Hoist Safety & Maintenance
Safe, efficient hoisting is an essential aspect of many worksites. Before installation, the system must be designed properly to ensure smooth operation. Then, as with all mechanical devices, hoists require maintenance to continue functioning reliably until the project is complete. Even then, an occasional breakdown may still occur. Use this guide to help prevent hoist equipment breakdowns and plan for any necessary repairs.
Perform Inspections & Maintenance
Only skilled, experienced technicians with the proper understanding of hoists and cranes should inspect and maintain these complex systems. Here are the requirements:
· Initial inspection: A thorough hands-on operational check ensures the safety and performance of new worksite equipment.
· Annual safety inspections: Hire a qualified person to inspect your hoists and cranes once a year. This technician will perform safety checks, run operating tests, and conduct a load chain inspection.
· Monthly safety inspections: Perform a walkthrough once a month to catch little problems before they cause a major breakdown. Check for things such as deformed rope structures, worn brake screws, or unusual sounds when operating the hoist.
· Daily safety inspections: Before the start of each shift, check the hoist equipment to make sure nothing has been tampered with since the previous day.
· Preventative maintenance: In addition to safety inspections, maintenance can help you avoid unplanned repairs and prolong the life of your hoist system. Preventative services include tightening, lubricating, cleaning, and replacing parts before they break down.
Following an inspection or maintenance visit, the “designated individual” is responsible for correcting any safety hazards or performance deficiencies before the equipment is placed back in service.
Keep Spare Parts on Hand
For too many operations, the breakdown of a critical hoist grinds productivity to a halt. To reduce downtime in case of an untimely equipment failure, keep “wear parts” such as fuses, transformers, contactors, push-button stations, and hoist safety latches on hand. This way, if a breakdown occurs, the repair can take place without waiting for parts to arrive.
Have a Contingency Plan
Despite all your efforts, a breakdown requiring a part you don’t have may still occur. To prevent project delays, keep your local hoist company on speed dial. You may be able to request a replacement if your existing equipment malfunctions. It’s also wise to rent or purchase a second hoist, depending on the potential losses you could face in the event of a breakdown. A duplicate
The hoist acts as insurance to keep your site up and running, minimizing your losses if the first one fails.
At Scaffold Resource, we understand how important your hoisting system is to the success of your project. We will work closely with your team to implement a custom hoisting strategy that prioritizes safety and performance for even the most challenging construction sites. Let us handle all your hoisting and rigging needs! Give us a call today at 301-924-7223 or contact us online to arrange services in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond.
Contact us at 301-924-7223 or email us at sales@scaffoldresource.com. Also, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter, and Pinterest for news and updates on our events and trends in the scaffolding and construction industry.
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Scaffold Resource – https://scaffoldresource.com/
“DC, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond”
301-924-7223
1996
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http://www.sbomh.com/kb/articles/Hoist_Breakdown_Prevention_and_Planning
https://www.crane1.com/about-us/blog/overhead-crane-maintenance-c
