Lever Hoist Inspection: Keeping Your Workforce Safe

Lever hoists are widely used in many industries, including manufacturing, construction, and transportation. They are an essential tool for lifting and pulling heavy loads. However, like any tool, they require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure they are safe to use. A lever hoist inspection is a critical aspect of workplace safety. This article will outline why inspections are necessary and what to look for during an inspection.

Why are inspections necessary?

Lever hoists are designed to handle a vast range of loads, from small to large ones. These loads can cause significant damage if the equipment fails. A lever hoist malfunction can not only lead to damaged goods, but it can also cause serious injuries, or even fatalities to a workforce. Inspections are necessary to ensure the safety of your workforce, equipment, and products.

During an inspection, a trained technician will check the lever hoists for signs of wear and tear, rust, and damage. They will inspect the load chain, the hoist body, the brake, and the hooks. They will also ensure that the hoist is operating correctly and meets all safety requirements. If any issues are identified, the hoist will be taken out of service until the problem is resolved.

What to look for during an inspection?

A lever hoist inspection must be thorough, following your manufacturer's guidelines. The inspection should include:

Load chain inspection

The load chain should be free from signs of wear, rust, or corrosion, and links should move freely. Any misshapen, twisted, or bent links should be replaced. If the chain is too short, too long, or too loose, the hoist will not operate correctly.

Hoist body inspection

The hoist body should be free from cracks, deformation or any signs of wear, and tear. The markings should be visible and legible. The inspection should also verify that there is no excessive play in the gears, and that the brakes and handle are working correctly.

Hook inspection

The hook should be free from cracks, nicks, and gouges; the top of the hook should be clean and free of deformations. If the hook has been overloaded or has any signs of wear, it should be replaced.

Brake inspection

The brake should be checked for the correct operation and should prevent the load from lowering unintentionally.

Lever hoist inspections should be conducted by a trained technician, preferably from the manufacturer or authorized service provider. While routine inspections can extend the service life of lever hoists, it is recommended to perform inspections before and after each use. The operator also needs to visually inspect the hoist each time it is used.

Conclusion

A lever hoist inspection is essential in keeping your workforce safe while also protecting your equipment and products. Lever hoists are designed to handle large loads, and their failure can cause serious injuries and even fatalities. During an inspection, a trained technician will check the load chain, hoist body, brake, and hook for signs of wear, rust, and damage, and ensure that the hoist meets all safety requirements. Inspections should be conducted by a trained technician, either from the manufacturer or an authorized service provider.

Regular inspections are a must for any lever hoist, as they will help to identify any potential issues before they become serious. Ultimately, inspections ensure that the hoist is up to the task of carrying out the work that it was designed to do safely.