400 Tonne Wire Rope Test Facility
Parent Body: Health and Safety Executive, Health and Safety Laboratory, Broad Lane, Sheffield, S3 7HQ

Principal Functions
To test wire ropes and other lifting and haulage equipment under tensile loading conditions.

General Details
This facility is used to test wire ropes and other items of lifting and haulage equipment under tensile loading conditions, if necessary to failure. Access to the facility is via a large engineering test laboratory from which the test bed extends underground in a tunnel for approximately 70 m. The facility was constructed originally to test long lengths of wire rope to obtain accurate measurements of elasticity and to enable long splices on mine haulage ropes to be tested in their entirety.

Specification
A maximum force of 200tonf can be applied to wire ropes up to 50m in length with an available displacement of 3m, and a maximum force of 400tonf can be applied to 3m lengths of rope with an available displacement of 0.7m. Extension is measured from either crosshead displacement or by using a non–contact extensiometer. The facility is operated servo-hydraulically from a control room located in an adjoining room.

Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility could be provided.

Future Plans
The facility could be available for use by other bodies for some periods over the next five years.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. Three months advance notice is required when asking for time on the facility. Time is allocated on the following basis; HSE has first call, then vacant slots for repayment work.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to individual negotiation. There is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Business Development Unit
Health and Safety Laboratory
Broad Lane
Sheffield
S3 7HQ
Telephone: 0114 2892920
Fax 0114 2892830
E-mail: hslinfo@hsl.gov.uk