.

SINGAPORE STANDARD
SS 343 : Part 1 : 2001
(ICS 13.110)

SPECIFICATIONFOR
Lifti ng gear

Part 1 : Wire rope slings

"

Published by ~\~

Singapore Productivity and Standards Board

PSB
1 Science Park Drive SINGAPORE
Singapore 118221

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SINGAPORE STANDARD
SS 343 : Part 1 : 2001
(ICS 13.110)

SPECIFICATION FOR

Lifting gear

Part 1 : Wire rope slings

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this Singapore

Standard may be reproduced or utilised in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilming, without
permission in writing from the Singapore Productivity and Standards Board at
the address below:

Director
Centre for Standardisation
Singapore Productivity and Standards Board
1 Science Park Drive
Singapore 118221
Telephone: 2786666 Telefax: 2786665
Email: cfs@psb.gov.sg

ISBN 9971-67-881-0

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

This Singapore Standard was approved by the Mechanical Standards Committee on behalf of the
Standards Council of Singapore on 21 September 2001.

First published, 1989

First revision, 2001

The Mechanical Standards Committee appointed by the Standards Council consists of the following
members:

Name Organisation

Chairman Mr Victor Ho Kwok Weng Standards Council

Deputy.
Chairman Mr Ng Thin Teng Individual CapacIty
Secretary Ms Christina Choong Singapore Productivity and Standards Board

Members. Assoc Prof Chau Fook Siong National University of Singapore

Mr Cheng Wee Sik Institution of Engineers Singapore
Mr Tommy Chua Singapore International Chamber of Commerce
Mr James Kuah Geok Lin Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and
Industry
Mr Kwan Seng Fatt Association of Singapore Marine Industries
Mr Lau Keong Ong PSB Corporation Pte Ltd
Assoc Prof Leong Kah Fai Individual Capacity
Assoc Prof Lim Choon Seng Nanyang Technological University
Mr James Ling Gintic Institute of Manufacturing Technology
Mr N M Ramchandani Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry
Mr Soh Yoke Lun Singapore Confederation of Industries
Mr George Sze PWD Corporation Pte Ltd

The Technical Committee on Lifting and Hoisting Systems appointed by Mechanical Standards
Committee and responsible for the preparation of this standard consists of representatives from the
following organisations:

Name Organisation

Chairman Mr Ng Thin Teng Mechanical Standards Committee

Secretary Mr Loke Seck Kar Singapore Productivity and Standards Board

Members Mr B G Ang Association of Singapore Marine Industries

Mr Ang Seow Yong
Mr Leow Kee Wat
Mr Gilbert Lum Shuet Meng
Mr Ng Siew Sing
Mr Ng Tong Leng
Assoc Prof Ong Lin Seng
Mr Leslie Tay Cheow Khoon
Assoc Prof Tay Tong-Earn
PSA Corporation Limited
Housing & Development Board
The Singapore Lift and Escalator Contractors and
Manufacturers Association
Institution of Engineers Singapore
Occupational Safety Department
Nanyang Technological University
Leslie Tay & Associates
National University of Singapore

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

The Working Group appointed by the Technical Committee to assist in the preparation of this standard
comprises the following members:

Name Organisation

Convenor. Assoc Prof Tay Tong-Earn National University of Singapore

Members Mr B G Ang Sembawang Shipyard Limited

Mr Fong Mun Seong Singapore Institution of Safety Officers
Mr Silas Sng Occupational Safety Department
Mr Jeffrey Tan Kok Siah PSA Corporation Limited
Mr Leslie Tay Cheow Khoon Leslie Tay & Associates

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55 343 : Part 1 : 2001

(blank page)

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Contents
Page

Foreword 6

SPECIFICATION

1 Scope 7

2 Definitions 7

3 Forms of sling assembly 8

4 Forms of sling legs 9

5 Terminations 9

6 Terminal fittings 12

7 Testing and inspection 12

8 Identification and marking 13

9 Certificate of test and examination 14

10 Calculation of working load limit (WLL) of wire rope slings 14

ANNEXES

A Information to be supplied when ordering the sling 19

B Forms of sling legs 20

C Minimum length of soft eyes 22

D Design of master links 23

TABLES

1 Recommended working load limits of single-leg slings 16

2 Factors for calculation of WLL 17

3 Working load limits of multi-legged slings terminated with ferrules or splices 18

4 Minimum length of soft eyes 22

FIGURES

1 Single-leg slings, sling legs and terminal fittings 10

2 Typical assemblies of multi-legged slings 11

3 Inclination of sling legs 17

4 Crane hook 19

5 Minimum length of soft eyes 22

6 Links of circular cross-section 23

7 Links of elliptical cross-section 25

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Foreword

This Singapore Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Lifting and Hoisting Systems
under the direction of the Mechanical Standards Committee. It has three parts as follows:

