IS 939:1977 specifies the design, material requirements, construction, and performance criteria for snatch blocks intended for use with fibre ropes in fire brigade operations. It covers snatch blocks with a safe working load up to 4900 N (500 kgf), ensuring reliability and safety during lifting and hauling tasks in firefighting and civil defense. This standard is essential for manufacturers, inspectors, and users of fire service equipment to ensure compliance with Indian safety and quality norms.
Overview
IS 939:1977 specifies the design, material requirements, construction, and performance criteria for snatch blocks intended for use with fibre ropes in fire brigade operations. It covers snatch blocks with a safe working load up to 4900 N (500 kgf), ensuring reliability and safety during lifting and hauling tasks in firefighting and civil defense. This standard is essential for manufacturers, inspectors, and users of fire service equipment to ensure compliance with Indian safety and quality norms.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 939: Scope and Key Specifications
Scope: Covers specifications for snatch blocks used in lifting and rigging, ensuring compliance with quality, inspection, and testing under ISI certification.
Marking (Clause 7.1.1):
Snatch blocks may bear the ISI Certification Mark, indicating conformity to IS standards and continuous quality assurance by ISI.
Units (SI Units):
The standard uses the International System of Units (SI) for all measurements, including:
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Mass | kilogram | kg |
| Force | newton | N |
| Pressure, Stress | pascal | Pa |
| Energy | joule | J |
| Power | watt | W |
Conversions:
Rounding Off:
Final test or calculation values shall be rounded as per IS: 2-1960, maintaining significant figures consistent with specified values.
flowchart TD
A[IS 939 Standard] --> B[Snatch Blocks Specifications]
B --> C[Marking with ISI Certification Mark]
B --> D[Use of SI Units]
B --> E[Testing & Quality Control]
E --> F[Rounding as per IS:2-1960]
This ensures snatch blocks meet quality, safety, and measurement standards under IS 939.
IS 939: Terminology and Definitions - Key Points
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Conversion/Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m | |
| Mass | kilogram | kg | |
| Time | second | s | |
| Electric current | ampere | A | |
| Thermodynamic temperature | kelvin | K | |
| Luminous intensity | candela | cd | |
| Amount of substance | mole | mol | |
| Plane angle | radian | rad | Supplementary unit |
| Solid angle | steradian | sr | Supplementary unit |
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Conversion/Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force | newton | N | 1 N = 0.101972 kgf |
| Energy | joule | J | 1 J = 1 N·m |
| Power | watt | W | 1 W = 1 J/s |
| Magnetic flux | weber | Wb | 1 Wb = 1 V·s |
| Flux density | tesla | T | 1 T = 1 Wb/m² |
| Frequency | hertz | Hz | 1 Hz = 1 cycle/s (s⁻¹) |
| Electric conductance | siemens | S | 1 S = 1 A/V |
| Pressure, stress | pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
IS 939: Components and Construction Key Points
| Part | Material | IS Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel hook | Steel forging | IS 4367-1967 |
| Cross-head | Wrought steel/forging | IS 1570-1961 |
| Pin for supporting hook | Wrought steel bar | IS 1570-1961 |
| Side straps & plates | Steel plate | IS 226-1975 |
| Axle pin | Wrought steel bar | IS 1570-1961 |
| Sheave | Iron casting (Grade 25) | IS 210-1970 |
| Hinge | Steel forging | IS 4367-1967 |
| Distance piece & becket | Steel forging/malleable iron casting | IS 4367-1967 |
flowchart TD
A[Snatch Block Components] --> B[Swivel Hook - Steel Forging (IS 4367)]
A --> C[Cross-head - Wrought Steel (IS 1570)]
A --> D[Side Plates - Steel Plate (IS 226)]
A --> E[Sheave - Iron Casting Grade 25 (IS 210)]
A --> F[Axle Pin - Wrought Steel Bar (IS 1570)]
This summary ensures component material conformity and standard units for design and quality control per IS 939.
