When one is working with below-the-hook lifters, there are some standards that one must follow. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provides specific rules and regulations that outline the equipment design, manufacture, use and inspection. However, one can find countless lifters that the company offers to fulfil any lifting requirement. Even to speed up the process of lifting, one can use various lifting devices. This guide will help you to understand and acknowledge the below-the-hook lifting device.
What is below the hook lifting device?
As per the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, below the hook lifting device is used for attaching loads to the hoists. It comes with rigging hardware, slings, and hooks. In the case of an overhead crane, it helps lift and shift the load from one location to another. While some of these lifters are homemade, make sure that you look for the Detail tags before using them.
Determining the aspects and design of these lifting device
The most important thing that helps to dictate the specific design of the lifter is the environment in which the lifter would be used and the loads that the lifter will lift. Design category happens to be the most essential and standard design classification. It comes with a minimum 3:1 safety factor. It should be designated when the variation and magnitude of loads applied are not predictable.
- Identifying the service class: Once the manufacturer establishes the design, one should retain it for the service class. The service class takes into account the number of load cycles that a lifter experiences in its lifetime. Every time you use a lift, it should be able to flex. If the lifter experiences enough flexes, it might fracture. It is known as fatigue. One should consider it to ensure the long life and safety of the lifter.
- Selecting design and material: Once you select the service class and design category, the engineer would determine and choose a particular design for the lifter. This design should meet both the 3:1 design factor and the specifications. Most importantly, it must meet all the economic needs and requirements of the customer. Welding happens to be one of the critical elements of any lifter. One should weld lifter by maintaining the standards of ANSI/AWS.
- Tagging the lifter: Once you design and fabricate the lifter, it must go through the process of tagging. If the lifter capacity is more than 100 kg, it must appear on the lifter tag. The tag is known to be one of the essential parts of any lifter. In some cases, the lifter employs motors. If it is the case, then the electrical information should appear on the tired of the lifter. It should also include information about voltage and amps requirements. The tag of the lifter is present in a place where it will undergo the least damage and still remain visible. It is present near the hook attachment in most of the models.
Using the lifters correctly and safely.
When you have a lifter made after following every specification and standard, you must hire trained persons to use the lifter. They must be able to operate the lifter safely and adequately. A qualified person should inspect the lifter visually before each shift as a part of a regular inspection. Regular inspections are not only considered mandatory, but they are essential steps to consider before using a lifter.
As per the standards of the American society of mechanical engineers, before every lift, one must inspect the device to prevent any damage or accidents. The surface of the load should be free from any debris. The lifter should be powered to control the operating of the device in proper working order. The indicators should be able to monitor the various power aspects of the lifter.
The lifter should go through proper inspection at least once a year. One should opt for this periodic inspection to maintain the proper functioning of the lifter. With this inspection, one can safely assume whether the lifter is safe for use or not.
Conclusion
Whenever you see a lifter being used without proper calculations or does not have tags to back up the design, you should assume that they are unsafe to use. You must get your lifter made by a reputable manufacturer like LOADMATE. If you want to make the lifter by yourself, you can consult with our team to follow all the required standards to keep yourself and your associates safe.
If you maintain proper standards, then the hook lifting device ensures efficient and safe lifting. Ensure that you read this article to understand more about the safety and design requirements of below-the-hook lifters.