Part 1 : Wire rope slings

Part 2 : Hooks

Part 3 : Shackles

Under the Factories Act, wire rope slings, hooks and shackles are classified as lifting gear which must
be inspected and tested by Approved Persons at regular intervals. The standard was first drawn up in
1989 to facilitate enforcement of the Act. As part of the process of regular updating, this standard was
revised in 2001 to align its contents with prevailing practices to serve the needs of the industry.

The revision of this Part of the standard is primarily based on the following standards:

(a) BS 1290 : 1983 Wire rope slings and sling legs for general purposes

(b) ISO 7531 : 1987 Wire rope slings for general purposes -Characteristics and specifications

The following clauses and appendices in BS 1290 : 1983 are reproduced with the permission of British
Standards Publishing Limited:

(a) Clauses 4 to 8 and Clause 10

(b) Appendices A and C

Reference was also made to the following documents:

(a) ISO 4778 : 1981 Chain links of welded construction -Grades M (4), S (6) and T (8)

(b) ISO 8792 : 1986 Wire rope slings -Safety criteria and inspection procedures for use

(c) The Factories Act, Cap. 104

Where necessary and appropriate, amendments were made to suit local requirements. In this revision,
the requirements on testing and inspection have been made clearer and the responsibility of the owner
is also emphasised.

Acknowledgement is made for the use of information from the above documents.

NOTE

1. Singapore Standards are subject to periodic review to keep abreast of technological changes and new
technical developments. The revisions of Singapore Standards are announced through the issue of
either amendment slips or revised editions.

2. Compliance with a Singapore Standard does not exempt users from legal obligations.

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Specification for lifting gear -Part 1 : Wire rope slings

1 Scope

This part of the standard specifies the dimensions, constructions, working load limits, testing and
marking of wire rope slings for general lifting purposes.

It deals with slings with fibre or independent steel wire main core and having one, two, three or four
legs of general engineering steel wire rope complying with the requirements of SS 297. The legs are
constructed in ordinary lay wire rope, in the sizes and construction specified in SS 297 and in one of
the following forms:

(a) Single-part terminated by hand-spliced or ferrule-secured eyes;

(b) Double-part hand-spliced or ferrule-secured endless;

(c) Double-part grommet.

For multi-legged slings, it shall have legs of equal nominal length, construction and diameter that are
designed for use with the uniform load method of rating. Such slings are not intended to withstand
greater loads at smaller included angles than those specified.

Annex A lists the information to be specified when ordering the sling.

NOTE -The titles of the publications referred to in this part of the standard are listed at the end of the standard.

2 Definitions

For the purpose of this Part of the standard, the following definitions shall apply:

2.1 Approved person

A person who is authorised by the Chief Inspector of Factories to conduct inspection, testing and
certification of lifting gear.

2.2 Load

Encompasses the concept of either mass or force and is expressed in the appropriate units (e.g. In
SWL, the term 'load' denotes a mass quantity, whereas in MBL, it denotes a force quantity).

2.3 Manufacturer

The company which fabricates wire rope slings in accordance with the requirements of this Part of the
standard.

2.4 Minimum breaking load (MBL)

The load below which a sample of the rope will not break when tested to destruction in the prescribed
manner.

NOTE -The theoretical value of the MBL is calculated from the product of the square of the nominal diameter of
the rope, the tensile grade of the wire and a coefficient appropriate to the construction of the rope.

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 SS 343 : Part 1 : 2001

2.5 Owner

The company that is registered in the certificate of test and examination (see Clause 9) of the wire
rope sling.

2.6 Safe working load (SWL)

The maximum load, as certified by an Approved Person, that the sling may raise, lower or suspend
under particular service conditions.

2.7 Supplier

The company which imports and sells ready-made wire rope slings that conform to the requirements
of this Part of the standard.

2.8 Tuck

A single strand, where it is passed under one or more strands in a wire rope.

2.9 Working load limit (WLL)

The maximum load which the sling is rated to raise, lower or suspend in straight pull.

In the case of a single-leg sling, this load is applied vertically. In the case of a multi-legged sling, this
load is applied at a maximum included angle of 90° (for two-legged slings) or 120° (between opposite
legs for four-legged slings).

