N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 12, § 8-1.52 – [General.]

(a) Riding on any material, hoist, or sliding down hoisting ropes or chains is prohibited. A notice to this effect shall be posted adjacent to the hoistway on each floor.
(b) Hoisting ropes and chains shall be of sufficient strength to sustain four times the load carried; defective hoisting equipment shall be removed and shall then be so damaged that it cannot be again used.
(c) Slings shall be carefully and symmetrically placed about loads, proper hitches being made, so there will be no opportunity for the load to slip or tip.
(d) No load, regardless of its weight, shall be allowed to descend at an excessive speed.
Note:
Wherever possible, the use of chains for hoisting purposes shall be avoided. Wire rope slings being preferable to chain slings, it is recommended that plow steel rope of six strands, 19 wires to the strand, with hemp core be used. Manila rope when used should consist of the best quality long fibre hemp, and should be used only for comparatively light loads.