6.10.1 Pre-use Inspection
In addition to the statutory thorough examination by a Competent Person, electric power operated hoists should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use or on a regular basis. For hoists in regular use it is good practice to make the inspection at the start of each shift or each working day. For hoists used infrequently it should be done before use on each day of use.
It is recommended that a formal system of pre-use inspection is implemented, and a written record kept identifying the date inspected, confirmation that it passed inspection and the name and signature of the person making the inspection. In the event that it does not pass the inspection, there should be a procedure to quarantine the hoist to prevent further use of the equipment until the problem has been resolved.
The purpose of the pre-use inspection is to test functionality of the hoist and make a visual check for any obvious defects. The inspection should include the fixings, suspension points and supporting structures, guidance on the in-service inspection of runways, slewing jib cranes and mobile supporting structures is given in sections x-svn:///svn/leea/dita/xml/topics/TOP_00000000/TOP_00000451.html,SECTION 10 - SLEWING JIB CRANES and SECTION 12 respectively. The inspection should include the following points in addition to any specific checks recommended by the supplier:
State of chain or wire rope.
Correct operation of the brake.
Correct operation of hoist and, where fitted, lower limits.
Correct operation of controls.
A visual check for any obvious defects.
If any of the following faults are found, the hoist should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person.
6.10.1.1 All power operated hoists
Signs of wear, deformation or damage to hooks, trolleys or other terminal or suspension fittings.
Hook safety latch damaged or inoperative. In the event of the latch appearing to be too short, this is an indication of the hook having opened out and may be the result of the hoist being overloaded.
Signs of wear and fretting corrosion to screw threaded shanks.
Load slips when hoisting or load will not lift although motor is running.
Load stops midway through a lifting cycle. In this case, where possible action must be taken to lower the load. If this cannot be done, the area must be cordoned off to prevent anyone approaching.
Hoist will not operate although power is on.
Spasmodic or erratic lifting operation and similar symptoms on the travel motion.
Trolley slips or skids on the runway.
Damage to any electric cable or cable gland.
Damage to the pendant control hand set including cable, rubber covers, legends or labels and support wire, chain or cord.
Excessive noise or unusual sounds from any part of the hoist, including motor, clutch, gearbox or brake.
Travel and/or hoist motions operate in opposite direction to control indication.
Load continues to travel excessive distance after motion control has been released.
6.10.1.2 Electric power operated chain hoists
Load chain worn or damaged, in particular when wear has occurred on the bearing surfaces inside the links and to damage in the form of bent, notched, stretched or corroded links. In certain circumstances, very rapid wear of the load chain can develop, which is characterised by a rough appearance on the mating surfaces inside the links.
Load chain does not articulate freely.
Signs of damage or distortion to the slack end anchor which connects the load chain to the hoist casing and/or signs of damage or distortion to the load chain stop where one is fitted.
When bottom hook is fully extended to its lowest possible working position, the slack end of the chain pulls tight transmitting the load onto the slack end anchor.
When operating under load, the chain jumps and/or is excessively noisy.
Chain does not hang freely or is twisted over its length.
Chain does not enter or leave the load wheel freely. Chain guide or stripper are worn or damaged.
Chain collecting box is damaged or distorted.
Recommended further guidance on the inspection procedure and rejection criteria for load chain is given in ISO 7592.
6.10.1.3 Electric powered operated rope hoists
Load rope is worn or damaged; in particular any increase or decrease in diameter, opening of strands, kinks or broken wires. Any signs of mechanical damage such as flattening, crushing, cuts, burring and corrosion. Faults are most likely to occur at the terminations and where the rope passes over sheaves and pulleys, in particular compensating sheaves.
Wire rope does not feed onto the drum correctly or winds in the wrong direction in relation to the control direction selected.
Damaged or worn rope guides and bands.
Signs of damage or distortion of the anchorage points or of the wire rope pulling through any clamping devices.
When bottom hook is fully extended to its lowest working position, there are less than 2 full turns of rope remaining on the drum. Under no circumstances must there be less than 2 full turns of rope remaining on the drum but consult the manufacturers instructions as with some units 3 full turns must remain.
Wire rope is cabled, i.e. multiple falls of rope are twisted together.
Recommended further guidance on inspection procedure and rejection criteria for wire rope is given in ISO 4309.