Safe Hoisting Operations / Do’s & Don’ts

Begin With a Safe Hoist, A Safe Load, and A Safe Operator

Do’s

Do read ASME/ANSI B30 Series Safety Standard for Electric and Air Powered Hoists and check with ANSI for any further revisions.
Do read the Hoist Manufacturer’s Operating and Maintenance Instructions.
Do be familiar with operating controls, procedures, and warnings on the unit.
Do make sure hook travel is in the same direction as shown on controls.
Do make sure hoist limit switches function properly.
Do maintain firm footing when operating hoist.
Do make sure that load slings or other approved single attachments are properly sized and seated in the hook saddle.
Do make sure the hook latches, if used, are closed and not supporting any part of the load.
Do make sure that the load is free to move and will clear all obstructions.
Do take up slack carefully, check the load balance, move the load a few inches, and check load holding action before continuing.
Do avoid swinging of load or load hook.
Do make sure that all persons stay clear of the suspended load.
Do warn personnel of an approaching load.
Do protect wire rope and load chain from weld spatter or other damaging contaminants.
Do promptly report any malfunction, unusual performance, or damage of the unit.
Do inspect unit regularly, replace damaged or worn parts, and keep appropriate records of maintenance.
Do use the hoist Manufacturer’s recommended parts when repairing unit.
Do use hook latches wherever possible.
Do apply lubricant to the wire rope or load chain as recommended by the Hoist Manufacturer.

Don’ts

Do Not lift more than the rated load.
Do Not use hoist load limiting device to measure the load.
Do Not use damaged hoist or hoist that is not working correctly.
Do Not use hoist with twisted, kinked, damaged, or worn wire rope or chain.
Do Not lift a load unless wire rope is properly seated in its groove(s) or unless chain is properly seated in chain wheel(s) or sprocket(s).
Do Not use load rope or load chain as a sling or wrap load rope or load chain around the load.
Do Not lift a load if any binding prevents equal loading on all supporting ropes and chains.
Do Not apply the load to the tip of the hook.
Do Not operate unless load is centered under the hoist.
Do Not allow your attention to be diverted from operating the hoist.
Do Not operate hoist beyond limits of load rope or load chain travel.
Do Not use limit switches as routine operating stops unless recommended. They are emergency devices only.
Do Not use hoist to lift, support, or transport people.
Do Not lift loads over people.
Do Not leave a suspended load unattended unless specific precautions have been taken.
Do Not allow sharp contact between two hoists or between hoist and obstructions.
Do Not allow the wire rope, chain, or hook to be used as a ground for welding.
Do Not allow the wire rope, chain, or hook to be touched by a live welding electrode.
Do Not remove or obstruct the warnings on the hoist.
Do Not adjust or repair a hoist unless qualified to perform hoist maintenance.
Do Not attempt to lengthen the load rope or chain or repair damaged load rope or chain.

For specific operating, maintenance, and installation information, refer to your hoist maintenance manual

Download this list from Coffing Hoists

Safe Hoisting Operations