By It is vitally important to conduct regular safety and maintenance checks in any industry, especially when you use heavy duty machines like crane’s. Industrial equipment can be highly dangerous if not properly taken care of, it poses a big threat to workers and bystanders. To avoid any incidents or injuries, regular maintenance is a must.
Understanding How it Works
If you wish to take good care of your industrial equipment, you must have an idea of how the system works. Once you understand how each component functions, you’ll be better equipped to deal with problems when they arrive. If you study your equipment, you’ll be able to identify potential dangers and resolve these issues in a timely manner before anyone gets hurt or property gets damaged.
Three of the most common types of hoists you’ll find on a crane are:
- Lever ratchet
- Differential
- Manual or hand chain
All these systems use a combination of hook and chain to transport bulky items, they use a robust chain hoist that can move all kinds of sizeable objects. To understand how they work, you must look at the crane in operation. All three hoists use a rotating chain to lift, so the most common problem they encounter is wear and tear.
If you want to avoid any issues with your crane’s chain hoist, it is important to maintain the hoist and service it on a regular basis. This helps to increase the chains longevity, keeping it functional and durable for an extended period.
Lubricate and Clean the Chain
Your crane’s chain hoist will be exposed to the elements when left on a building site or in an open area. Weather plays a big factor in chain deterioration, it causes it to rust when it encounters moisture. If you don’t maintain the chain, rust and debris will gradually weaken the structure, compromising its structural integrity.
To properly clean and maintain a chain, you must take it apart and oil each component. Chains can become stiff and static if left to degrade, making them dangerous to use when lifting or hoisting objects.
Signs of Deterioration
When examining the hoist chain, you should be looking for any signs of damage or deterioration. The longer you use the chain, the more chance it will become worn and need maintenance. If you overuse the chain, you put crane operators and other bystanders at risk.
Regular Inspections
If you’ve hired your crane hoist, the company who have leased you the equipment should keep it in excellent working order. They usually send a technician over to inspect the chain and other components of the machine to ensure it is safe and free of any damage, if it needs attention, they’ll be able to fix any problems.
It is important to check the functionality of your chain hoist, if you’ve purchased equipment, you may need to contact an engineer to conduct tests. On the other hand, if you’ve rented winching equipment from a professional operator, they’ll evaluate their equipment on a regular basis to ensure everything is fully operational.
