34 Pa. Code § 43.15 – Hoisting ropes.

(a) When the hoisting or lowering of men is done by any means other than human or animal power, the rope or cable used shall be composed of metal wires. The metal wires may be laid around a hemp center.
(b) All ropes shall have a factor of safety of at least eight. All cables shall have a factor of safety of at least five.
(c) No head or angle sheave of a diameter less than 40 times the diameter of the rope shall be used for hoisting or lowering men.
(d) Ropes or cables with any of the following characteristics shall not be used to hoist or lower men:
1. (1) If the number of breaks in any consecutive 10 feet of rope exceeds 10% of the total number of wires composing the rope.
2. (2) If the wires on the crown of the strands are worn down to less than 60% of their original area.
3. (3) If there are marked signs of corrosion.
(e) All ropes used for hoisting or lowering men shall be thoroughly inspected once a week by some competent person designated by the superintendent. Any rope or cable found to be below the requirements set forth in this subchapter shall not be used to hoist or lower men.
(f) Every rope used for hoisting or lowering men shall be securely fastened at both ends, and when in use shall never be fully unwound; at least two full turns shall remain always on the drum or reel. The end of the rope attached to the conveyance in the shaft shall be securely fastened within a tapered socket or shall be bound around on an oval thimble and then fastened to itself by the use of three or more approved clamps.