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Hand Chain Blocks Lever Hoist PDF
Hand Chain Blocks Lever Hoist PDF
Published by the:
Lifting Equipment
Engineers Association
3, Osprey Court, Kingfisher Way,
Hinchingbrooke Business Park, Huntingdon PE29 6FN
United Kingdom
Tel:+ 44 (0) 1480 432801 Fax: + 44 (0) 1480 436314
E-mail: mail@leea.co .uk Website: www.leea.co.uk
Ownership
Name: _____________________________________________________
Company: __________________________________________________
Department: -----------------------------------------------
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to achieve the highest degree of accuracy in the
generation of the data and advice supplied , but ultimate responsibility for
safety must continue to rest w ith the persons and organisations charged with
specific duties in current legislation.
Foreword ... .... ....... ...... .. .... ..... ... ... .............. 1
Statement by HSE OSD ........... ....... ..... ..... . ................ ...... ..... 2
Organi sati ons cooperating with LEEA in drafting thi s code ... .......... ....... ....... 2
Section 8 Planning the lifting operation and safe use of hand chain
blocks and lever hoists ............................................................... 28
Appendix A Check list for thorough examination of hand chain blocks ..... 33
Appendix B Check list for thorough examination of lever hoists ................ 36
Appendix C Model data sheet to identify equipment required
and conditions of use...... .. ........ .. ....................... 39
Appendix D Model report of thorough examination ..... . ......... ...... ..... .41
ll
CODE OF PRACTICE
Foreword
This code of practice has been developed by a working group of the LEEA
Technical Committee wh ich included representatives from the industries wh ich
supply, maintain and thoroughly exam ine hand chain blocks and lever hoists as
wel l as representatives of the users and the Health & Safety Executive
Offshore Division.
It is app li cable to both new equipment and equipment which has previously
been in serv ice.
Its purpose is to address the specific problems associated with using such
equ ipment in the offshore and sub-sea environments and does not therefore
necessari ly deal with the more general aspects of using such equipment. For
guidance on the more genera l aspects see the LEEA Code of Practice for the
Safe Use of Lifting Equipment.
The code is based on current knowledge and accepted good practice. However
in parallel with developing the code, the HSE have comm issioned a test
programme to collect data about th e perfonnance of typical hand chain blocks
and lever hoists under the marine/sa liferous conditions experienced offshore
and sub-sea. The guidance in this code wil l be reviewed once the resu lts of
those tests are avai !ab le.
It is recognised that some band chain blocks and lever hoists may be
pem1anently kept and used on ly within offshore workshops where the
conditions are comparable with normal industrial usage. If controls are in place
to prevent the transfer of such equipment to areas where the marine/saliferous
conditions outlined above prevail, then the code may not be relevant to such
equipment. However if there is the possibi li ty of equipment transfer, it is
recommended that the code shou ld apply to the who le installation or platform
or vessel.
Although specifically developed for use by the offshore industry, thi s code
may be found of value in other industries which use equipment in arduous
environments.
Statement by HSE/OSD
The Offshore Division of the UK Health & Safety Executive strongly support
the issue of this Code of Practice which the Executive see as an important step
in helping to contribute towards the reduction of the number of incidents
involving hand chain blocks and lever hoists which are being operated and
maintained in the offshore environment.
2
Section I Legal requirements
1.1 Introduction
Since its introduction in 1974, the Health and Safety at Work etc Act has
become the prime legislation covering the safety of equipment for use at work
including lifting equipment. It makes broad requirements and acts as an
' umbrella ' for all the other regulations. Referring to employment and
eq uipment in general rather than specific categories, the Act has the effect of
uni fy ing the basic safety requirements. The Health and Safety at Work Act
app lies to the offshore industry as a result of the Application Outside Great
Britain Order 1995: SINo 263.
The earlier legislation applicable offshore (SI I 0 19) used the term 'duty
holder' but the current legislation referred to below uses the term ' employer'.
3
comply with the law in respect of those matters on which tbe ACoP gives
advice.
You may use alternative methods to those set out in the ACoP in order to
comply with the law. However, the A CoP has a special lega l status. If you are
prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law and it is proved that yo u did
not follow the re levant provisions of the ACoP, you will need to show that you
complied with the law in some other way or a com1 will find you at fau lt.
