INSPECTION
WARNING
•All new, altered or modified equipment should be inspected and tested by personnel instructed in safety, operation and maintenance of this equipment to ensure safe operation at rated specifications before placing equipment in service.
•Never use a hoist that inspection indicates is damaged.
Frequent and periodic inspections should be performed on equipment in regular service. Frequent inspections are visual examinations performed by operators or personnel trained in safety and operation of this equipment and include observations made during routine hoist operation. Periodic inspections are thorough inspections conducted by personnel trained in the safety, operation and maintenance of this equipment.
The states inspection intervals depend upon the nature of the critical components of the equipment and the severity of usage. The inspection intervals recommended in this manual are based on intermittent operation of the hoist eight hours each day, five days per week, in an environment relatively free of dust, moisture and corrosive fumes. If the hoist is operated almost continuously or more than the eight hours each day, more frequent inspections will be required.
Careful inspection on a regular basis will reveal potentially dangerous conditions while still in the early stages, allowing corrective action to be taken before the condition becomes dangerous.
Deficiencies revealed through inspection, or noted during operation, must be reported to designated personnel instructed in safety, operation and maintenance of this equipment. A determination as to whether a condition constitutes a safety hazard must be made, and the correction of noted safety hazards accomplished and documented by written report before placing the equipment in service.
Records and Reports
Inspection records, listing all points requiring periodic inspection should be maintained for all load bearing equipment.
Written reports, based on severity of service, should be made on the condition of critical parts as a method of documenting periodic inspections. These reports should be dated, signed by the person who performed the inspection, and kept on file where they are readily available for review.
Load Chain Reports
Records should be maintained documenting the condition of load chain removed from service as part of a
Frequent Inspection
On hoists in continuous service, frequent inspections should be made by operators at the beginning of each shift. In addition, visual inspections should be conducted during regular service for any damage or evidence of malfunction.
1.OPERATION. Check for visual signs or abnormal noises (grinding, etc.) which could indicate a potential problem. Make sure all controls function properly and return to neutral when released. Check chain feed through the hoist and bottom block. If chain binds, jumps, is excessively noisy or "clicks," clean and lubricate the chain. If the problem persists, replace the chain. Do not operate the hoist until all problems have been corrected.
2.UPPER AND LOWER LIMIT DEVICE. Test operation with no load slowly in both extremes of travel. Upward travel must stop when the stop buffer on the bottom block hits hoist limit switch. Downward travel must stop when the stop buffer attached to the end of the unloaded load chain decreases and activates the limit switch.
3.HOOKS. Check for wear or damage, increased throat width, bent shank or twisting of hook. Replace hooks which exceed the throat opening discard width or which exceed a 10° twist. If the hook latch snaps past the tip of the hook, the hook is sprung and must be replaced. Check hook support bearings for lubrication or damage. Ensure that they swivel easily and smoothly.
4.HOOK LATCH. Make sure hook latch is present and operating. Replace if necessary.
CAUTION
• Do not use hoist if hook latch is missing or damaged.
5.CONTROLS. During operation of the hoist, verify that response to pendant is quick and smooth. See that the controls return to neutral when released. If hoist responds slowly or movement is unsatisfactory, do not operate the hoist until all problems have been corrected.
6.AIR SYSTEM. Visually inspect all connections, fittings, hoses and components for indication of air leaks. Repair any air leaks found. Check and clean the filter.
7.LOAD CHAIN. Examine each of the links for bending, cracks in weld areas or shoulders, traverse nicks and gouges, weld splatter, corrosion pits, striation (minute parallel lines) and chain wear, including bearing surfaces between chain links. Replace a chain that fails any of the inspections. Check chain lubrication and lubricate if necessary. Refer to "Load Chain" in the "LUBRICATION" section.
NOTICE
•The full extent of load chain wear cannot be determined by visual inspection. At any indication of load chain wear, inspect the chain and chain wheel in accordance with instructions in "Periodic Inspection."
8.LOAD CHAIN REEVING. Ensure welds on standing links are away from load sheave. Reinstall chain if necessary. Make sure chain is not capsized, twisted or kinked.
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