NOTE -The WLL is the original design capacity of the sling whereas the SWL is the maximum load that the
sling is certified and allowed to lift. Therefore, the sling shall not be allowed to lift beyond the SWL even if the
WLL is higher.

3 Forms of sling assembly

3.1 General

Sling legs and terminal fittings shall be one of the forms as shown in Figure 1.

NOTE -Some typical sling assemblies are illustrated in Figure 2 for two-, three and four-legged slings. The
lower terminal fittings may be any of those as shown in column 5 of Figure 1 except soft eyes.

Each pair of legs of a four-legged sling shall be jointed by a suitable intermediate link and the two
intermediate links shall be jointed bya suitable master link (see Figure 2).

3.2 Nominal length

The nominal length of slings and sling legs shall be the length between the bearing points of their
terminal fittings, whether soft eye, soft eye with stirrup or half thimble, thimble, shackle, hook or link
(see Figures 1 and 2).

This length shall be measured under no load.

The discrepancy in length between the individual legs in the same pair of a multi-legged sling under no
load shall not exceed :t 2 times the nominal rope diameter or :t 0.5 % of the desired length, whichever
is the greater.

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 SS 343 : Part 1 : 2001

3.3 Slings with terminal fittings

If a terminal fitting is used, it is recommended that the eye be fitted with a thimble.

3.4 Welding and heat treatment

Any welding and/or heat treatment of links shall be completed before the wire rope leg or legs are
attached. The legs of two- or three-Iegged slings shall be jointed at their upper ends by a suitable link
(see Subclause 6.1).

4 Formation of sling legs

Sling legs shall be formed by one of the methods given in Annex B. Depending on the type of sling
required, the ends of sling legs shall be formed with a thimble eye (which may be attached to other
terminal fittings), a soft eye or a soft eye with stirrup or half thimble.

5 Terminations

5.1 Ferrule-secured eye terminations

Ferrule-secured eye terminations shall comply with the requirements of ISO 8793. The minimum
distance between the inside ends of ferrules terminating a sling leg shall be 10 times the nominal rope
diameter .

5.2 Spliced eyes

Spliced eyes shall comply with the requirements of ISO 8794. The minimum distance between the
tails of splices at each end of a sling leg shall be 10 times the nominal rope diameter.

5.3 Thimbles

Thimbles shall comply with the requirements of ISO 2262. They shall be of the nominal size
appropriate to the rope used, except that for double-part endless slings it is permissible for the
thimbles to be two or, where necessary, three sizes larger in order to provide effective strength against
the increased loading. Reeving thimbles shall be one size larger than the nominal size.

NOTE -When thimbles of larger nominal sizes are used, the portion of rope that will seat in the thimble groove
may be seized with spun yarn or other suitable material to ensure a close fit.

5.4 Soft eyes

The minimum length of a soft eye under no load shall be as given in Annex C.

NOTE -A stirrup or half thimble may be fitted to protect the bearing surface of the soft eye.

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

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(a) Two-legged wire rope sling (b) Three-Iegged wire rope sling (c) Four-legged wire rope sling

Sling leg As for single leg (see Sling leg As for single leg (see Sling leg As for single leg (see
Figure 1) but with Figure 1) but with Figure 1) but with
ordinary thimble at each ordinary thimble at each ordinary thimble at each
end. end. end.

Eyes Hand-spliced or ferrule- Eyes Hand-spliced or ferrule- Eyes Hand-spliced or ferrule-

secured at each end (see secured at each end secured at each end
Subclause 5.1 ). (see Subclause 5.1). (see Subclause 5.1 ).

Links SWL not less than 1.4 Links SWL not less than 2.1 Links Top master link 'A': SWL
times that of one sling times that of one sling not less than 2.1 times
leg. leg. that of one sling leg.
Intermediate links 'B':
NOTE- Ensure size of link used SWL not less than 1.4
will accept the three thimbled eyes times that of one sling
without overcrowding. leg.

Hooks Safety or 'C' hook in Hooks Safety or 'C' hook in Hooks Safety or 'C' hook in
accordance with SS 343 : accordance with SS 343 accordance with SS 343
Part 2 : Part 2 : Part 2

Figure 2- Typical assemblies of multi-legged slings

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SS 343 : Part 1 : 2001

6 Terminal fittings

6.1 Links

The SWL rating of master and immediate links shall be as given in Figure 2 (under description for

"Links").

NOTE 1 -Master and intermediate links are designed to withstand the SWL marked on the sling only within the
range of included angle specified (e.g. 00 to 90°).

NOTE 2 -Design of master links are given in Annex D.

