RSS Receives DNV Type Approval Certificate
Rope and Sling Specialists (RSS) recently received a DNV GL Type Approval Certificate for wire rope offshore lifting sets. The certificate, valid for four years from 25 November 2016, covers wire rope slings assembled by RSS according to DNV 2.7-1 Offshore Containers and acknowledges that it also complies with EN 12079-2 Offshore containers and associated lifting sets – Part 2: Lifting sets Design, manufacture and marking; EN 13414-1 Wire rope slings; and IMO/MSC Circular 860.
RSS serves the offshore market from two of its five UK facilities, in Grangemouth, Scotland; and Pyle, Wales-based headquarters, but only at the latter can it manufacture to DNV 2.7-1, utilising its 1,000t Sahm Splice hydraulic press that enables the company to manufacture slings to 55t working load limit (WLL). The hydraulic press was purchased primarily with the oil and gas sector in mind and joined an older unit which is used to manufacture 35t WLL slings. This unit can work with 52mm diameter wire rope and the new machine can handle rope up to 64mm.
DNV ensures that providers of lifting sets are audited at regular intervals to give end users assurances that sourced and manufactured equipment from suppliers complies with relevant standards and guidance. Mr Steve Hutin, Managing Director at RSS, says, “Receiving the type approval certificate was a landmark moment in our company’s history. We have taken a consultative approach to the offshore oil and gas market, working closely with customers as the sector slowed down. At the same time, we used the calmness of the industry to introduce the Sahm Splice to our manufacturing setup and ensure we were DNV GL Type Approval Certified before it bounces back next year and beyond.”