Hoists Safety Use of Crane

Daily checks for fluid levels, wear and tear and correct operation are among the tasks that each operator carries out to ensure the best performance of the crane and the utmost safety for operators.

When it comes to the hoist attached to the crane, there is even more for operators to know, especially about safety.

Hoist Safety

The lifting mechanism of a crane’s hoist is typically chain link or wire rope. Both have distinct properties that make them suitable for various applications. For example, wire rope hoists are considered better for high speed lifting (a rate of 20 metres/60 feet per minute), while chain is considered best for vertical lifting.

Regardless of whether your hoist operates with chain or wire rope, it is susceptible to wear and tear. Both wire rope and chain can be degraded by heavy use. Chains can become weakened as friction wears down the width of each link. Wire rope can rust from deep inside towards the outside.

Given this tendency for wear, the first step in safe use of a hoist is ensuring that all procedures for regular maintenance and daily inspections are followed. Check with your manufacturer’s guidelines to be sure you are following all of their recommendations. Basic daily inspections should include checking all ropes or chains for wear and immediately replacing any parts that have been worn down over time.

In addition to checks, all operators should undergo training in the hoists safety use of the crane, which includes all aspects of hoist mechanics as well.

As for safe operation on a day-to-day basis, here are some guidelines from CCOHS, the Canadian federal government agency in charge of occupational health and safety. These are standard guidelines. For specific instructions pertaining to your crane and hoist, always check the documentation supplied by your crane’s manufacturer.

• Hoist from directly over the load. If not centered, the load may swing when lifted.
• Hang hoists solidly in the highest part of the hook area. Rigged this way, the hook support is directly in line with the hook shank.
• Stand completely clear of the load.
• Seat the load properly in the hook.
• Move hoist controls smoothly. Avoid abrupt, jerky movements of the load.
• Remove slack from the sling and hoisting ropes before lifting the load.
• Remove all loose materials, parts, blocking and packing from the load before starting the lift.
• Make sure everyone is away from the load before starting to hoist.

And a few “don’ts”:

• Do not use hoisting equipment for lifting people.
• Do not pass a load over workers.
• Do not tip a load. The load becomes unstable and can harm the hook and hoist.
• Do not insert the point of the hook in a link of the chain.
• Do not hammer a sling into place.
• Do not leave slings dangling from the load hook. Place sling hooks on the sling ring when carrying slings to the load.
• Do not raise loads higher than necessary to clear objects.
• Do not exceed a hoist load limit.
• Do not leave suspended loads unattended.

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