5.10.4 Maintenance

Routine preventive maintenance should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions in addition to any requirements of the particular site due to the conditions of service. In any event attention should be paid to the following:

  1. The machine should be lubricated generously before use. It is impossible to over lubricate the machine and an excess of oil will not cause it to slip. A lack of lubricant can result in one jaw locking onto the rope preventing the other jaw from taking over the load. If the operating handle is moved when the machine is in this condition, the rope moves in and out of the machine in sympathy with the handle but does not progress through the machine. Whilst this situation is inconvenient it is not dangerous.

  2. Shear pins, where fitted, should be checked to ensure that they are undamaged and of the correct type and have not been incorrectly replaced with unauthorised substitutes.

  3. The rope should be lubricated with a suitable acid free lubricant at frequent intervals during use and before being placed into storage.

Note

Lubricants containing molybdenum disulphide MUST NOT be used for either the machine or the rope.