4.8.1 The Erection of the Equipment

It is essential to ensure that the structure from which a lever hoist is suspended is adequate for the load it is intended to carry. This load includes the weight of the lever hoist itself together with any attachments and suspension points, i.e. slings, shackles, trolley, etc. plus a 10% additional allowance on the total to take account of the effects of dynamic loading. (See section 1.A4 APPENDIX 4 - STRUCTURES) Where a travelling trolley 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.

The top hook should be attached to its support in such a manner that the support fits freely into the saddle of the hook and does not exert any side thrust upon the point. The top hook should be fitted with a safety catch to prevent accidental displacement.

After erection, a check should be made to ensure that the load chain hangs freely and is not twisted or knotted. In particular, special care should be taken with multi-fall lever hoists to ensure that the bottom block has not been turned over between the falls of chain imparting a twist to the load chain. If this has occurred, the bottom block should be carefully turned back until the twist is removed.

The length of the load chain should be checked to ensure that the bottom hook will reach the lowest point required without running the load chain fully out. If the load chain is permitted to run fully out, an undue stress may be placed on the slack end load chain stop/anchorage.

The lever hoist should not be modified in any way, e.g. the load chain should not be lengthened beyond its designed limit and the length of the operating lever should not be increased, without guidance from the Competent Person in consultation with the manufacturer.