An electric hoist is a vital component of overhead crane handling equipment. An electric possible enables teams to lift suspended loads for positioning or transport and lower them for precise placement. Integrity Crane & Hoist shares some tips on how to ensure the stability and reliability of electrical hoist equipment and reduce the risk of worker injury:
When operating an electric hoist, remember to:
- Ensure that the lifting equipment’s specifications are aligned with the weight and dimensions of the load.
- Read the operator’s manual. This document contains essential information such as electric hoist specifications, inspection criteria, basic troubleshooting procedures, and parts list.
- Require electric hoist equipment operators to know, understand, and adhere to hoist operation guidelines to ensure worker and facility safety.
- Inspect the electric hoist prior to each shift and at regular intervals. Use a pre-inspection checklist covering critical areas such as operating mechanisms, hoist limit devices, hooks, latches, and lifting media (chain, rope, or strap).
- Report any instances of hoist equipment malfunction as soon as possible; remove that hoist from service immediately.
- Confirm that the load is balanced and stable. Make sure the load holding action is secure before proceeding to any lift operation.
- Avoid swinging the load or hook.
- Remind people on the site to never walk or stand under a suspended load. Working or walking immediately under a suspended load is unsafe as the load can fall and cause life-threatening accidents.
- Use hook latches to retain slings or chains under slack conditions.
- Perform regular preventive maintenance procedures, including lubrication, as specified by the manufacturer to ensure long service life.
- Engage independent service and inspection professionals trained to handle hoist equipment specific to your business if outsourcing preventive maintenance and repairs.
Avoid using electric hoist equipment if:
- The hoist is tagged as out of service.
- The hoist has missing or illegible safety placards or decals.
- The lifting operation goes beyond the travel limits of the load wire rope or chain.
- The load chain is not seated correctly in the chain wheels or sprockets, or the wire rope is not installed correctly in its grooves.
- The hoist has not is not securely attached to suitable support that’s capable of holding the load.
- The load exceeds the capacity rating of the hoist.
- The load is not centered.
- The site has poor lighting conditions, which makes it difficult to operate the electric hoist.
Covering the southeastern United States, Integrity Crane and Hoist, LLC (ICH) is committed to overhead crane service excellence and workplace safety, striving for zero incidents at all times. Call (615) 302-3431 for more information.