(1) Manila rope and manila rope slings. You must ensure that manila rope and manila-rope slings:

(a) Have permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load for the type(s) of hitch(es) used, the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one;

(b) Not be loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed on the identification markings by the manufacturer; and

(c) Not be used without affixed and legible identification markings as required by (a) of this subsection.

(2) Wire rope and wire rope slings.

(a) You must ensure that wire rope and wire rope slings:

(i) Have permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load for the type(s) of hitch(es) used, the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one;

(ii) Not be loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed on the identification markings by the manufacturer; and

(iii) Not be used without affixed and legible identification markings as required by (a)(i) of this subsection.

(b) Protruding ends of strands in splices on slings and bridles must be covered or blunted.

(c) Where U-bolt wire rope clips are used to form eyes, you must use Table G-1 in WAC 296-304-07011 to determine the number and spacing of clips. You must apply the U-bolt so that the "U" section is in contact with the dead end of the rope.

(d) Wire rope must not be secured by knots.

(3) Chains and chain slings.

(a) You must ensure that chain and chain slings:

(i) Have permanently affixed and legible identification markings as prescribed by the manufacturer that indicate the recommended safe working load for the type(s) of hitch(es) used, the angle upon which it is based, and the number of legs if more than one;

(ii) Not be loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load as prescribed on the identification markings by the manufacturer; and

(iii) Not be used without affixed and legible identification markings as required by (a)(i) of this subsection.

(b) All sling chains, including end fastenings, must be given a visual inspection before being used on the job. A thorough inspection of all chains in use must be made every 3 months. Each chain must bear an indication of the month in which it was thoroughly inspected. The thorough inspection must include inspection for wear, defective welds, deformation and increase in length or stretch.

(c) You must note interlink wear, not accompanied by stretch in excess of 5 percent, and remove the chain from service when maximum allowable wear at any point of link, as indicated in Table G-2 in WAC 296-304-07011, has been reached.

(d) Chain slings must be removed from service when, due to stretch, the increase in length of a measured section exceeds five percent; when a link is bent, twisted or otherwise damaged; or when raised scarfs or defective welds appear.

(e) All repairs to chains must be made under qualified supervision. Links or portions of the chain found to be defective as described in (d) of this section must be replaced by links having proper dimensions and made of material similar to that of the chain. Before repaired chains are returned to service, they must be proof tested to the proof test load recommended by the manufacturer.

(f) Wrought iron chains in constant use must be annealed or normalized at intervals not exceeding six months when recommended by the manufacturer. The chain manufacturer must be consulted for recommended procedures for annealing or normalizing. Alloy chains must never be annealed.

(g) A load must not be lifted with a chain having a kink or knot in it. A chain must not be shortened by bolting, wiring or knotting.