6.A1.5 INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING

  1. The general requirements for installation and commissioning of pneumatic power operated hoists will be the same as those for electric power operated hoists. The connection of the hoist to the air supply should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and a check should be made of the pressure and delivery rate at the delivery point.

  2. Although air leaks are generally harmless, steps should be taken to seal these as they are inconvenient and in extreme cases may affect the performance of the hoist. The loss of air is also expensive, as the compressor will continue to run whether the appliance is in use or not. It is wise to take the fixed piping of the supply line to a low position, at which filters can be installed to be most effective and drains accessible, before connection to flexible supply hoses. Care must be taken to ensure hoses are positioned so that they are not an obstacle to personnel or liable to cause a hazard to persons or vehicles which may be operating in the area.

  3. On completion of erection, it is advisable to ensure the supply line has been drained of any moisture, etc. which may be present, particularly when the line is an existing installation which has been utilized, and to ensure lubricators are filled to the correct level.

  4. The hoist should be checked to ensure that the chain or wire rope has not become twisted and that it is free of any obstructions. Hoist, and where fitted lower, motion limits should be checked to ensure that they are correctly set. It must be remembered that they are safety devices which are intended to stop the hoist over travelling. Pneumatic power operated hoist limits are usually mechanical devices which directly close the hoist control valve and as such, they are more robust than the limiting devices used on electric power operated hoists.

  5. An operational check should be made to ensure the correct running of the hoist. This should include a check that the control command is in the correct direction. If the ‘UP’ command results in the hoist lowering, the air supply connection should be corrected. A load equal to the SWL should be raised just clear of the ground and sustained to ensure the correct operation of the brake. Failure of the hoist to raise the load or stalling of the motor during the lift are indications that the air supply pressure is below that for which the hoist was designed.

  6. Prior to taking the hoist into service, the lubrication, including that for the chain or wire rope, should be checked in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.