7.5.10 Other Considerations
Other matters which should be taken into consideration when selecting winches include:
Ease of service and maintenance.
Access for use, service and maintenance.
Braking arrangement, some brake mechanisms only working effectively in one direction. It is therefore important that the winch is rigged to take this into account. Winches are therefore often marked with the direction of rotation for lifting.
Consideration should be given to the facilities for mounting and anchoring the winch and its associated equipment.
If the winch is portable, consideration should be given to the provision of suitable lifting arrangements and transport to handle the winch.
Terminal fitting of rope, e.g. thimble eye, wire rope socket, shackle, hook, and other devices provided for lifting should be of a type that reduces the risk of the load becoming displaced from the hook or other devices. This requirement can be met by the use of hooks with safety catches or by the use of ‘C’ hooks.
In the case of power operated winches, the availability and suitability of power supply, including protection and isolation facilities.
The documentation required by legislation for the winch, together with the associated rope, pulley blocks and accessories. If this is not on record refer the equipment to a Competent Person for thorough examination.