IS 9391977AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Specification for Snatch Block for Use with Fibre Rope for Fire Brigade Use

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.

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1977Edition
Fire FightingCategory
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What This Standard Covers

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.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Fire brigade equipment manufacturers
  • Fire safety engineers
  • Civil defense personnel
  • Quality control inspectors
  • Fire service procurement officers
  • Mechanical engineers specializing in lifting equipment
  • Standards compliance auditors

Key Topics Covered

Material specifications for snatch block components
Design and dimensional requirements
Safe working load definitions
Performance and proof load testing
Marking and identification requirements
Construction details of swivel hooks and sheaves
Inspection criteria for deformation and defects
Use with fibre ropes in fire brigade operations
Assembly and fitting of pins and cotter pins
Quality assurance and ISI certification
International System of Units (SI) usage
Safety factors and load testing duration

Table of Contents

1Scope

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:

    QuantityUnitSymbol
    Lengthmetrem
    Masskilogramkg
    ForcenewtonN
    Pressure, StresspascalPa
    EnergyjouleJ
    PowerwattW
  • Conversions:

    • 1 N = 0.101972 kgf
    • 1 Pa = 1 N/m²
  • Rounding Off:
    Final test or calculation values shall be rounded as per IS: 2-1960, maintaining significant figures consistent with specified values.


Summary Diagram of Scope

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.

2Terminology and Definitions

IS 939: Terminology and Definitions - Key Points

1. Terminology (Clause 2.0)

  • Defines terms specifically for the standard’s context.
  • Ensures uniform understanding of technical terms related to snatch blocks.

2. Units and Symbols (SI Units)

QuantityUnitSymbolConversion/Note
Lengthmetrem
Masskilogramkg
Timeseconds
Electric currentampereA
Thermodynamic temperaturekelvinK
Luminous intensitycandelacd
Amount of substancemolemol
Plane angleradianradSupplementary unit
Solid anglesteradiansrSupplementary unit

3. Derived Units and Conversions

QuantityUnitSymbolConversion/Definition
ForcenewtonN1 N = 0.101972 kgf
EnergyjouleJ1 J = 1 N·m
PowerwattW1 W = 1 J/s
Magnetic fluxweberWb1 Wb = 1 V·s
Flux densityteslaT1 T = 1 Wb/m²
FrequencyhertzHz1 Hz = 1 cycle/s (s⁻¹)
Electric conductancesiemensS1 S = 1 A/V
Pressure, stresspascalPa1 Pa = 1 N/m²

4. Marking (Clause 7.1.1)

  • Snatch blocks may carry the ISI Certification Mark.
  • ISI mark ensures compliance with quality and inspection systems.

5. Rounding Off (Clause 0.4)

  • Results must be rounded as per **IS: 2-
3Components and Construction

IS 939: Components and Construction Key Points

Materials (Clause 4.1)

PartMaterialIS Standard
Swivel hookSteel forgingIS 4367-1967
Cross-headWrought steel/forgingIS 1570-1961
Pin for supporting hookWrought steel barIS 1570-1961
Side straps & platesSteel plateIS 226-1975
Axle pinWrought steel barIS 1570-1961
SheaveIron casting (Grade 25)IS 210-1970
HingeSteel forgingIS 4367-1967
Distance piece & becketSteel forging/malleable iron castingIS 4367-1967

Units & Conversions (International System, Clause 7.1.1)

  • Force: 1 N = 0.101972 kgf
  • Energy: 1 J = 1 N·m
  • Power: 1 W = 1 J/s
  • Pressure/Stress: 1 Pa = 1 N/m²
  • Frequency: 1 Hz = 1 cycle/s

Notes

  • Components must comply with specified IS standards for material quality.
  • ISI Certification Mark ensures compliance and quality inspection.

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.

4Materials

IS 939: Key Materials Specifications for Snatch Blocks

PartMaterialIS Code Reference
Swivel hookSteel forgingIS: 4367-1967
Cross-headWrought steel or steel forgingIS: 1570-1961
Pin for supporting hookWrought steel barIS: 1570-1961
Side straps & side platesSteel plateIS: 226-1975
Axle pinWrought steel barIS: 1570-1961
SheaveIron casting (Grade 25)IS: 210-1970
HingeSteel forgingIS: 4367-1967
Distance piece & becketSteel forging or malleable iron castingIS: 4367-1967

Additional Notes:

  • Materials conform to specific IS standards ensuring quality and mechanical properties.
  • Rounding off of test results should follow IS: 2-1960 for consistency.
  • Units used comply with the International System of Units (SI), e.g., force in Newton (N), pressure in Pascal (Pa).