6.2 Hooks

As a general rule, point hooks shall be fitted with a safety device to prevent displacement of the load.

If hooks are used, they shall comply with the requirements of SS 343 : Part 2.

The WLL of each hook shall be at least equal to that of the leg to which it is fitted.

NOTE -If hooks of higher grade material are fitted, their dimensions may be smaller than those given in SS 343
: Part 2 for the equivalent rating.

6.3 Shackles

Shackles shall comply with the requirements of SS 343 : Part 3.

The WLL of each shackle shall be at least equal to that of the leg to which it is fitted.

NOTE -If shackles of higher grade material are fitted, their dimensions may be smaller than those given in SS
343 : Part 3 for the equivalent rating.

6.4 Quality grade and treatment of terminal fittings

Master and intermediate links shall be of the same quality grade and shall be subjected to the same
heat treatment.

7 Testing and inspection

7.1 Proof test

A proof test must be done at intervals not exceeding 48 months.

An Approved Person shall be present during the proof test to certify that these requirements have
been complied with.

Each leg of a sling (regardless of single-leg or multi-legged) shall be subjected to a proof force of not
less than twice the WLL of the leg. In the case of multi-legged slings, the proof force shall be applied
in tension to the legs, one at a time.

After testing, the sling shall be visually inspected for patent defects or deformation.

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

7.2 Frequencyof inspection

All slings must be carefully examined by the user prior to each period of use.

The owner is responsible to ensure that his wire rope sling(s) is/are proof tested and thoroughly
examined by an Approved Person prior to first use. Subsequently, the sling(s) shall be thoroughly
examined by an Approved Person at intervals not exceeding 12 months.

7.3 Replacement criteria

The replacement criteria for wire rope slings shall be identical as those specified in CP 35.

Slings that have been identified for replacement must be completely destroyed (e.g. by cutting) and
not recycled for other uses.

8 Identification and marking

8.1 General

All completed slings shall be identifiable by one of the following methods:

(a) legible markings on a durable tag (or label) that is firmly attached to the sling; or

(b) durable and legible markings on the ferrule (if one is secured to the sling); or

(c} durable and legible markings on the intermediate or master link, as appropriate.

If the tag (or label) becomes detached, the sling may only be used in accordance with the rating shown
on the remaining sling or label. If no tag or label remains or if the marking becomes illegible, the sling
shall be taken out of service and, if appropriate, re-certified.

8.2 Marking for single-leg and multi-legged slings

The marking shall comprise:

(a) The numbers and/or letter identifying the sling with the certificate as required under Clause 9.

(b} The rating.

For single-leg slings: The SWL.

For multi-legged slings: The rated SWL of the sling assembly and the working range of
the included angle a or (3 of each pair / set of slings under which they could be applied
(see Figure 3).

(c) Date of inspection.

8.3 Marking on other surfaces

If the marking is made on the ferrule of a ferrule-secured eye termination, or on a intermediate /

master link, it shall not impair the strength of the sling assembly.

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

8.4 Responsibility

The owner shall be responsible for the markings specified in Subclauses 8.2 and 8.3 and comply with
the general requirements specified in Subclause 8.1 .

He must also ensure that maximum load that can be lifted at the maximum included angle a or ~ (see
Figure 3) and the latter are clearly marked on the tag / ferrule. The maximum included angle may be
specified by him or as advised by the Approved Person.

9 Certificate of test and examination

A certificate must be issued to every sling assembly before its first-use, after every annual statutory
inspection and after every proof test.

The following information shall appear in the certificate:

(a) Certificate number;

(b) Name of the owner;
(c) Name of the manufacturer or supplier;
(d) Date of manufacture;
(e) Proof load used;
(f) The number of legs (see Figure 3);
(g) The SWL of the sling assembly;
(h) Type of wire rope used in the construction of the sling, whenever possible;
(i) Name of the Approved Person who witnessed the proof test;

0) Date of test / examination.

10 Calculation of working load limit (WLL) of wire rope slings

10.1 WLL for single-leg slings

The WLL of single-leg slings shall be calculated as follows:

Fx ke
WLL=
km X ku
where:
WLL is the Working load limit of the sling (t);
(Note -Under general condition of use, the SWL of a sling is normally equal to the

WLL)
F is the minimum breaking load (MBL) of the wire rope (kN);

ke is a factor which allows for the efficiency of the form of eye (spliced or ferrule-secured);

ku is a factor which allows for circumstances of use;

km is a factor relating mass to force.