Both these items should only be used in applications where they are free to
articulate with their attachment points and ali gn so that the load line is a
straight pu ll.
4
Both items conta in components which will corrode in a marine environment
and, as a result, may seize or their functionality may be greatly impaired. They
also contain components which may cease to function correctly as a result of
lack oflubrication or contamination with lubricants.
When se lect ing chain blocks and lever hoists for offshore applications the user
shou ld be aware of the harsh environmental cond itions which exist offshore
and especially the effects that such conditions can have on the component parts
whic h make up the blocks and hoists.
Situations where the block or hoi st will rema in in-situ for long periods of time
without being used can lead to problems with accelerated conosion of
components, difficulties in pre-start inspections, maintenance etc.
Al l hand chain blocks and lever hoists have a brake mechanism which relies on
sufficient torque, arising fro m the load lifted, to operate satisfactorily. There is
therefore a MINJMUM load they can safe ly sustain as well as a maximum. The
minimum specified in sections 2.2 and 2.3 and verified in sections 4.2 and 4.3
is 5% of SWL. However exposure to a marin e environment can increase the
minimum load required to operate satisfactori ly. We therefore recommend ti1at
THE M[N!MUM LOAD LIFTED SHOULD NEVER BE LESS THAN 10%
OF THE SWL.
ln add ition to the above, consideration should also be given to the fo llowing:
(I) If the block or hoist was first provided for use in the undertaking between
3 1" December 1992 and 28'h December 2009, the employer must ensure
that it has been designed and constructed in compliance with the essential
hea lth and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive (98/37/EC). If
however, the block or hoi st was first provided for use in the unde11aking
after 28'" December 2009, the employer must ensure it has been designed
and constructed in compli ance with th e essential health requirements of
the Mach inery Directive (2006/42/EC). This is a requirement of PUWER
(SI 2306) Regulation I 0. One method of achieving this is to obtain the
EC Declaration of Conform ity for the item alternatively ensure that the
CE marking bas been affixed to the eq uipment.
(2) The block or hoist must have a current report of a th orough examination
containing the infonnation required by Schedu le I of LOLER (SI 2307)
and stating that it is safe to operate.
(3) Length of load chain and hand chain required.
(4) Ava ilable headroom.
(5) Degree of portability reqnired.
(6) Operating effort available (particularly for larger capacity blocks)
5
Notes:
(!) Attention is drawn to the ACoP (paragraph 177) to Regulation 6(1) of
LOLER. This states that:
"Hooks and other simi lar devices provided for li fting should
be of a type that reduces the risk of the load becoming
displaced from the hook or other devices. "
This requirement can be met by, for example, the use of hooks with
safety catches or by the use of 'C' hooks.
(2) The term 'safe working load' or 'SWL' has been used thwughout this
code as it is the term used by LOLER. Although, strictly speaking, this
may be different from the working load limit or WLL, for the purposes of
this code it has been assumed that the blocks and hoi sts will always be
rated with their SWL equal to their WLL, ie nonnally rated. In the event
that a particular app lication requires a block or hoist of higher duty, it is
recommended that the lifting operation plan specifies a block or hoist
which is normally rated but of appropriately higher capacity. For a full
exp lanation of these terms, see paragraph 1.2.26 of the LEEA Code of
Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment.
Method of Attachment
The block may be of 'suspended ' or ' built in' pattern, many manufacturers
producing both options. Suspended types nonnally have a top hook by which
the block is hung and which allows a degree of articu lation between the block
and the supporting structure. Built in types are usually combined with a
purpose made travelling trolley, although a direct connection to the supporting
structure may also be possible. The connection between the block and the
trolley or structure is usually rigid . Some designs of trolley incorporate a
braking device which is effective for track inclines of approximately 6°
maximum. Other options include rack and pinion drive if movement under load
6
on an inclined track is required. These options should be considered if tilt is
ltkely eg on a vesse l likely to roll.
Grade of Components
Some load bearing components such as chains and hooks are graded according
to their performance and may vary between makes and models of blocks. The
higher the grade, the smaller and lighter the component wi ll be for a given safe
working load. Modem blocks use alloy chain of either grade T(8) or V( 10).
Such alloy chains are susceptible to Hydrogen embrittlement if exposed to
acidic conditions.