Common Unit Conversions:

QuantityUnitSymbolConversion
ForcenewtonN1 N = 0.101972 kgf
PressurepascalPa1 Pa = 1 N/m²
FrequencyhertzHz1 Hz = 1 s⁻¹

This ensures material compatibility and standardization for manufacturing and testing of snatch blocks as per IS 939.

5Design and Dimensions

IS 939: Design and Dimensions Key Points

1. Head Fitting (Clause 5.1)

  • Shape: Trapezoidal hook, forged in one piece.
  • Shank: Threaded, fitted with screw collar/nut; collar/nut depth ≥ full diameter of shank.
  • Engagement Length: Nut/collar engaged length on load side ≥ 2/3 diameter of shank.
  • Sheave: Integrally cast; central boss width = rim width + 2 to 3 mm.
  • Rope Groove: Depth ≥ 1/3 rope diameter; profile = circular arc radius 15 mm; edges rounded.
  • Axle Pin: Diameter ≥ bearing portion diameter + 3 mm; tail end projects for split cotter pin.

2. Materials (Clause 4.1)

PartMaterialIS Standard
Swivel hookSteel forgingIS: 4367-1967
Cross-headWrought steel/forgingIS: 1570-1961
Pin for hookWrought steel barIS: 1570-1961
Side straps/platesSteel plateIS: 226-1975
Axle pinWrought steel barIS: 1570-1961
SheaveIron casting Grade 25IS: 210-1970
HingeSteel forgingIS: 4367-1967
Distance piece/becketSteel forging/malleable iron castingIS: 4367-1967

3. Units (SI Units)

  • Length: metre (m)
  • Force: newton (N), 1 N = 0.101972 kgf
  • Pressure: pascal (Pa), 1 Pa = 1 N/m²

Summary Diagram: Snatch Block Components

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 -->
6Performance Requirements and Testing

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:

    QuantityUnitSymbolConversion
    ForcenewtonN1 N = 0.101972 kgf
    Pressure/StresspascalPa1 Pa = 1 N/m²
  • Rounding Off:
    Final test values must be rounded to the same decimal places as specified values (IS:2-1960).


Summary Table: Key Specifications

AspectDetails
Certification MarkISI Mark (optional, Clause 7.1.1)
UnitsSI units (metre, kilogram, second, etc.)
Force Conversion1 N = 0.101972 kgf
Stress UnitPascal (Pa = N/m²)
Rounding RulePer 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.

7Marking

IS 939 - Marking of Snatch Blocks (Clause 7.1 & 7.1.1)

All snatch blocks must be clearly marked on the strap with:

  • Proof load (in newtons, N)
  • Nominal size / Safe working load (in newtons, N)
  • Inspecting authority's seal including date of test
  • Manufacturer's identification mark

Additionally:

  • Snatch blocks may bear the ISI Certification Mark as per Clause 7.1.1, which guarantees compliance with ISI quality and testing standards.

Relevant Units & Conversions (SI Units)

QuantityUnitSymbolConversion
ForcenewtonN1 N = 0.101972 kgf
Pressure, StresspascalPa1 Pa = 1 N/m²

Summary Table: Marking Requirements

Marking ItemUnit/Format
Proof LoadNewtons (N)
Nominal Size (SWL)Newtons (N)
Inspecting Authority SealSeal + Date of Test
Manufacturer's MarkIdentification Mark
Optional ISI MarkISI 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.

8Inspection and Quality Control

IS 939: Inspection and Quality Control - Key Points

  • ISI Certification Mark (Clause 7.1.1):

    • Snatch blocks may bear the ISI mark, ensuring compliance with IS 939.
    • The mark guarantees production under a strict system of inspection, testing, and quality control supervised by ISI.
    • Continuous conformity checks by ISI safeguard quality.
  • Inspection & Testing:

    • Products must be tested as per IS 939 specifications.
    • Final test results are rounded off according to IS:2-1960 (round to same significant figures as specified values).
  • Units & Measurements:

    • SI units are mandatory for all measurements.
    • Key units include:
      • 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

Summary Table of SI Units (from IS 939):

QuantityUnitSymbolConversion
ForceNewtonN1 N = 0.101972 kgf
Pressure/StressPascalPa1 Pa = 1 N/m²
EnergyJouleJ1 J = 1 N·m
PowerWattW1 W = 1 J/s

Inspection Flow (Simplified):

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.

Popular Questions About IS 939

?What materials are specified for the different parts of the snatch block?

According to IS 939, Clause 4.1, the materials for different parts of the snatch block are:

PartMaterialIS Code Reference
Swivel hookSteel forgingIS 4367-1967
Cross-headWrought steel or steel forgingIS 1570-1961
Pin for supporting hookWrought steel barIS 1570-1961
Side straps and side platesSteel plateIS 226-1975
Axle pinWrought steel barIS 1570-1961
SheaveIron casting, Grade 25IS 210-1970
HingeSteel forgingIS 4367-1967
Distance piece and becketSteel forging or malleable iron castingIS 4367-1967

Key points:

  • Steel forging and wrought steel are preferred for high strength parts (hook, cross-head, hinge).
  • Sheave is made from Grade 25 iron casting for wear resistance.
  • Side plates use steel plates as per IS 226.