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

For the purposes of this part of the standard, the following values are assigned to the factors:

ke = 0.8

ku = 5

km = 10

If a different value for ke or ku is required by legislation or application, the customer (or owner) shall
inform the manufacturer (or supplier) of the exact value. In any case, the value of ku shall not be
lower than 5.

NOTE -Different types of rope construction and different values for factors ke and ku may be used, it is
recommended that the WLL of single-leg slings be in accordance with Table 1.

10.2 WLL for multi-legged slings

The WLL shall be calculated by multiplying the WLL of the single-leg given in Table 1 by the factors
given in Table 2.

The angle to the vertical, /3, shall in no case exceed 60°. The angle between opposite legs, a, shall in
no case exceed 120°.

NOTE 1 -The factors and WLL values given in Tables 2 and 3 are correct only if the load is equally distributed
between all the legs.

NOTE 2 -Master and intermediate links are designed to withstand the rated load marked on the sling only within
the range of included angle specified (e.g. 00 to 90°). They are not designed to withstand heavier loads at
included angles less than 90°.

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Table 1 -Recommended working load limits of single-leg slings

Nominal rope diameter (mm) WLL * (t)

9 0.7

10 0.9

11 1.1

12 1.3

13 1.5

14 1.8

16 2.4

18 3.0

20 3.7

22 4.5

24 5.4

26 6.3

28 7.3

32 9.6

36 12.1

40 15.0

44 18.1

48 21.6

52 25.5

56 29.3

60 33.5
* The WLL values are derived from the formula given in
Subclause 10.1 and the MBL is assumed to be that of the 6 x
37 fibre core group in l' 770 N/mm2 (1,770 MPa) nominal
tensile Qrade as Qiven in SS 297.

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Table 2 -Factors for calculation of WLL

Included angle Angle to the vertical Factors for calculation of WLL

between opposite (angle of inclination) Number of legs
legs* a ~
two three four
a ~ 900 ~ ~ 45° 1.4 2.1 2.1

90° < a ~ 120° 45° < ~ ~ 60° 1 .0 1.5 1.5

* Not applicable for three-Iegged slings

1
I
a.

j.-
-

---~-- {//-
,
-1 two-/egged bl three-Iegged

---
c) four-legged /

Figure 3 -Inclination of sling legs

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Table 3- Working load limit of multi-legged slings terminated with ferrules or splices

Working load limit, WLL ** (t)

Nominal rope Two-legged slings Three- and four-legged slings

diameter
(X;~ 900 90° < (X;~ 120° (X;*~ 90° 90° < (X;* ~ 120°
(mm)
13~ 45° 45° < 13~ 60° 13~ 45° 45° < 13~ 60°

9 1.00 0.7 1.5 1.0

10 1 .25 0.9 1.9 1 .3

11 1 .50 1.1 2.3 1.6

12 1.8 1.3 2.7 1.9

13 2.1 1.5 3.1 2.2

14 2.5 1.8 3.8 2.7

16 3.3 2.4 5.0 3.6

18 4.2 3.0 6.3 4.5

20 5.2 3.7 7.8 5.5

22 6.3 4.5 9.4 6.7

24 7.5 5.4 11.3 8.1

26 8.8 6.3 13.2 9.4

28 10.2 7.3 15.3 10.9

32 13.4 9.6 20.1 14.4

36 16.9 12.1 25.4 18.1

40 21.0 15.0 31.5 22.5

44 25.3 18.1 38.0 27.1

48 30.2 21.6 45.3 32.4

52 35.7 25.5 53.5 38.2

56 41.0 29.3 61.5 43.9

60 46.9 33.5 70.3 50.2

* Not applicable for three-Iegged slings.
** The WLL is obtained by multiplying the WLL of the single-leg given in Table 1 by the factors given in Table 2.

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Annex A

Information to be supplied when ordering the sling

(informative)

The following information should be supplied when submitting an enquiry or order:

(a) The type of sling (see Figure 1);

(b) The number of legs (see Figure 2);

(c) The nominal length, in metres (see Figures 1 and 2);

(d) The type of wire rope to be used to fabricate the sling;

(e) The WLL and the desired safety factor of the wire rope, ku -especially if it is greater than 5
(see Subclause 10.1 );

(f) The type of terminal fittings, if any, at one or both ends of the sling;

(g) The maximum load to be lifted at the maximum included angle a or f3 (see Figure 3 and Table 2);

(h) If the master link is intended to be used on a crane hook, the critical dimensions of the crane
hook should also be provided (see Figure 4).

'A' is the throat opening

'8' is the width
'C' is the depth

NOTE -The above dimensions are to be provided if the master link of the sling is intended to be used on a
crane hook.

