Part 1: Before you lift the load
The conditions at the operating site for the hoist must correspond to the operating conditions for which the hoist is designed (including indoor/outdoor use, ambient temperature/radiance temperature, wind, dust, splashing, snow, water, handling hazardous materials, fire risk, etc). Check that there is adequate lighting at the operating site for operating the hoist safely and efficiently. If the control position is located on the hoist, check that you can exit from the hoist safely in respective of the hoist’s position on the runway.
Be sure there are adequate service platforms on the hoist and adequate equipment at the operating site for servicing and inspecting the hoist. Check that the hoist meets the applicable safety requirements. As always, be certain that the hoist meets the applicable operating requirements and ensure that the components, electrical connections and steel structures of the hoist have been inspected and certified as defect- free. Also determine if the test loading, test drive and commissioning inspection have been properly carried out and that the handover log has been properly completed.
Safety instructions for operating the hoist:
Read all instructions supplied with the hoist. The hoist operator must be familiar with the instructions and follow them. The hoist operator must be competent for the task, must know all the controls of the hoist and must be able to use them correctly and safely. The hoist operator must know how to operate the hoist and must be aware of any risk of accident posed by the operating site. Learn how to operate the hoist in safe conditions before actually starting to work with the hoist. Learn how to control the movements of the hook and load. Use the Hoist Owner’s Manual to familiarize yourself with the hoist and hoist controls.
Familiarize yourself with the signs and warnings marked on the hoist. The direction symbols for hoist motions are the same as the symbols marked on the push button controller.Check the direction symbols in the Hoist Owner Manual. Learn the hand signals for indicating hoisting motion, trolley traversing and crane travel. The hoist operator should only accept hand signals from a person authorized to give them. Ensure that there is adequate lighting as well as proper tools and equipment for the working site and that appropriate working procedures are established.
If the hoist is provided with motion locking devices (EG, rail clamps), open the locking devices before using the hoist. Before switching on the main current, ensure that all controls are in the 0-position. Connect current to hoist by turning on the safety switches for main current and for control current.
Close the main contractor by pressing the “START” push button. If the push button incorporates a selection switch, ensure that the selection switch is in the correct position before using the control push buttons. Check that all safety switches operate. Check that the breaks operate. A hoist that operates outdoors or in cold premises which has been out of service for a longer than normal period of time should always be first started to move the hook upwards in order to avoid damage to the roping from freezing of the rope guide.