Hoist accidents are common in lifting applications. Therefore, if you are a part of lifting operations, safety is an essential thing for you. It will not only protect you and your workers, but it will also protect the facility. So, here we will try to fathom the hoist accidents and how to prevent them.
Mainly, two main reasons for accidents are poor rigging and overloading.
1) Poor Rigging
One may experience various simple tasks that need to be kept in check while getting involved in overhead lifting. Various rigging problems can cause hoists accidents. Some of the common rigging problems include:
- When the crane operator does not know the load of weight
- When the crane operator does not inspect the gear
- The hardware or capacity of the sling is unknown
- Using modified equipment or improperly fabricated below the hook devices
- Not using the correct type of hitch, device or sling for the application
- When the crane operator does not use the sling protection
- When the operator does not have any idea relating to the structural integrity of the load
- Maintenance of load control is important in overhead lifting.
- Failure to consult the rigging chart.
Once you get to know about the reasons for poor rigging, it is time that you look for methods to prevent the mistakes. This article offers various ways on how you can avoid problems related to poor rigging.
2) Overloading
If you tend to exceed the crane's operational capacity, then it can upset the crane while giving various structural failures. Nearly 80% of these upsets arise due to predictable human error, especially when the operator exceeds the crane's lifting capacity. Overloading generally occurs when any poorly trained personnel operate the crane. Moreover, the crane operator must know the capacity of the crane and the load it is taking. Using various technologies like the load measuring system for planning and training can heavily reduce hazards related to overloading for operator incompetency. Also, employers should hire crane operators with minimum formal training. However, the formal training should include the working knowledge of the various load charts of the crane and experience in on-job training.
Avoiding the causes of hoist accidents
If you can avoid that, it will keep you safe on the sites. Hence, you have to follow some guidelines to avoid those unwanted incidents. Here is the list of the policies that you have to follow.
- Knowing the hoist lifting capacity is essential. Make sure that the hoist is not exceeding its capacity.
- Also, the working load limit should not exceed. You have to be precise about that.
- Know the weight of your object before lifting it. Knowing the importance will help you make the right decision.
- There should be the rigging handbook on your side. Besides, ensure that the proper types of equipment are present in the facility. If you can work in an organized way, you can work safely.
- Crane operators should have profound knowledge of the rigging techniques. Plus, they should know all the hoist operations.
Safety Measures
Now we will talk about the safety measures. Perceiving the safety measures is an integral part of the process as it involves numerous things. Knowing the safety measures will not only protect you and your staff but will be also beneficial for the entire facility.
Know the constraints
Apart from following these guidelines, you have to understand the constraints of the hoist. Once you know that, it will be easier for you to set up the load for the hoist. There is one thing that you have to take into account is that the hoist design allows only one person. Therefore, allowing two people inside the hoist will be a wrong decision. You should avoid it without any compromises.
Avoid putting extender
The next thing that you have to avoid is putting an extender on a lever tool. Otherwise, it will overload the hoist, and it will attract some unwanted accidents on the boards. To know about the maximum full force, you have to go through the user manual thoroughly. Going through the user manual will give you a brief idea about how to avoid exceeding the maximum full force.
Use overload protection devices.
These days you will get overload protection devices. Those devices will safeguard your hoist from overloading. You can use it as an added cost option or get it as standard equipment. This device will not only protect the user, but it will also protect the overhead structure. Most importantly, it will prevent the overloading of the hoist.
So, these are the safety measures and guidelines that you have to understand if you are dealing with hoist operations. Abiding these points will help you avoid accidents at the sites. Everyone will be safe.
Conclusion
Once you go through this article, you will understand the various problems that can cause hoist accidents. In the construction or manufacturing industry, you must take necessary precautions before dealing with overhead crane lifts. The key to prevent these accidents is to recognise the source of the problem. You can also take the help of industry professionals to understand the problems in a better way. Apart from that, one should indulge in proper inspection and maintenance every time before operating the overhead cranes.
