimise stress concentrations. Fabricated items are to be designed to ensure good penetration of welds and to provide adequate accessibility for non-destructive examination (NDE).

1.2.8 Large items, e.g. cast hooks, are to be thoroughly examined by NDE to confirm that the components are free from surface or internal defects which would lead to failure. The applied NDE specification and acceptance criteria should be proposed by the designer and approved by Lloyd’s Register.

1.2.9 All bearing surfaces are to be machined to ensure a smooth finish and good fit. Adequate and accessible means of lubrication are to be provided.

1.2.10 Plain or bushed bearings are to be designed so that the mean pressure based on the projected area of the bearing does not exceed the values given in the appropriate Sections of this Chapter. Where roller, ball or similar bearings are fitted, the loading is not to exceed the value recommended by the manufacturer.

1.2.11 The required documentation for materials used for the construction of fittings, loose gear and ropes associated with classed and certified lifting appliances is defined in Ch 11, 4 Material documentation for certified and classed lifting appliances.

1.3.1 The requirements for testing of finished equipment and certification are given in Ch 12 Testing, Marking and Surveys and Ch 13 Documentation respectively .