Where a block is to be fitted with a load chain collecting box the fo llowing
points should be borne in mind:
(I) Chain is a load in itself and the uncontrolled fall of a length of chain
could inflict serious injury upon any personnel in its path, as well as
subjecting the block to a high shock load. To avoid this risk a load chain
collecting box must be properly designed for the job.
(2) It should be of adequate capacity for all the load chain when the bottom
hook is in the highest possible position, ie when the block is fully drawn
up. lf the box is of inadequate capacity, the chain wi ll spi ll over the edge
7
and, rather like a siphon, once this occ urs ALL the chain in the box will
be pulled out at an accelerating rate. A box of inadequate capacity may
also prevent the chain feeding properly into the load wheel causing a jam
or even failure of the chain.
(3) Where moisture or condensation is likely, the box should be provided
with a suitab le drainage hole to prevent a build up of water. Con·os ion
resistant materials shou ld be used for the construction and attachment of
the chain collecting box.
Note:
The collecting box may be known by other terms such as bucket or bag as
appropriate to the particular design .
Brake Mechanism
The block should be fitted with an automatic brake capab le of anesting and
susta ining the load. It should function at all loads down to a minimum of 5% of
the safe working load .
Type of Chain
Chain lever hoists are designed to emp loy one of two types of chain, fine
tolerance (calibrated) round steel link chain or roller chain. Due to the potential
corrosion problems, roller chain is unsuitable for use in the offshore
environment.
Brake Mechanism
The hoist should be fitted with an automatic brake capable of arresting and
sustaining the load. It shou ld function at all loads down to a minimum of 5% of
the safe working load.
8
Chain Retention
The load chain should be fitted with a stop at the free end large enough to prevent
it passing over the load wheel or with some other equally effective means of
preventing the chain from mnning out. The stop should be capable of
withstanding a load at least equal to 2.5 times the maximum tension in the load
chain when the safe working load is being lifted.
If the app lication requires the load to be susta ined for a significant length of
time between the lifting and lowering operations, cons ideration should be
given to using other equipment to sustain the load as a block or hoist may
cmTode during the sustainin g period and be unsafe for a subsequent lifting or
lowering part of the operation. For example the load can be ' tied off with a
suitable wire rope sling. Alternatively consideration should be given to using
fi"es h eq uipment to take the load before releasing th e equipment which has
been sustaining it.
9
(8) When the load is low relative to the SWL and may be insufficient to
properly operate the brake. Generally loads of less than 10% of the SWL
shou ld not be li fted.
10
(6) The conditions of service and in particular any conditions which the user
suspects might be hazardous. See section 2.5 for guidance on known
hazardous conditions.
(7) The type of suspension ie hook suspended or built into a trolley. In the
case of blocks with a bui lt in trolley, the information required for the
trolley is as follows:
(a) Type of trolley. If the trolley is for use where the runway is liable to
tilt, eg due to roll of a vessel , the nature and amount of movement
to be accommodated, whether movement under load is required and
whether a means of locking in position is required.
(b) Details of the runway beam section to which the trolley is to be
fitted. These details must be sufficient to fu lly identify the particular
rolled steel section or in the case of a fabricated section, the various
elements from which it is manufactured. In addition, details of
fixing bolts, clips, splices etc are required to ensure that they will
not foul the load bar, trolley wheels or anti-tilt device where fitted.
(c) If a geared trolley is specified, then the suspension and operating
levels are required so that the length of hand chain may be
detennined.
3.4 Hand chain blocks and lever hoists - Information which should be
provided by the supplier
The following information should be provided to the purchaser and accompany
the equipment to the end user:
II
(I) Copy of the last LOLER report of thorough examination. (For new
equipment this will be the report of thorough examination before first use
- see 4.2 below)
(2) Instructions for use which should include the following infonnation:
(a) General purpose instructions.
(b) Any limitations or special requirements for use in hazardous
conditions.
12
The light load test to verifY that the brake will sustain the minimum required
load should be carried out with a load of2%- 5% of the SWL. The load should
be raised and lowered through a height of between 250 mm and 500 mm. To be
acceptable, when the hand chain or lever is released at any point during the
raising and lowering, the brake should hold the load.
Note:
Blocks which are fitted with sea ls may appear to hold the load by the brake,
when in fact it is being held by seal friction only. This condition does not meet
the acceptance criteria.