IS 939: Key Materials Specifications for Snatch Blocks
| Part | Material | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel hook | Steel forging | IS: 4367-1967 |
| Cross-head | Wrought steel or steel forging | IS: 1570-1961 |
| Pin for supporting hook | Wrought steel bar | IS: 1570-1961 |
| Side straps & side plates | Steel plate | IS: 226-1975 |
| Axle pin | Wrought steel bar | IS: 1570-1961 |
| Sheave | Iron casting (Grade 25) | IS: 210-1970 |
| Hinge | Steel forging | IS: 4367-1967 |
| Distance piece & becket | Steel forging or malleable iron casting | IS: 4367-1967 |
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force | newton | N | 1 N = 0.101972 kgf |
| Pressure | pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
| Frequency | hertz | Hz | 1 Hz = 1 s⁻¹ |
This ensures material compatibility and standardization for manufacturing and testing of snatch blocks as per IS 939.
| Part | Material | IS Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel hook | Steel forging | IS: 4367-1967 |
| Cross-head | Wrought steel/forging | IS: 1570-1961 |
| Pin for hook | Wrought steel bar | IS: 1570-1961 |
| Side straps/plates | Steel plate | IS: 226-1975 |
| Axle pin | Wrought steel bar | IS: 1570-1961 |
| Sheave | Iron casting Grade 25 | IS: 210-1970 |
| Hinge | Steel forging | IS: 4367-1967 |
| Distance piece/becket | Steel forging/malleable iron casting | IS: 4367-1967 |
graph LR
A[Swivel Hook] --> B[Cross-head]
B --> C[Pin for Hook]
C --> D[Side Straps/Plates]
D --> E[Sheave]
E --> F[Axle Pin]
F --> G[Hinge]
G -->
IS 939: Performance Requirements and Testing - Key Points
Performance Requirements:
The standard emphasizes compliance with specified test results, rounded per IS:2-1960 rules (Clause 0.4). This ensures consistent precision in test data reporting.
Testing:
While IS 939 does not explicitly list test methods in the provided context, it mandates quality control under ISI certification, assuring products meet the standard through continuous inspection and testing.
Marking:
Snatch blocks may bear the ISI Certification Mark (Clause 7.1.1), indicating conformity to IS 939 and associated quality controls.
Units & Conversions:
The standard uses SI units for all measurements, with key conversions such as:
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force | newton | N | 1 N = 0.101972 kgf |
| Pressure/Stress | pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
Rounding Off:
Final test values must be rounded to the same decimal places as specified values (IS:2-1960).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Certification Mark | ISI Mark (optional, Clause 7.1.1) |
| Units | SI units (metre, kilogram, second, etc.) |
| Force Conversion | 1 N = 0.101972 kgf |
| Stress Unit | Pascal (Pa = N/m²) |
| Rounding Rule | Per IS:2-1960 |
flowchart LR
A[Raw Material] --> B[Manufacturing]
B --> C[Testing & Inspection]
C --> D{Conforms to IS 939?}
D -- Yes --> E[ISI Certification Mark]
D -- No --> F[Rework/Reject]
This flow ensures performance compliance and quality control as per IS 939 requirements.
IS 939 - Marking of Snatch Blocks (Clause 7.1 & 7.1.1)
All snatch blocks must be clearly marked on the strap with:
Additionally:
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force | newton | N | 1 N = 0.101972 kgf |
| Pressure, Stress | pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
| Marking Item | Unit/Format |
|---|---|
| Proof Load | Newtons (N) |
| Nominal Size (SWL) | Newtons (N) |
| Inspecting Authority Seal | Seal + Date of Test |
| Manufacturer's Mark | Identification Mark |
| Optional ISI Mark | ISI Certification Mark |
flowchart LR
A[Snatch Block Strap] --> B[Proof Load (N)]
A --> C[Nominal Size (SWL in N)]
A --> D[Inspecting Authority Seal + Test Date]
A --> E[Manufacturer's ID Mark]
A --> F[ISI Certification Mark (Optional)]
This ensures traceability, safety verification, and quality assurance per IS 939.
