ISO 4308-1:2003 specifies two methods for the selection of wire rope to be used on lifting appliances as designated in ISO 4306-1, one based on the value of the rope selection factor C and the other based on the value of the coefficient of utilization Z_p ISO 4308-1:2003 establishes the minimum requirements for acceptable strength and performance levels of wire ropes with respect to the design, application and maintenance of the lifting appliance. ISO 4308-1:2003 establishes the minimum requirements for the diameters of drums and sheaves that are to be associated with the selected wire rope.A non-exhaustive list of types of lifting appliance to which ISO 4308-1:2003 is applicable is given in Annex A.

Annex B provides some examples of rope selection.Annex C gives factors, additional to those mentioned above, which may need consideration when selecting the wire rope.Annex D specifies the selection method for the diameter of the compensating sheave when used in relation to hoists.