The proof load test should be carried out at the fo ll owing loads:
Up to 10 t SWL-150% ofthe SWL.
l 0 t to 20 t SWL- SWL + 5 t
over20 tSWL-125% ofSWL
The load shou ld be lifted through such a height as will ensure that every part of
the block or hoist mechani sm and each tooth of the gearing comes under load.
To be acceptable, the block or hoist should sustain the load and, after removing
the load, the block or hoist should be visually examined and found free from
defects.
Whilst operated under load, the block or hoi st should operate smooth ly without
excessive noise or jumping, particularly any arising from poor fit of the load
chain in the load wheel pockets.
13
accordance with 4.3 .I before being assembled and subjected to fina l test and
examination.
For high stress critica l components such as hooks, the examiner shou ld have
access to a suitab le NDT processes, such as MPI or dye penetrant, which can
detect fme surface cracks.
Some equipment has permanently assemb led swivel hooks wh ich cannot be
dismantled for examination. Particu lar care must be taken when assessing the
condition of the hidden bearing area. Comparison with a new hook will provide
some indication of wear.
As well as checking the cond ition of the load chain and the load chain wheel ,
the examiner shou ld also check the fit of the two. This is best done with the
loadwhee l held in the hands and the load chain laid in place. The loadwheel is
then rotated slowly to feed the chain. Any mismatch will be evident as the
chain attempts to climb out of the wheel.
Check lists for the examination of b:ocks and hoists are appended to this code
as appendix A and B respectively.
The block or hoist shou ld then be subjected to a light load test and a safe
working load operational test. In addition, if any untested load bearing spare
parts have been fitted , it should be subjected to a proof load test.
14
The light load test to verify that the brake wi ll sustain the minimum required
load shou ld be carried out with a load of2%- 5% of the SWL. The load should
be raised and lowered through a height of between 250 mrn and 500 mm. To be
acceptable, when the hand chain or lever is released at any point during the
raising and lowering, the brake shou ld hold the load.
Note:
Blocks which are fitted with seals may appear to hold the load by the brake,
when in fact it is being held by seal friction only. This condition does not meet
the acceptance criteria.
The proof load test should be carried out at the following loads:
Up to 10 t SWL- 150% of the SWL
I 0 t to 20 t SWL- SWL + 5 t
over20 t SWL- 125% ofSWL
For both the safe working load operational test and the proof load test, the load
shou ld be lifted through such a height as wi ll ensure that every part of the
block or hoist mechanism and each tooth of the gearing comes under load. To
be acceptable, the block or hoist should sustain the load and, after removing the
load, the block or hoist should be visually examined and found free from
defects.
Whilst operated under load, the block or hoist should operate smoothly without
excessive noise or jumping, particularly any aris ing from poor fit of the load
chain in the load wheel pockets.
The record shou ld identify the persons involved in the test and examination
and show the work done by each, whether the equipment passed or fai led and
be signed by those persons to authenticate their record.
15
For examinations of the components of in-service equipment, the record should
identify the person involved, whether the component passed or failed and be
signed by that person to authenticate the record.
Appendix D provides a model fmm of report for this purpose but it is emphasised
that this is only an example and any fonnat containing the specified u1fonnation
is acceptable.
16
(5) At the quayside or customer stores, if the equipment is unpacked for
inspection, those responsible should ensure it is restored to its protected
despatched state comp lete with documentation before onward shipment.
The storage facility should include a secure quarantine area for storing
equipment no longer fit for further service.
17
The storage facility should be controlled by a nominated person who is
responsible for recording the issue and return of all equipment. No one other
than the nominated person should be permitted to issue equipment from the
store.
There should also be available within the store area for reference a copy of the
instructions for use of the equipment and a copy of this code.
The person wishing to obtain equipment from the store should have
authorisation for the use of such equipment and should present it to the
nominated person. The authorisation should give an estimate of the length of
time the equipment will be reqnired. Equipment should not be issued unless
authorisation is produced.
The nominated person should select the specified equipment, make a record,
related to the above equipment record, showing the dates of issue for use and
return of all equipment. The record should identifY the person and, if
appropriate the department/contractor/location to whom tbe equipment is
issued and be signed by the person to whom it is issued. It should also be
signed by the nominated person at the time of issue to confirm that it is fit for
service at the time of issue.
