California Code of Regulations
Title 8 - Industrial Relations
Division 1 - Department of Industrial Relations
Chapter 4 - Division of Industrial Safety
Subchapter 4 - Construction Safety Orders
Appendix B - Handy Construction Data; Facts; and Information
Plate B-6 - Rule of Thumb
(The following are not suggested as a substitute for accurate tables and reference material, but are sometimes useful in making a final safety check.)
Nails
Safe load lateral resistance in pounds equal eight (8) times the pennyweight.
1-6 d nail = 8 x 6, or 48 pound
1-6 d nail = 8 x 8, or 64 pounds
1-10 d nail = 8 x 10, or 80 pounds
Manila Rope
Safe load in tons equals diameter in inches squared. Not accurate in sizes larger than one inch (1").
1" rope = 1 x 1, or 1 ton safe load
1/2" rope = 1/2 x 1/2, or 1/ Ss 4 ton safe load
For sisal rope, decrease safe loads by one-third
Plow-steel Cable
Safe load in tons is eight (8) times the diameter in inches squared.
1/2" rope = 1/2 x 1/2 = 1/4 x 8 = 2 tons
Open Eye Hook
Safe load in tons is diameter of eye in inches squared.
2" hook, 2 x 2 = 4 tons
Shackle
Safe load in tons is diameter of pin in one-fourth inches (1/4") squared and divided by three (3).
1/2" diameter = 2 quarters
Chains
Safe load in tons in six (6) times the square of the diameter of chain stock.
1/2" diameter chain stock
1/2 x 1/2 x 6 = 1 1/2 tons or 3,000 pounds
1. Amendment filed 3-19-79; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 79, No. 12).
Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.
