6.8.1 Erection of the Equipment

The erection procedure should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions paying particular attention to the following:

  1. Prior to commencing installation of hoists that have been in storage, a check should be made to ensure that no damage has occurred whilst in store. (See section 6.10 IN-SERVICE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE)

  2. Ensure the structure supporting an electric power operated hoist can adequately handle the intended load. This load includes the weight of the hoist itself together with any attachments (i.e. slings, shackles, trolley, etc.) plus a 25% additional allowance on the total to take account of the effect of dynamic loading. If the supporting structure forms part of or is attached to part of the building structure, care must be taken to ensure it is suitable for the intended lifting application. An architect or structural engineer should be consulted, and his written approval kept on file with the lifting equipment records. (See 1.A4 APPENDIX 4 - STRUCTURES)

  3. Runways, suspension points, etc. should be marked with ‘SWL - power’. Whilst the use of manual equipment on runways, etc. marked for ‘power’ is perfectly safe, the reverse is NOT the case and electric power operated hoists must not be used with structures marked for ‘manual’ use. Where there is no indication or where it is marked for manual use, it may be possible to re-rate the structure for a lower, or in some cases even the same, SWL for power use. A structural engineer should be consulted. His written approval should be passed to the Competent Person to enable him to verify the structure for its new intended use. The approval should be kept on file with the lifting equipment records.

  4. Where a travelling trolley, either hung in or built in, is employed, it is essential that the runway beam, jib arm, etc. is sufficiently level at all loads up to the maximum for which it is designed such that the trolley, hoist, etc. will not run away under gravity.

  5. When erecting onto a runway, jib arm, etc. ensure the trolley is correctly adjusted for the width of beam, that the wheels align, are in full contact with the track and that anti-tilt devices are correctly set. (See x-svn:///svn/leea/dita/xml/topics/TOP_00000000/TOP_00000323.html for information regarding trolleys). Care must also be taken to ensure that runway end stops are correctly in place, effective and do not make contact with the wheel flanges

  6. When using a hook suspended hoist, the top hook should be fitted with a safety latch to prevent displacement. The hook should be attached to its support in such a manner that the support fits freely into the seat of the hook and does not exert any side thrust upon the point or latch.

  7. After erection, a check should be made to ensure that the load chain or wire rope hangs freely and is not twisted or knotted. In particular, special care should be taken with multi-sheave hoists to ensure that the bottom hook has not been turned over between the falls imparting a twist to the chain or wire rope. In the case of chain, if this has occurred the hook should be turned back carefully until the twist is removed, this will not damage the chain. In the case of wire rope however, great care must be taken as twisting can cause permanent damage to the rope, the rope should be carefully removed and re-reeved.