The design of all mine cage suspension equipment, is in accordance with NCB codes & rules unless specified otherwise. Generally, equipment will have a minimum static factor of safety of 10 in relation to the maximum SWL, except where the load is bourn by a threaded component, in which case the minimum static factor of safety shall be 15:1.

Due to the cyclical loading of the gear, the principal design consideration is fatigue, and components must demonstrate infinite fatigue life (with reserve) under the most severe dynamic loading conditions.

In the past, photo-elastic analysis was employed to determine the magnitude of stress concentrations; today however, this existing data is combined with FEA analysis to assist in the design of new equipment.