Ensuring Safety with Lifting Hoists: Best Practices and Maintenance Tips

Ensuring safety with lifting hoists (also known as chain blocks or lever blocks) is crucial for any industrial operation. These powerful tools play a vital role in materials handling, making it easier and safer to lift heavy loads. However, the misuse or lack of proper maintenance of hoists can lead to severe accidents, equipment damage, and costly downtime. Therefore, it is imperative to follow best practices and adhere to stringent maintenance by referring to the Hoist Manual to ensure the safety of personnel and the longevity of the equipment. Proper usage and regular maintenance are essential to prevent accidents and extend the equipment’s lifespan. Here are some best practices and maintenance tips to help you ensure the safety and efficiency of your lifting hoists.

Best Practices for Lifting Hoists

Choose the Right Hoist for the Job:
1. Select hoists that are appropriate for the weight and type of load you plan to lift. Bunzl Safety and Lifting offer a range of hoists, includingmanual chain and lever blocks from 250kg to 10T tonne as well as single phase and three phase electric chain hoists and winches – all , designed for heavy-duty applications.
Regular Inspections:
1. Conduct routine inspections of hoists and chains to identify any signs of wear and tear. This is a legal requirement under Australian Standard AS1418.2, and Bunzl Safety and Lifting provides inspection and testing services through their NATA-accredited branches. These inspections ensure that all equipment meets safety regulations.
Proper Training:
1. Ensure that all operators are adequately trained in the use of lifting hoists. Training should include how to safely load and operate the hoist, how to perform a visual inspection of the block, hand chain, hooks, and brake mechansim prior to use, as well as emergency procedures.
Adherence to Load Limits:
- Never exceed the load limit specified by the manufacturer. Overloading can cause equipment failure and accidents. Always refer to the hoist’s load capacity and only use a hoist or lever block that matches or exceeds this capacity.
Safe Operation Procedures:
1. Follow safe operation procedures and refer to the manuafctures product manual such as ensuring the load is balanced and secure before lifting, or never leave the load unattended, as well as never standing under a lifted load. Use safety latches and other securing devices to prevent accidental drops.

Maintenance Tips

Refer to the AS1418.2 Care and Use Guidelines
1. Contact to your nearest Bunzl Safety and lifting for maintenance, services, repairs and re certification of your hoist.
Replacement of Worn Parts:
1. Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately. Using damaged equipment can lead to failure and accidents. Bunzl Safety offers a range of replacement parts to keep your hoist in top condition and can repair, service and re certify your hoists as per AS1418
Record Keeping:
1. Maintain detailed records of all inspections, maintenance, and repairs. This documentation can help track the condition of your equipment and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Bunzl Safety and Lifting can perform real time electronic inspections of all your lifting equipment, with all results recorded in a secure asset management database which can be accessed online.
Emergency Repairs:
1. Have a plan in place for emergency repairs. In the event of a breakdown, knowing who to contact and having quick access to replacement parts can minimise downtime and maintain safety. Bunzl Safety and Lifting recommend and stock Beaver Chain Blocks, Lever Blocks and Electric Hoists which all have spare parts readily available.

By following these best practices and maintenance tips, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of your lifting hoists. These guidelines will help you maintain compliance with Australian safety standards and ensure the longevity and reliability of your lifting equipment.