Electric chain hoists and other lifting components such as manual cranes and trolleys etc play a crucial role in different industries. These hoists have made the critical lifting jobs quite easy to perform. But before one uses these hoists chains there are few important checks to perform.
These checks help in determining whether all the components of the chain hoist are working fine or not. A little mishap can turn to a big accident with the chain hoists. This is why it is important to check and ensure that all the components are working fine.
So, as suggested by leading chain hoist suppliers and manufacturers like MIT Hoists & Cranes here comes a list of important checks to perform before using the hoist:
The Lifting Test:
This test is performed to ensure if the hook of the chain hoist is working in the proper direction or not. To perform this test, one need to provide power supply to the main switch button in the hoist.
If the hook travels in a wrong or inappropriate direction then there is a problem with the power supply and needs to be changed. Usually performing an exchange of the phases in the switch or cutting off power source help rectify this problem as suggested by the top electric hoist manufacturers.
So, perform this check and ensure that the lifting operation of the hook in chain hoist works fine.
Failing Brake Test:
This test helps in determining if the brakes in the hoist work properly or not. Brake fail is a normal issue with different chain hoists which leads to a number of accidents. Hence, one must definitely perform a classic brake fail test.
To perform this test, release the load check if the weight stops at the position when the switch is completely released. For safety reasons try this test with moderate loads. Chain hoist manufacturers suggest that if the weight stops then and there are the switch is released then this means that the switch works fine.
Traversing Test:
Another important thing to test for is to ensure is the trolley traverses properly as required with control. This test is to ensure the stable movement of the trolley and to make sure that it works under control.
This test is also one of the most important ones as said by leading electric hoist manufacturers.
Following the Guidelines:
Above all the most important things is to follow all the guidelines during installation and preparation as suggested by the chain hoist manufacturers. For this take care of the installation of every component including the trolley, hoist, location of the stopper etc.
Make sure that the fitting are proper. Also, check that all the buttons functions properly and none of them loose. Prevention is better than cure and these small checks will help you prevent big accidents.
So, follow the above mentioned checks as said by the leading suppliers and count towards the proper functioning of the chain hoists. To know more in this reference stay tuned!!