Chain block hoists

Chain block hoist can pose a serious safety threat if they malfunctioning considering the weight and size of materials it have to lift and convey from one position to the other. Their inefficiency could contribute to the falling of loads which could cause serious damage and injuries.

A chain block hoist is made up of many joined components which makes it even more dangerous hence; a risk assessment should be conducted by a skilled person who will be able to identify any hazards that are unforeseen by employees. The links should be inspected individually in the hoist and hand chains to ensure they are free of nicks, gouges, twists and any other damages. One faulty link component can cause the whole chain block to break away and contribute to an incident.

The brakes of a chain block hoist are very essential as they control the movement of the load. Due to excessive use, brakes could wear out or get damaged thus; an inspector should check the effectiveness of the brakes to ensure that they don't pose a safety threat. An inspection should even be done when the chain block hoist is lifting a load to identify faulty brakes. Employers should make sure that worn out or damaged brakes are replaced regularly to avoid cases of brakes failing to engage during an operation.

Chain block hoists have certain loads that they can lift and a load limit should be marked on equipment by the manufacturer. Employers have the duty of ensuring that they purchase equipment which has load limit signs to comply with the law and to also ensure that employees can know how much to load. This could significantly reduce or even prevent accidents as each chain hoist would work according to it standards. Using unmarked equipment is a criminal offence punishable by law.

The motor of chain block hoists should be properly functional and employers should make it a habit to call in mechanical experts to constantly inspect the equipment to ensure efficiency. This would help reduce cases of hoists contributing to incidents when they halt during an operation.

Sprockets of a chain hoist should be free of excessive wear and damage. A risk assessor should seize the use of all chain blocks that have sprockets that pose a safety threat for employees as sprocket may have possible wear that may not be visible to a casual observer.

Hand chain wheels usually wear due to the nature of the job that a chain block does. However, an excessively worn out hand chain wheel is unacceptable for use and should be ruled out during a risk assessment. Any sign of weakness should be followed up and assurance should be received by the inspector that it has been properly repaired or replaced.

The working environment around a chain block hoist should be inspected as well. The operator of a chain block hoist should work in clean and clear from obstruction worksite. Any obstruction could cause him or her to make mistakes and contribute to an incident which could affect fellow employees or damage the goods being carried.

Since heavy machinery and loads are involved, it is advisable that floor surfaces are dry in the area where work is being performed. This is in the interest of the workers to ensure their safety.

Proper lighting should be available in an area where an operation is being performed by a chain block hoist. This ensures that the operator is able to see his load and working equipment and hence; perform his duties safely and effectively. Improper light could contribute to an operator making miscalculated moves which could cause serious accidents.

Take care of chain block hoists so that they carry the burden of the heavy loads and not chain you to medical bills, stress and liability to loss of life.