Other forms of splices or connections which are shown to be equivalently safe may be used. Except for eye splices in the ends of wires and for endless rope slings, each wire rope used in hoisting or lowering, or in bulling cargo, shall consist of one continuous piece without knot or splice. The employer shall ascertain the manufacturers' ratings for the specific natural fiber rope used and have such ratings available for inspection. The manufacturers' ratings shall be adhered to and a minimum design safety factor of five maintained. Eye splices shall consist of at least three full tucks.
Short splices consist of at least six full tucks, three on each side of the center line.
The employer shall adhere to the manufacturers' ratings and use recommendations for the specific synthetic fiber rope used and shall make such ratings available for inspection. In making such substitution, it shall be ascertained that the inherent characteristics of the synthetic fiber are suitable for hoisting. Natural and synthetic rope having any of the following defects shall be removed from service. Properly fitting thimbles shall be used where any rope is secured permanently to a ring, shackle or attachment, where practicable. Defective synthetic web slings removed from service shall not be returned to service unless repaired by a sling manufacturer or similar entity.