Safety Working Procedures When Using Chain Hoists

It is important to perform safety procedures to ensure you are using chain hoists, lifting equipment and load chains correctly.

This material is of a general nature and addresses only the key points for the safe use of hand chain blocks. This information will need to be supplemented for particular applications.

WHEN USING LIFTING EQUIPMENT ALWAYS REMEMBER TO:

• Store and operate chain blocks correctly.
• Test chain blocks and accessories before Placing it in storage and before use
• For the top hook suspension, use hooks fitted with safety devices or the mouse hook to ensure that the holder fits freely into the seat of the hook.
• Ensure that the trolley is properly set to the width of the beam for the trolley suspension.
• Verify that the bottom hook hits its lowest point without running out of the chain.
• Adopt good slinging methods and follow the guidelines for safe use of the equipment used.

YOU SHOULD NEVER:

Expose chain blocks to contaminants, in particular acids, without consulting the manufacturer.

Substitute a longer load chain without contacting the manufacturer.

Use undue efforts to force the block to work.

Throw, drop or drag a blockchain.

Allow the oil or grease to come into contact with the brakes.

Expose a chain block directly onto the elements, water spray, steam, etc. without consulting the manufacturer.

How To Select The Correct Chain Hoist Block?

Hand chain blocks are available in a variety of capacities and different forms of suspension.

Pick the block you want to use and schedule the lift, taking into account the following:

• Form of suspension, hook, trolley, etc.
• Capacity, class of use and range of lifts.
• Many chain blocks are built for vertical lifting purposes only. The use of these angles requires additional risk assessment and precautions.
• Some chain block designs allow them to be used at an angle.

You could always consult the supplier if the block is to be used in places of high risk, exposed to elements, water, steam, etc., toxic substances, e.g. acids or chemicals, or subject to extreme temperatures.

How To Store and Handle Hand Chain Blocks?

• Never return broken blocks back to storage. They need to be dry, Clean and secure against corrosion.
• Store blocks with their top suspension, chains clear of the ground, chains can be bundled together to make this simpler.
• Non-portable blocks stored outside should be enclosed and protected from corrosion.
• Blocks should not be thrown, thrown or dragged around the concrete.
• Never galvanise or subject the chain or load-bearing parts to some other plating process without the express approval of the manufacturer.

Installing and Commissioning Chain Blocks

Follow any relevant installation instructions given to you by the supplier and the general specifications are given overleaf. Please try the block to ensure that the brake works correctly and is safe. Ensure that the chain is not twisted; it must pass freely. The bottom hook must hit the lowest position necessary without the chain running out.

How To Use Hand Load Chain Hoist Blocks Safely?

1. Do not attempt lift operations until you understand the use of equipment and slinging processes.
2. Do not use faulty blocks, slings or attachments and do not use the blockchain as a sling.
3. Always check the slinging arrangement that the block is rigged securely and that the chains aren’t wrapped around each other, particularly in the case of multi-fall blocks.
4. Check that the load is free to travel before starting and that the landing area has been prepared.
5. Just raise up the load, then stop the lift to check the integrity of the block, the sling system, etc.
6. Check the direction is clear, and you have a clear view to prevent unintended hook or collision. Follow any relevant safety laws related to the transfer of suspended loads.
7. Keep your fingertips, toes, etc. visible when lowering your loads.

In-Service Inspection and Maintenance

Follow any relevant maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer but, in particular, keep the load chains lubricated and tested.

The Brake Operation

Breaks must be kept clean of tar, grease, etc. Never replace a longer load chain without contacting the supplier.

Make sure you regularly inspect the block and, in the event of the following defects, refer the block to the qualified person for a thorough examination: wear; damage to the trolley, hooks and fittings; broken or warped slack end anchor; chains worn, bent, notched, stretched, corroded, not hanging freely, twisted or jumped; load slips or not lifted; damaged block housing; illegible markings.

General Purpose of Lifting Appliances

FOR MANUAL AND POWER OPERATED BLOCKS:

The following material is based on Section 1-Appendix 1.6 of the Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment. It should be read in accordance with the instructions for safe use, the cover sheet of which forms an integral part and any relevant instructions provided by the supplier. This material is of a general nature only covering the key points for the safe use of manual and power-operated blocks.

ALWAYS:

• Ensure that the suspension points and anchorages are sufficient for the maximum load imposed.
• Verify that the load chain/wire rope is free to hang and is not twisted or knotted.
• Place the hook over the centre of gravity of the load.
• Test the function of the brake before the lift is made.
• Ensure that the slings are stable and that the load is able to be lifted.
• Ensuring the route is clear.
• Ensure that the landing area is adequately prepared.

