• Carry out a visual pre-use inspection of wire ropes before every lift
• Check for broken wires, corrosion, kinks, flattening, and diameter reduction
• Measure rope diameter at multiple points to check for wear and stretch
• Inspect terminations including ferrules, thimbles, and swaged end fittings
• Reject and quarantine any rope showing mechanical damage or excessive wear
• Ensure thorough examinations are completed by a competent person within LOLER intervals
• Keep examination certificates and inspection records available on site
• Lubricate wire ropes in accordance with manufacturer recommendations
• Store ropes off the ground on reels or racks to prevent corrosion and damage
• Report any defects found during inspection to the lifting supervisor immediately

• DON'T use wire ropes that have not been thoroughly examined within the LOLER interval
• DON'T attempt to repair broken wires, kinks, or bird-caging — reject the rope
• DON'T drag wire ropes over sharp edges, rough surfaces, or through dirt
• DON'T expose wire ropes to welding sparks, cutting flames, or high temperatures
• DON'T use a rope with more than the permitted number of broken wires per lay length
• DON'T coil wire ropes in tight loops that cause kinking or permanent deformation
• DON'T overload wire ropes beyond their safe working load at any time
• DON'T ignore corrosion — internal corrosion can weaken a rope that looks acceptable externally
• DON'T use wire ropes with damaged or cracked ferrules or thimble fittings
• DON'T store wire ropes in wet conditions or in contact with chemicals

See also: Lifting Accessories Pre-Use Checks | Lifting Operations Awareness (LOLER)