6.5.3 Service Conditions

Standard electric power operated hoists are manufactured to meet normal service conditions and assume:

  1. Use under cover, i.e. not directly exposed to the elements.

  2. Use at ambient temperatures between -10°C and 40°C without high local heating or cooling.

  3. Use in clean air free from excess of humidity, contamination and deposits.

It is therefore necessary to discuss any other service conditions requiring special attention with the supplier to ensure correct selection. Such conditions may be environmental, due to use with hazardous substances or other potential hazards.

6.5.3.1 Environmental Conditions

Examples of environmental conditions requiring special attention are:

  1. Outdoor use.

  2. Salt air.

  3. High humidity.

  4. Ambient temperatures above or below the normal range.

  5. The presence of local heat sources, e.g. furnaces.

  6. Dust/abrasives in the atmosphere.

6.5.3.2 Hazardous substances

Hazardous substances fall into two main groups; those that would harm the hoist or its associated electrical equipment, e.g. corrosives; and those that may be affected by the operation of the hoist, e.g. explosives. Examples of hazardous substances requiring special attention are:

  1. Flammable or explosive gases, vapours or dust.

  2. Corrosive vapours and liquids.

  3. Volatile liquids.

  4. Toxic substances.

  5. Molten metal.

The manufacturer’s or supplier’s specific advice should be sought if power operated hoists are to be operated in an acidic or alkaline environment. Such conditions can cause stress corrosion cracking for example on some types of chain.

6.5.3.3 Other potential hazards

Other potential hazards may arise as the result of the work being carried out in the general location or be caused by the hoist performing lifting and moving operations over the heads of personnel or similar. Examples of such potential hazards requiring special attention are:

  1. Use in mines and quarries.

  2. Use in entertainment

  3. Use in laundries.

  4. Use in galvanizing, pickling and hot dipping processes.

  5. Use in paint shops.

  6. Use over work areas.

  7. Use over walkways and footpaths.