6.8.4 Installation Pre-use Inspection/Thorough Examination

The degree of pre-use inspection or thorough examination required will to some degree depend on the type of hoist used and the installation conditions. Whilst it is recognised that lower capacity hook suspension power operated chain hoists may be used as a portable tool in order to effect a limited lifting operation, the installation of power operated hoists is by nature a more permanent procedure than that of manually operated equipment. For simple, temporary installations of hook suspended hoists onto pre-verified suspension points it may be sufficient for a suitably qualified and experienced person to perform a basic inspection of the installation to ensure the correct attachment of the hoist and its operation. For more complex installations and those requiring an amount of dismantling and reassembly a higher degree of examination by a Competent Person may be called for (See 6.7 LEGAL REQUIREMENTS)

Where the Competent Person deems a proof test is necessary to supplement his thorough examination, the test load applied will take into account the requirements of the overall installation, e.g. runway, which form a part of the thorough examination. The proof load for power operated hoists will usually be 125% of the rated capacity unless the standard to which the hoist is manufactured states otherwise. Functional tests at the rated capacity and other load tests to ensure the integrity of the brake, motion limits and safety devices may also be used to supplement the examination. Test loads should be applied by in accordance with the standard to which the hoist was made or in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.