IS 939: Inspection and Quality Control - Key Points
ISI Certification Mark (Clause 7.1.1):
Inspection & Testing:
Units & Measurements:
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol | Conversion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force | Newton | N | 1 N = 0.101972 kgf |
| Pressure/Stress | Pascal | Pa | 1 Pa = 1 N/m² |
| Energy | Joule | J | 1 J = 1 N·m |
| Power | Watt | W | 1 W = 1 J/s |
flowchart TD
A[Manufacturing] --> B[Inspection & Testing]
B --> C{ISI Certification?}
C -- Yes --> D[Marking with ISI]
C -- No --> E[Rework/Reject]
D --> F[Dispatch]
Note: For detailed inspection procedures and quality control, refer to the full IS 939 standard and related material standards.
Frequently Asked
According to IS 939, Clause 4.1, the materials for different parts of the snatch block are:
| Part | Material | IS Code Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel hook | Steel forging | IS 4367-1967 |
| Cross-head | Wrought steel or steel forging | IS 1570-1961 |
| Pin for supporting hook | Wrought steel bar | IS 1570-1961 |
| Side straps and side plates | Steel plate | IS 226-1975 |
| Axle pin | Wrought steel bar | IS 1570-1961 |
| Sheave | Iron casting, Grade 25 | IS 210-1970 |
| Hinge | Steel forging | IS 4367-1967 |
| Distance piece and becket | Steel forging or malleable iron casting | IS 4367-1967 |
Key points:
This ensures durability and safety under load, as the snatch block is proof tested to 4× safe working load (Clause 6.1).
Loading diagram...
This summarizes the material specifications for snatch block parts per IS 939.
Maximum Safe Working Load (SWL) for Snatch Blocks per IS 939
| Parameter | Value/Requirement |
|---|---|
| Proof Load Test | 4 × SWL maintained for 5 minutes |
| SWL Definition | Max load rope can bear on one end (single sheave) |
| Material Standards | Steel forging, wrought steel, iron casting per IS |
Loading diagram...
Summary: IS 939 requires snatch blocks to be proof tested at 4 times their SWL but does not fix a maximum SWL. The SWL depends on design and materials per the code.
According to IS 939 Clause 6.1, the snatch block is tested as follows:
After testing, per Clause 7.1, the snatch block must be clearly marked on the strap with:
This ensures traceability and confirms compliance with performance requirements for safe use with fibre ropes up to 4900 N (500 kgf).
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Proof Load | 4 × Safe Working Load (SWL) |
| Load Duration | 5 minutes |
| Markings on Strap | Proof load, SWL, Inspector seal, Manufacturer ID |
Loading diagram...
According to IS 939 Clause 7.1, all compliant snatch blocks must have the following markings clearly on the strap:
Additionally, per Clause 7.1.1, the snatch block may also bear the ISI Certification Mark, indicating compliance with Indian Standards under ISI supervision.
| Marking Detail | Unit/Format |
|---|---|
| Proof Load | Newtons (N) |
| Safe Working Load (Nominal) | Newtons (N) |
| Inspecting Authority Seal | Seal + Test Date |
| Manufacturer's Mark | Manufacturer ID |
| Optional: ISI Certification | ISI Mark |
This ensures traceability, safety, and quality assurance as per IS 939 requirements.
Design Requirements for Swivel Hook and Sheave as per IS 939:
| Component | Key Requirements | Material Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Swivel Hook | Forged, threaded shank, free rotation, Fig. 2 | IS: 4367-1967 (Steel forging) |
| Sheave | Integral casting, groove depth ≥ 1/3 rope dia, boss width +2-3 mm | IS: 210-1970 (Grade 25 iron casting) |
Loading diagram...
This ensures safety, proper load transfer, and longevity of the sn
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 939. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.
Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required