7.6 INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD BE EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE USER AND DESIGNER OR SUPPLIER
As winches are frequently used for miscellaneous lifting purposes, precise details of the load to be lifted and rigging arrangement to be used are not always available. In these circumstances, only a general specification can be given, and this should include the following information:
Details of the rigging arrangement in so far as is known, e.g. use of pulley blocks, diverters, etc.
Maximum load to be lifted or line pull required.
Winch mounting details, e.g. wall, floor, built into a structure.
Type of winch, e.g. worm geared, power operated.
Rope drum storage capacity.
Effective and actual length of wire rope required.
Details of wire rope termination, e.g. hook, eye.
Where applicable, operating speed(s).
Where applicable, details of the power source or number of operatives required at full load.
Details of any other lifting equipment and accessories required, e.g. pulley blocks, tripod (shearlegs).
Details of application in so far as is known, e.g. nature of load, duty cycle, whether temporary or permanent installation.
Special service conditions which may affect the winch or its associated equipment, e.g. flammable atmosphere, chemical environment, outdoor use.
Special safety considerations, e.g. positive limits to prevent overwinding, overload protection, use for people carrying applications.
Any special requirements for painting or protective finish.
Any other special requirements.
It may subsequently be found that a more detailed exchange of information is necessary to ensure correct selection. Where the winch is committed to a single purpose use or is a permanent installation, this is not difficult, but similar consideration should be given to units that are to be used for multipurpose or temporary installations. For all but the simplest installations, a visit by the supplier to survey the site should always be considered as this will minimize the information exchange and reduce the chance of incorrect selection.