Figure 4 -Crane hook

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Annex B

Forms of sling legs

8.1 Single-part ferrule-secured legs

Single-part ferrule-secured legs shall be formed in accordance with the requirements of ISO 8793.
The distance between the inside ends of the ferrules shall not be less than ten times the nominal rope
diameter .

8.2 Single-part spliced legs

The splice shall have at least five tucks, three tucks with each whole strand of the rope and two tucks
with one half of the wires cut out of each strand.

NOTE- For ropes of 13 mm diameter and below, it is also permissible, as an alternative, to have four tucks with
each whole strand of the rope and then one tuck with three whole strands only, the other three strands having
been cut out.

The tucks shall be over and under against the lay of the rope, except that the first tuck only of each
strand may be with the lay*. The splice shall be tightly drawn and neatly made. That portion of the
splice where the wires protrude shall be covered with seizing strand, or other suitable material to
protect the user during handling. The distance between the tails of the splices shall not be less than
ten times the nominal rope diameter .

8.3 Double-part spliced endless legs

The initial length of this straight shall be circled with two ends overlapping. The ends shall then be
spliced, each to each with a five tuck splice, making the complete splice ten tucks overall. Each five
tuck splice shall have three tucks with each whole strand of the rope, and two tucks with one half of
the wires cut from each strand. All tucks shall be made over and under against the lay of the rope,
except that the first tuck of each strand may be with the lay*. The splice shall be tightly drawn and
neatly made.

At those portions of the spliced endless rope which will seat in the thimble grooves, the single part of
the rope may be seized to suit the grooves in the oversize thimbles, and to provide a foundation for the
throat seizing. The length of each seizing shall be such that in addition to the portion in contact with
the thimble groove, it shall project three rope diameters beyond the throat seizing. The portion of the
splice where the wires protrude shall be covered with seizing strand, or other suitable material, to
protect the user during handling.

One end of the seized splice shall be adjacent to, but clear of, the thimble in the finished sling leg.
The spliced endless rope shall have its two parts brought into parallel contact, with the two seized
portions forming a bight at each end. Thimbles shall be throat-seized close up to their points by
means of suitable galvanised seizing strand.

The starting or locking tuck counts as one full tuck.

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

The overall length of the throat seizing shall not be less than ten times the diameter of the single-part
rope. The seizing shall be tightly drawn and neatly made. Where the length of the sling leg exceeds
100 rope diameters, a central seizing of not less than three rope diameters shall be provided. In the
case of longer sling legs such intermediate seizings shall be provided at intervals not greater than 70
rope diameters when ordinary thimbles are used and not less than 75 rope diameters when using
reeving thimbles.

8.4 Double-part endless ferrule-secured legs

The appropriate length of rope shall be circled and the two ends overlapped by not less than 10 rope
diameters. Two ferrules of a type specified in ISO 8793, and appropriate to the diameter of a single-
part rope, shall then be placed onto the overlapping ends. The adjacent ends of these ferrules shall
not be less than 1 .5 ferrule lengths apart and shall be pressed in accordance with the instructions of
the ferrule sponsor. The position of the ferrules in relation to the eyes, and the bringing together of the
two parts, and seizing shall be as specified in Subclause 8.3.

8.5 Double-part grommet legs

The strand used to form the grommet shall be one of those used to form the ropes specified in SS
297. The M8L of the strand shall not be less than 17.5% of the M8L of the equivalent fibre-cored
rope. The strand shall be laid into a grommet, the cross section of which shall be six strands over one
central strand. Two ends of the strand shall butt in the core of the rope. The tuck shall be well and
neatly made. The position of the tuck and seizings shall be as specified in Subclause 8.3.

The effective length of a double-part grommet sling shall not be less than 40 diameters of the single
part of the grommet when ordinary thimbles are used, and not less than 50 diameters when reeving
thimbles are used.

