Oilers/Plant Tenders (HHC) Civil Service Practice Exam

The number of ropes commonly used on the movable block of a 4-part fall is most nearly what?

1. 2

2. 3

3. 4

4. 5

The correct answer is: 3

In a 4-part fall, the number of ropes that are typically used on the movable block is three. This setup involves a system where a line (or rope) is threaded through sheaves (pulleys) to create mechanical advantage when lifting a load. The term "4-part" indicates that the load is effectively divided into four parts due to the way the rope is configured. In this case, the movable block has one end of the rope attached to the load and then runs through three sheaves; this threading creates an arrangement where the load can be lifted more easily with a force applied to the other end of the rope. The three ropes contribute to the overall lifting capacity and efficiency because they work together to distribute the load, thereby providing that mechanical advantage which is essential for heavy lifting tasks. This understanding of a 4-part fall system is crucial for applications in rigging and material handling, allowing operators to lift heavy objects more safely and efficiently. The answer reflects the classic rigging principles found in the field, reaffirming the structural role of the ropes in this specific configuration.