BIS Certification For Round Steel Wire Rope Used as Balance Ropes In Mines IS 18532 Recent Update

While BIS certification is generally voluntary, certain products, like specific types of wire ropes, can be included in the mandatory product list under Quality Control Orders (QCO), if the regulatory authority receives some inputs or feedback from the consumers. These orders provide for the protection of public interest, safety, and health while preventing unfair trade practices. To check whether IS 18532 needs mandatory certification, manufacturers should refer to the BIS mandatory list of products under compulsory certification.

Steel Wire Ropes are one of those high-strength and durable ropes, commonly used as balanced ropes in mines for hauling loads and materials. The use of these cables includes most industries for lifting, hoisting, and material handling operations. These types of ropes are made by twisting several high-strength steel wires to form strands, which are then twisted together to form a rope.

The Recent Requirements and Recent Update under IS 18532 

According to the recent update of March 2025, many new quality control orders (QCOs) are set to come into effect, covering various products. Manufacturers of products affected by these orders obtain the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification in India to ensure compliance and continue distribution in the Indian market. However, there is no specific mention of IS 18532 being included in recent QCOs. The manufacturers of round steel wire rope must verify the current certification directly with the BIS, which ensures that they meet all applicable standards and regulations. 

General Requirements for Round Steel Wire Rope Used As Balance Ropes In Mines

1. Only a qualified individual who holds an ASNT Level II or equivalent certification (in Electromagnetic Testing/Magnetic Rope Flaw Detection for steel wire ropes), along with a minimum of two years of experience, may perform nondestructive testing (NDT) on wire ropes. This individual must also be an authorized representative of an NABL-accredited or government-approved testing laboratory. 

2. A qualified person must conduct NDT tests in mines and adhere to the act, regulations, rules, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) established for these types of work.

3. The qualified person conducting NDT tests in mines shall:

4. Conduct a risk assessment and develop a method statement outlining the NDT operation and related activities, including access to the temporary workplace.

5. Supervised the safe execution of NDT operations and related activities.

4. Ensures only authorized winding engine drivers operate the winding apparatus during testing. 

5. Ensures that any guard covers or other safety devices removed for NDT processes are replaced afterwards.

6. Ensure safety harnesses are provided and worn by all individuals at risk of falling from height. 

7. Maintains effective communication at all times between the NDT operatives, the winding engine operator, and the banksman and onsetter when needed. 

Description of Product: Round Steel Wire Rope

Balance rope is a non-rotating rope made of inner strands laid in one direction and outer strands laid in opposite directions to prevent the rope from twisting when in use. Balance wire ropes are a composite of steel strands and a fiber/steel core. These ropes are used to balance the weight of winding ropes in the shaft and have to be flexible to allow for looping in the sump. Since these balance ropes are not likely to suffer much from wear, the wire needs to be large, but the wires are liable to corrosion; galvanized wires are advisable in wet shafts.

Materials Of The Product

The materials used for the product are as follows:

• Steel Wire: The steel wire is used in the manufacture of rope and shall comply with IS 1835.
• Wire: Wires used in the construction of rope shall be homogeneous steel, shall be round within tolerance as specified in IS 1835, shall be free from scales, inequalities, flaws, and other defects, and shall be of a smooth, uniform finish.

Observation Record & Test Procedure: BIS Certification for IS 18532

Here are the key points of Round Steel Wire Rope Certification in India:

1. General: The safety requirements and measures must be verified by IS 13917.
2. Lubricants: The visual inspection of test documents provided with lubricants will be conducted to ensure that the lubricant meets the relevant standard.
3. Lubrication: Visual inspection will be performed to confirm that the requirements are satisfied for the lubrication.
4. Tests: The minimum breaking force of the rope must be at least 8 times the weight of the rope for the specified length of use.

For the methods of testing, all the tests have to be conducted for breaking load at government approval or NABL-approved/certified labs. The manufacturers should supply the purchaser with a test certificate as per Annex A of IS 13917. The record of inspection of rope at the site shall be as shown in Annex A of this standard.