NOTE to 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5- Thimbles are recommended for use with double-part legs (see Subclauses 5.3 and
5.4)

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Annex C

Minimum length of soft eyes

The minimum length of soft eyes, under no load, shall be as follows (see Subclause 5.4):

Figure 5- Minimum length of soft eyes

Table 4- Minimum length of soft eyes

Minimum lenath of soft eve, h

Nominal rope diameter Hand-spliced Ferrule-secured
(mm) (mm) (mm)
5 50 75
6 60 90
7 70 105
8 80 120
9 90 135
10 100 150
11 110 165
12 120 180
13 130 195
14 140 210
16 160 240
18 180 270
19 190 285
20 200 300
22 220 330
24 240 360
26 260 390
28 280 420
32 320 480
35 350 525
36 360 540
38 380 570
40 400 600

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 SS 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Annex D

Design of master links

NOTE -This annex is identical with the Annex of ISO 4778 : 1981 and is reproduced here for easy reference

D.1 Links of circular cross-section

L
B

Figure 6 -Links of circular cross-section

The following simple formulae may be used to design master links made of a material of circular
cross-section; the diameter, d, of the material of the link is the larger of the two values obtained:

d= 0.2 AB [ 6.7 + A -~] (1)

d=B[O.1 + A(1+A)- O.12~] (2)

where:

L is the internal length of the link;

a is the internal breadth of the link;

A = l-fe. J1/3 ;

W is the safe working load of the link;

f is the maximum nominal extreme fibre stress in the link under the safe working load.

The units of d, L, a, W andfmust be self-consistent.

Developedat the NationalPhysicalLaboratory,UnitedKingdom

23

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OJOJ
The 343 : Part 1
recommended : 2001
values of f , in metric units, for the various grades of link are:

grade M 315 MPa (N/mm2)

grade P 400 MPa (N/mm2)

grade S 500 MPa (N/mm2)

grade T 630 MPa (N/mm2)

grade V 800 MPa (N/mm2)

L, B and d must be in millimetres and W must be in newtons, for the above units for f.

The above method represents the exact analysis of a link to within 2.5 % in all practical cases and the
difference is seldom greater than 1.5 %.

The table below is presented as a guide in obtaining the cube root in A.

x X1/3
0.000343 0.07
0.001000 0.10
0.008000 0.20
0.027000 0.30
0.064000 0.40
0.125000 0.50
0.216000 0.60
0.343000 0.70
0.512000 0.80
0.729000 0.90
1.000000 1.00

An example of the use of the above formulae is given below, using the following values:

f 315 MPa (N/mm2)

W 126,500 N

L 203 mm

B 130 mm

~ 0.02376
[-i82]1/3
f B : 0.2875

Thus
d 47.44 mm, from formula (1)

d 36.76 mm, from formula (2)

24

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

The minimum value to use for d is the greater of the above (i.e. 47.44 mm). In the majority of cases
formula (1) will give a greater value for dthan formula (2). However there is no simple rule whereby it
is possible to predict the correct formula in any particular case. It is therefore recommended that both
formulae be evaluated each time.

D.2 Links of elliptical cross-section

The formulae described in Subclause D.1 can also be used to design links made of a material of
elliptical cross-section.

The axes of the ellipse are designated c and d as shown in Figure 7 (c can be greater than or less
W, f, L and B are as in Subclause D.1.
than d ). W,/.

Figure 7- Links of elliptical cross-section

The design procedure is as follows:

(a) Choose a value of the ratio ~ ;

c
(b) Calculate A, which for the ellipse, equals [
~ x ~ ] 113;

fB2 c

(c) Calculate d as for the circular cross-section but using the value of A given in step (b) above;

d
(d) Calculate c from the chosen value of -;
! c

~;; (e) If the above values of c and dare not suitable, a different value of the ratio ~ can be chosen.

r .Examples: (a) (b)

l f 315 MPa (N/mm2) 315 MPa (Nlmm2)

W 126,500 N 126,500 N

L 203 mm 203 mm

B 130 mm 130 mm

25

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

d
1.5 0.5
C

~ X ~ 0.03564 0.01188
f 82 C

[
~ X ~ ]
1/3 : 0.3291 0.2282

f 82 C

Thus

d = 54.67 mm 37.30 mm )
) from formula (1)
c = 36.44 mm 74.61 mm )

d = 45.50 mm 25.07 mm )
) from formula (2)
c = 30.34 mm 50.15 mm )

In both cases, the values of dand cfound using the formula (1), being the higher, are the values to be
used.

NOTE 1 -The expressions for d were derived by fitting formulae to data obtained from the analytical stress
analysis of links.

NOTE 2 -The maximum tensile stress in a link will occur at one of two places, the extrados at the crown or the
intrados where the straight and circular parts meet. d from the formula (1) represents data for the former point
and d from formula (2) for the latter. It is therefore necessary to choose the higher of d from formula (1) and d
from formula (2) in order to design the link for the correct maximum stress.

