When I started working with my Uncle Bob last summer, I assumed that construction would be an easy, fun way to make a few extra bucks. However, I quickly discovered that construction work was serious business, filled with risks, difficulty, and rewards. After almost being creamed by a few backhoe booms, I learned how to stay out of the way. However, staying safe around heavy machinery isn't always easy to do. My blog talks about how to use machinery properly and what you need to do to stay safe so that you can return home to your family each and every day.
Staying Safe Around Heavy Machinery
3 Signs Your Hoist System Needs A Repair
Ashley Hayes
Regular quality and maintenance checks ensure that hoist systems are safe to use. During your routine checks, you might see signs of damage or wear that tell you that you need to repair part of your system. Read on to learn more about common problems that need a fast fix.
1. Corrosion
Metal hoist systems parts can corrode over time, especially if you use the hoist outdoors or in humid environments. Corrosion is a potentially big problem. It makes metal parts rust.
This rust can break a chain, part, or hook. If this happens during a lift, then the hoist could break and fail. The load could drop to the floor. While this damages the items you're lifting, it also poses a safety hazard for any people in the immediate area. If a load falls, it could injure one of your crew.
So, if you see any signs of corrosion or rust on metal parts, then you should shut down the hoist until you fix the damage. You might be able to clean off minor rust spots; more serious damage might need a replacement part.
2. Damaged Chains, Ropes, or Slings
Some hoists use chains; others use ropes. Both systems might use slings to help spread load weight. You should check these materials regularly for signs of wear or damage.
For example, crushed, bent, or broken metal links compromise the strength of a metal chain. You might need to remove, replace, or repair links with this damage.
Ropes can also dry out and fray if they go through regular usage cycles and aren't oiled regularly. A worn or split sling can't hold a load. You might need to replace a stretch of damaged rope or install a new sling to repair your hoist and make it safe to use again.
3. Misshaped Hooks
While hoist hooks are pre-bent to hold loads, hooks can stretch or become misshapen over time. Once this happens, the hook might not be able to hold a load; it might break if the load is heavy.
In some cases, you can repair a hook to get it back into its original shape. However, this is a job for an experienced repair technician. They can assess if the hook is fixable or whether you need to replace it.
If you think your system has a problem, then call out a hoist equipment repair specialist. They can assess the damage for you and recommend the best way to fix it.
Reach out to a local hoist equipment repair service to learn more.
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