7.10.1 Pre-use Inspection
In addition to the statutory thorough examination by a Competent Person, winches should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use or on a regular basis, taking account of the conditions of service and statutory requirements. For winches in regular use it is good practice to make the inspection at the start of each shift or working day. For hoists used infrequently it should be done before use on each day of use.
It is recommended that a formal system of pre-use check is implemented, and a written record kept identifying the date inspected, confirmation that it passed inspection and the name and signature of the person making the inspection. In the event that it does not pass inspection, there should be a procedure to quarantine the winch to prevent further use of the equipment until the problem has been resolved.
The purpose of the pre-use inspection is to test functionality of the winch and make a visual check for any obvious defects. The inspection should include the fixings, suspension points and supporting structures together with any associated pulley blocks or other equipment used in the rigging assembly. If any of the following faults are present, the winch should be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person:
Winch mounting insecure. missing, loose, damaged or corroded fixing bolts, cracking or crumbling foundation/wall, etc.
Winch frame is corroded, damaged or distorted, guards missing or damaged.
Rope drum damaged, particularly if flanges are chipped or cracked.
Rope anchorages damaged or loose. If rope shows signs of having pulled or slipped in the anchorage or if anchorage bolts are loose, corroded, damaged or missing.
Wire rope does not feed onto the drum correctly and in the case of power operated winches, the rope feeds onto the drum in the wrong direction. The rope should feed onto the drum with each turn sitting comfortably beside the previous turn with no bunching or crossing of turns.
In the case of manually operated winches, the winding handle is bent, damaged or does not fit positively onto the shaft. The handle jams or jumps when turned or the winding gears are damaged, worn or distorted.
In the case of power operated winches, the control lever, push buttons or valves are damaged or do not operate.
The winch distorts under load.
Ratchet teeth and/or pawl are damaged, worn or distorted.
Brake lining worn, impregnated with oil or grease, contaminated with dirt or other particles. If the brake lining is torn, pitted or cracked, also if the brake face of the drum, etc. is damaged, pitted or corroded.
Winch does not hold under load, load slips when lifting or load will not lift.
Winch stops midway through a lifting cycle. (Immediate action will be necessary to secure or lower the load, depending on the winch design. In some cases it will be possible to lower the load in a controlled manner using the winches’ own mechanism. In other cases it may be necessary to use a second winch to recover the load. This will call for great care and steps must be taken to ensure no shock loads are imposed to either of the winches or to any slinging arrangements used. Steps should also be taken to prevent access until the load has been safely recovered.)
If there is unexpected vibration or noise during operation, particularly when load is descending at a controlled speed.
Load continues to travel excessive distance after applying the brake or load falls at a faster than expected controlled speed.
The wire rope is worn or damaged, in particular any increase or decrease in diameter, opening of the strands, kinks, broken wires, in addition to any other signs of mechanical damage such as flattening, cuts or corrosion. Faults are most likely to occur at the terminations and where the rope passes over pulleys and sheaves. (Rope damage can be the result of incorrect handling or coiling, particularly when being wound onto the drum in a no load situation. The inspection must therefore be made carefully to ensure that there is no damage to hidden turns on the rope drum, which in turn may cause further damage to other sections of the rope, and that there is no damage as the result of the rope jumping off the drum into the gears, etc.)
Wear, damage or distortion to wire rope terminal fittings. If a swivel is fitted or forms part of the termination, it must operate freely.
Wear, cracks and chips to pulleys and sheaves. Corrosion, seizing or wear to the axle pins of pulleys and sheaves. Where intended, head fittings must swivel freely.
Sliding gear mechanism is too tight or too loose or does not lock positively into the required position.
In the case of power operated winches, the prime mover (e.g. electric motor) must be inspected for any defects, damage or incorrect operation in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.