NOTE 3 -The use of the formulae for the elliptical cross-section in based on the fact that the stress at any
c
point in a circular section is -times the stress at the equivalent point in an elliptical section. Axes c and d are
d
defined in Subclause 0.2 and d must have the same value in the circular as in the elliptical cross-section for the

comparison to be valid. Therefore, the stress in the fibre w-z of the circular section is.:. times that in fibre x-y of
d
the elliptical section, both fibres being the same distance from the axis of bending.

26

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 ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

Standards referred to:

ISO 2262 : 1984 General purpose thimbles for use with steel wire ropes -Specification

ISO 4778 : 1981 Chain links of welded construction -Grades M (4), S (6) and T (8)

ISO 7531 : 1987 Wire rope slings for general purposes -Characteristics and specifications

ISO 8793 : 1986 Steel wire ropes -Ferrule-secured eye terminations

ISO 8794 : 1986 Steel wire ropes- Spliced eye terminations for slings

SS 297 : 1996 Steel wire ropes for hoisting

SS 343 :- Lifting gear

*
Part 2 : 1989 -Hooks

Part 3 : 1990* -Shackles

To be reviewed

27

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ss 343 : Part 1 : 2001

ABOUT THE SINGAPORE PRODUCTIVITY AND STANDARDS BOARD

The Singapore Productivity and Standards Board (PSB) was established in April 1996. Its mission is to raise
productivity so as to enhance Singapore's competitiveness and economic growth for a better quality of life for our
people. To achieve this mission, two broad thrusts are adopted --developing world-class industries and creating a
favourable environment for productivity improvement and innovation. The specific areas of focus are: small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), productivity and innovation, and standardisation and metrology.

5MEs

As the lead agency spearheading the upgrading of 5MEs, P5B adopts a total approach to develop SMEs into vibrant
and resilient enterprises. At the enterprise level, it develops promising SMEs by enhancing their capabilities. At the
sector level, it improves the productivity of domestic industries through industry-wide programmes. The broad-based
programmes include accelerating the adoption of e-commerce amongst SMEs, developing Singapore as an SME hub
and providing SMEs with access to finance. PSB also serves as the first point of contact for SMEs that need
information and assistance.

Productivity and Innovation

PSB spearheads the national Productivity and Innovation Movement to cultivate a strong commitment to productivity
and innovation and to foster a creative and thinking workforce that is able to translate ideas into action. As the lead
agency in charge of workforce development, it works closely with employers, unions and other government agencies to
build up the capabilities of the workforce and the training infrastructure in Singapore. Financial incentives are provided
to help employers defray the cost of training their employees. Organisations are also encouraged to establish systems
that drive continuous improvement and attain business excellence through the Singapore Quality Award and Singapore
Quality Class.

5tandardisation and Metrology

As the national standards body and national metrology institute, PSB improves market access for Singapore's exports
through its work on standardisation and metrology. Standardisation is also used as a major strategy to raise the
productivity of industries.

PSB enforces the Weights & Measures Act and Regulations to protect both consumers and traders by ensuring that
market transactions based on weights and measurement are accurate, fair and consistent with the relevant standards.
As the Safety Authority, it administers the Singapore Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme
to ensure compliance by industry on the registration of controlled goods.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL STANDARDISATION PROGRAMME

Under the national standardisation programme, PSB helps companies and industry to meet international standards and
conformity requirements by creating awareness of the importance of standardisation to enhance competitiveness and
improve productivity, co-ordinating the development and use of Singapore Standards and setting up an information
infrastructure to educate companies and industry on the latest developments.

PSB is vested with the authority to appoint a Standards Council to advise on the preparation, publication and
promulgation of Singapore Standards and Technical References and their implementation.

Singapore Standards are in the form of specifications for materials and products, codes of practice, methods of test,
nomenclature, services, etc. The respective standards committee will draw up the standards before seeking final
approval from the Standards Council. To ensure adequate representation of all viewpoints in the preparation of
Singapore Standards, all committees appointed consist of representatives from various interest groups which include
government agencies, professional bodies, tertiary institutions and consumer, trade and manufacturing organisations.

Technical References are transition documents developed to help meet urgent industry demand for specifications or
requirements on a particular product, process or service in an area where there is an absence of reference standards.
Unlike Singapore Standards, they are issued for comments over a period of two years before assessment on their
suitability for approval as Singapore Standards. All comments are considered when a technical reference is reviewed at
the end of two years to determine the feasibility of its transition to a Singapore Standard. Technical References can
therefore become Singapore Standards after two years, continue as Technical References for further comments or be
withdrawn.

In the international arena, PSB represents Singapore in the International Organisation of Standardisation (150), the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Sub-committee for
Standards and Conformance (SCSC) and in the ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality (ACCSQ).

28