Why Pre-Inspecting Your Chain Pulley Block is Important?

What is the significance of pre-inspection?

Pre-inspection of chain pulley blocks is critical to avoid danger to operators – as well as damage to the equipment being lifted or moved.

A regular pre-inspection can help your manual chain hoist perform more efficiently and last longer.

How do you conduct the preliminary inspection?

Here are the parts you must inspect as part of the pre-inspection method before employing any chain pulley block as a hoist operator.

1. The nameplate

Check that the nameplate is securely attached to the chain pulley block first. The name plate carries important information for any operator, such as the rated capacity or permissible load. If the name plate is damaged and load-related information is difficult to see, discard (or replace) your block.

2. Hooks

Any chain pulley block is incomplete without hooks and latches. 

Check to see if each hook and latch:

The device’s hook latch is securely fastened.

The hook latch operates easily and effectively.

The chain hook rotates easily and without resistance.

There are no gouges, nicks, or deformations on the chain hook.

Due to the intense heat, the chain hook has not distorted.

Depending on its dimensions, each chain hook has a recommended rated load. When the chain hook’s dimensions exceed the maximum allowable limitations, replace it.

3. Chains

The load chain (used to lift the weight) and the hand chain are the next parts to inspect (used by the operator). Both chains must be in good working order for your chain pulley block to operate safely and smoothly.

Here’s what you should investigate:

• If any of the chain links have been twisted, stretched, or deformed?

• Is there any serious rust throughout the chain?

• If the chain has any scratches or gouges, or if it has discolored due to exposure to excessive heat?

• If the chains have been greased properly?

Any damage to the chain, whether caused by overloading or inadequate maintenance, might result in the chain breaking during operations. Additionally, if the hoist has two or more chain falls, check for any chain twists by looking at the chain hoist from below. Your bottom chain hook has most likely been flipped over if the chain has been twisted. In this case, simply flip it back to its original position.

4. Raise the body

The next step is to inspect the chain hoist’s body from the outside. Major flaws in the hoist body might cause components to break off while lifting — or even cause big loads to fall.

Here’s what you should look for:

• If your hoist body has any significant dents or deformations because of heavy use or loads?

• If your hoist has any corroded parts, is it due to rain or moisture exposure?

• If any of your hoist’s nuts or bolts are loose, misplaced, or missing, what should you do?

• Following the inspection

After you’ve finished the pre-inspection of your chain hoist, make sure it’s working properly in the following ways:

• When manually lifting the chain, make sure the pulley block makes a “clicking” sound.

• Check that your chain’s pull force is normal, and that you don’t need to use any more force to lift any load.

• Once the hand chain operation is terminated, your raised load remains the same height or position.

If any of these functions aren’t performing properly, your chain hoist may be experiencing internal issues. Here’s what you should do to avoid any potential dangers caused by a malfunctioning hoist:

• Remove your equipment from service as soon as possible.

• Mark your chain hoist with a sticker or tag that indicates it is currently unavailable. This is to ensure that no other chain operator takes up and uses the damaged hoist by accident.

• Create a service maintenance ticket right away so that a service or maintenance engineer can investigate the problem.

Finally, make sure that every chain hoist operator in your facility is familiar with these pre-inspection procedures to ensure worker safety and maximize productivity.

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