7.2 SCOPE

The winches covered by this section of the code may be manually operated or power operated using electric, hydraulic, petrol/diesel or pneumatic power, which are fitted with a steel wire rope that winds on and off a drum upon which the rope is stored, and which are used for raising and lowering loads.

This section of the code refers only to winches with a built in brake or other mechanism which is self sustaining by design. It should however be noted that reliance solely on a ratchet and pawl mechanism is not considered acceptable.

Some types of winch are designed to be suitable for people carrying and rescue purposes. Whilst this may be mentioned within the text, no specific guidance is offered in this respect. The manufacturer’s instructions and guidance must always be sought and strictly followed in all such applications.

This section of the code excludes winches used for pulling applications although some aspects may be equally applied.

Capstans, on which the rope is passed over a barrel, but is stored elsewhere are excluded, as are winches which are not self sustaining and therefore unsuitable for lifting applications.