NEVER:

• Surpass the SWL.
• Use the loading chain/wire rope as a sling.
• Shock Load the block or other machinery.
• Raise to the point of the hook.
• Clutter the hook and the fittings.
• Allow the load to swing out of reach.
• Leave unattended suspended loads.

What Are The Different Types of Blocks?

A wide variety of manual and power-operated blocks are available.

This portion of the leaflet deals with the issues that arise.

Pulley blocks made from fibre or wire rope is used for winches, hand chain blocks, chain hoists, power wire rope blocks and power chain blocks. The use of trolleys is also connected with blocks, which can be incorporated into the trolley as an internal part of the appliance, or separately hung on the block.

Operative Training

Lifting machines can only be used by skilled operators who recognise their use and the related equipment used in the lift.

More on Installation and Commissioning

The erection process can differ from the equipment and should be carried out in compliance with the instructions of the suppliers. Giving attention to the following issues:

Before installation, check the equipment to ensure that no harm has occurred in the factory or in transit.

Ensure that the support system is sufficient for the maximum loads levied, checked and labelled with the SWL.

When erecting the trolleys, ensure that the width of the beam is correctly set and that the track is fitted with the end stops that are attached to the trolley frame or the wheel track. The track should stay level at all loads to the limit.

When suspending the appliances with the top hook, ensure support fits freely into the hook seat.

Once erected, ensure that the chain/wire rope is free to hang and is not twisted or knotted.

With power-operated blocks, the supply should be linked to an appropriately trained individual, taking into account any regulatory or technical requirements ( e.g. Work Regulations on Energy, Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Containers Regulations).

Test run to ensure the free and right movement of the chain/rope. Check the brake operation. Monitor the speed, location and also the operation of travel limits and safety devices.

The Safe Use of Blocks

The fundamental goals of any lifting operation are to move the load to the target location and land it safely, safely and without damage to the load, the equipment used or the surrounding buildings, the plant, etc. In addition to any particular instructions concerning the block, the following general points must be observed:

• Never attempt to lift operations unless you have been educated in the
• Usage of equipment and slinging techniques.
• Place the hook directly over the centre of gravity so that the pull line is vertical.
• Don’t use the chain/wire rope to sling the load, i.e. do not wrap it around the load, the back hook or the choke hook.
• Do not raise the hook to the point of the hook or clutter the hook with the fittings.
• Never lift/lower more than the SWL. In the case of manual equipment, when an abnormally high effort is required and when power-operated machines fail to lift the load, or when the load falls, this is a sign of too high a load or fault-check the load and the appliance.
• To prevent excessive inching of power-operated appliances and
• Do not impose any sudden or shock loads.
• Push rather than pull loads suspended from the push / pull trolleys and, if unloaded, pull the bottom hook. Never use the pendant control, supply cable or hose to pull the appliance.
• Avoid sudden movement of travel motion or excessive effort in moving the load, which can cause the load to swing.
• Prevent improper or deliberate use of the limits of motion if they are not permitted
• Additional limits are intended for this reason. Avoid running into the stop ends.
• Don’t allow someone to pass under or ride on a load. Never leave suspended loads unattended unless, in an emergency, the area is corded off and held clear.
• Do not remove guards, protective covers, weather-resistant covers, heat shields, etc. without the authority of the individual concerned.

In-Service Inspection and Maintenance

Both the Provision of and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 specifies that the lifting equipment is properly maintained.

This is an ongoing responsibility for the user, and a scheduled routine maintenance programme would be required.

In addition to the statutory in-depth reviews by the Qualified Person, routine in-service inspections should be carried out to detect any potential defects and damages that might occur. If any are identified, they should be referred to the individual concerned.

According to the terms of operation, the maintenance programme must comply with the provisions of the manufacturer’s instructions and any special requirements. This could be coupled with the maintenance of other equipment used in conjunction with the appliance, such as the power supply system. Check the block and its associated equipment every day for obvious faults and signs of damage.

Note:

This document has been published in compliance with the requirements of Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was amended in March 1988. It explains the care and proper use of HAND CHAIN BLOCKS and is based on Section 2 of the LEEA Code of Conduct for the Safe Use of Lift Equipment. It should be read in accordance with the specifications for general purpose over-leaf lifting appliances which form an integral part of these instructions.