Weight testing for hemp lines

[alanhj]

I thought this was an easy three part question, but I can't find an answer. So, the question is:
(a) At what frequency (ie months, years)?, should hemp lines be weight tested?
(b)How is the weight testing carried out?
(c)Who does the testing?
Thanks

[chris higgs]

(a) At what frequency (ie months, years)?, should hemp lines be weight tested?

Not necessarily ever, although one could design a test that lifts the design load of the bar. The load to be lifted will be limited by the weakest part of the load path, in the case of a hemp set that is often the grip on the rope of the flymen operating the bar. The number and disposition of the flymen needs
to be taken into consideration. Does it need 3, or is 5 acceptable? Not a simple question to answer, and very site specific.

(b)How is the weight testing carried out?

If it is considered necessary, by carrying out a detailed visual inspection and possibly taking measurements of components and deflections, attaching the requisite weights to the barrel and running it through its entire operating cycle, then inspecting and measuring as appropriate.

(c)Who does the testing?

A competent person. That person is someone who has sufficient knowledge and experience of the equipment in question to be able to state without
question that the equipment is safe to use under foreseen circumstances of use and to specify the date of the next inspection.

Apologies for the unacceptable delay in replying to this - for some reason it slipped right under my radar!