Why should rope diameter be checked during inspection?

Rope diameter is checked during inspection primarily to detect internal wire breaks or wear that may not be visible externally. Over time, ropes experience wear and potential damage that can compromise their integrity, affecting their load-bearing capacity. A reduction in diameter can indicate that wires are fraying or breaking internally, which may lead to catastrophic failures if not addressed. Regular checks of this aspect help ensure the rope maintains its strength and performance, thereby enhancing safety in applications where the rope is employed.

While compliance with safety regulations and estimating the lifespan of the rope are important considerations, they are secondary to the immediate functional integrity that diameter checks address. Additionally, determining the manufacturing date is generally not directly tied to the physical condition of the rope, making it less relevant in the context of assessing its current operability.