5.9.2 Storage and Handling
After use, the machine and its associated equipment should be returned to safe storage. The storage requirements are as recommended in section 1.7.2 Storage and Handling of this code, i.e. the area should be dry, free from injurious pollution and extremes of temperature, together with the following:
Equipment which is returned to the stores wet and/or dirty should first be cleaned and dried away from direct heat. Special care should be taken with ropes which have been allowed to get wet as internal corrosion may result, considerably reducing the strength of the rope. When in doubt, either consult a Competent Person or replace the rope.
Any ancillary sheaves should be removed from the rope and stored separately.
The rope should be removed from the machine and coiled, or wound onto a purpose designed coiler, care being taken to avoid twists which might lead to kinks. Ropes should always be securely tied in a coil and stored off the floor in such a manner that they are not crushed by other equipment.
When handling ropes, care should be taken to prevent kinks or twists. In particular, when uncoiling the rope it should be ‘reeled’ off and not pulled from the coil sideways. (See Figure 5.9.2-1 ) Improper handling of wire ropes can quickly result in kinking, usually commencing with the formation of a loop as shown in Figure 5.9.2-2 . If this loop is drawn tight the rope will be irreparably damaged.
Figure 5.9.2-1 Correct and incorrect method of uncoiling small coils
Figure 5.9.2-2
The machine itself should be stored in a position where it is unlikely to suffer physical damage, i.e. preferably off the floor either on a suitable shelf or suspended from a rack by its anchor hook.
Before equipment is put into storage, it should be checked by the Competent Person to ensure that it is in good order. Additionally, equipment which has been in storage for any length of time should be rechecked to ensure that no deterioration has taken place and that it functions correctly
Equipment which is likely to remain in storage for any length of time should be protected from possible corrosion.
As with all lifting equipment, care should be taken to avoid the machine or any of its ancillary equipment being dropped or thrown down.