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.

?What is the maximum safe working load allowed for snatch blocks under IS 939?

Maximum Safe Working Load (SWL) for Snatch Blocks per IS 939

  • IS 939 defines Safe Working Load (Clause 2.2) as the maximum permissible load on the rope at one end of a single sheave block.
  • The snatch block must be proof tested at 4 times the SWL (Clause 6.1), held for 5 minutes to ensure safety.
  • The code does not specify a fixed SWL value; instead, SWL depends on the block's design, materials, and dimensions.
  • Materials are standardized (Clause 4.1) to ensure strength and durability.

Key points:

ParameterValue/Requirement
Proof Load Test4 × SWL maintained for 5 minutes
SWL DefinitionMax load rope can bear on one end (single sheave)
Material StandardsSteel forging, wrought steel, iron casting per IS

Practical guidance:

  • Determine SWL based on rope size and block dimensions.
  • SWL is limited by the weakest component (hook, sheave, pin).
  • Always verify proof load testing per IS 939 before use.
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.

?How is the snatch block tested to ensure it meets performance requirements?

According to IS 939 Clause 6.1, the snatch block is tested as follows:

  • Proof Load Test: The entire snatch block is subjected to a load equal to 4 times its safe working load (SWL).
  • Duration: This load is maintained continuously for 5 minutes.
  • The block must withstand this without permanent deformation or failure.

After testing, per Clause 7.1, the snatch block must be clearly marked on the strap with:

  • Proof load in Newtons,
  • Nominal size (SWL in Newtons),
  • Inspecting authority's seal and test date,
  • Manufacturer’s identification mark.

This ensures traceability and confirms compliance with performance requirements for safe use with fibre ropes up to 4900 N (500 kgf).


Summary Table

ParameterRequirement
Proof Load4 × Safe Working Load (SWL)
Load Duration5 minutes
Markings on StrapProof load, SWL, Inspector seal, Manufacturer ID
Loading diagram...
?What marking information must be present on compliant snatch blocks?

According to IS 939 Clause 7.1, all compliant snatch blocks must have the following markings clearly on the strap:

  • Proof load (in newtons, N)
  • Nominal size, i.e., the safe working load (SWL) in newtons (N)
  • Inspecting authority's seal along with the date of test
  • Manufacturer's identification mark

Additionally, per Clause 7.1.1, the snatch block may also bear the ISI Certification Mark, indicating compliance with Indian Standards under ISI supervision.

Summary of required markings:

Marking DetailUnit/Format
Proof LoadNewtons (N)
Safe Working Load (Nominal)Newtons (N)
Inspecting Authority SealSeal + Test Date
Manufacturer's MarkManufacturer ID
Optional: ISI CertificationISI Mark

This ensures traceability, safety, and quality assurance as per IS 939 requirements.

?Are there specific design requirements for the swivel hook and sheave?

Design Requirements for Swivel Hook and Sheave as per IS 939:

Swivel Hook (Clause 5.1)

  • Type: Trapezoidal hook with shanked, forged in one piece and machined.
  • Shank: Threaded, fitted with screw collar or nut; collar/nut depth ≥ full diameter of screwed shank.
  • Engagement: Load side nut/collar engagement length ≥ 2/3 of shank diameter.
  • Shape & Dimensions: Must conform to Fig. 2 of IS 939.
  • Cross-head: Machined hole aligned at right angle to head fitting axis.
  • Rotation: Shank must turn freely by hand.
  • Material: Steel forging as per IS: 4367-1967.

Sheave (Clause 5.1)

  • Construction: Integrally cast.
  • Central Boss Width: 2–3 mm greater than rim width.
  • Rope Groove:
    • Depth ≥ 1/3 rope diameter.
    • Profile: Circular arc radius 15 mm, edges rounded.
  • Axle Pin:
    • Diameter ≥ bearing portion diameter + 3 mm.
    • Tail end projects for drilling and split cotter pin fitting.
  • Material: Iron casting, Grade 25 as per IS: 210-1970.

Summary Table:

ComponentKey RequirementsMaterial Standard
Swivel HookForged, threaded shank, free rotation, Fig. 2IS: 4367-1967 (Steel forging)
SheaveIntegral casting, groove depth ≥ 1/3 rope dia, boss width +2-3 mmIS: 210-1970 (Grade 25 iron casting)
Loading diagram...

This ensures safety, proper load transfer, and longevity of the sn

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