18
If the specified equipment is not available, the person wishing to obtain the
equipment should seek new authorisation for any alternative equipment.
Alternative equipment should not be issued without authorisation.
There should be a clear instruction from the nominated person to the person
obtaining the equipment that they are responsible for ensuring it is used only
for the purpose for which it is authorised and retumed to the store after
completing the job and that it should not be left unsecured or available for
unauthorised persons to use.
ln the event of a shift or crew change whilst work is in progress, there should
be a hand over procedure to fotmally pass responsibility on .
On return to stores, the nominated person on duty should enquire whether there
are any operational problems with it (eg brake slipping, not operating
smoothly, jumping under load, excessive effort required), or whether it has
been exposed to exceptional circumstances eg chem ical contamination or
overload. The person responsible for the equipment whilst it was in use should
repot1 if such be the case and the nominated person should immediately label it
as unfit for service and note the problem repot1ed. lf the problem cannot be
rectified within the nominated person 's remit, it should be placed in the secure
quarantine store immediately.
19
store, equipment which bas been issued and is out of store and the dates of
issue and return together with details of whom it was issued to and , if issued
for use in hazardous conditions, the nature of those conditions.
Equipment used sub-sea or which has been exposed to sea water splash/spray
should be washed with fresh water without pressure. Pressurised jets should
not be used as they can remove essential lubricants or cause them to migrate to
brake components which should be fi·ee of lubricant.
After washing the equipment should be dried without the application of direct
heat.
The pawl pivot and spring may be lubricated if clearly visible and accessible
without dismantling. Care should be taken to avoid any lubricant entering the
brake components and, as a precaution, before applying the lubricant the brake
should be closed by operating the equipment in the hoisting direction.
For a list of suitable lubricants for the various parts of the equipment see
section 6.4 Only these approved lubricants should be used. lf other types of
lubricants have to be used, then this should only be done with the approval of
the equipment supplier.
20
service. At the time of issue from the store all equipment should be inspected
by the nominated person to ensure it has not deteriorated during storage.
On return to stores, after any cleaning and drying but before lubrication, the
nominated person should inspect the equipment for defects arising from use in
service. ln particular the following should be looked for:
21
Lever hoist
(I) The load chain is worn or damaged. In particular, attention should be
given to the wear which occurs on the bearing surfaces inside of the links
and to damage in the fonn of bent, notched, stretched or corroded links.
The chain should articulate freely. In certain circumstances, very rapid
wear of link type load chain can develop which is characterised by a rough
appearance on mating surfaces inside of the links.
(2) The load chain wheel should be checked for debris in the pockets. Any
build up of debris will prevent the load chain from seating correctly and
should be removed.
(3) Obvious signs of 'open ing out' of hooks, that is any noticeable increase
in the throat opening, or any other fmm of distortion in the hooks or
suspension fittings.
(4) Missing or damaged hook safety catch.
(5) Obvious signs of damage to the load chain stop or the chain anchor which
connects the load chain to the lever hoist casing, whichever is applicable.
(6) The alpha/numeric identification or the safe working load markings are not
clearly visible.
(7) General damage to the lever hoist body, including any gear covers,
breaking of overload protection devices, conh·ols or chain guides, and in
pa11icular to the operating lever wh ich could indicate a previous
overloading.
If any of the above are found they should be rectified if within the nominated
person's remit.
Note:
The remit should not permit the dismantling of the load bearing components of
the equipment or of the brake. See section 5.1
If any of the above are found and cannot be rectified, the equipment shou ld be
labelled as unfit for service and placed in the secure quarantine store
immed iately.
If the person returning the equipment to the store reports that, when operated
under load, there is any jumping or excessive noise of either the hand chain or
load chain, any undue effort is required or any visible slipping of the brake, the
equipment should be labelled as unfit for service and placed in the secure
quarantine store immediately.
22
The nominated person should make a signed and dated record of the inspection
and any rectification work clearly indicating if the equipment is fit for further
service.
Such equipment should not be issued for service under any circumstances until
it has been repaired and subject to thorough examination by a competent
person under the provisions of Regulation 9 of LOLER and a report,
complying with Regulation I 0 and Schedule I of LOLER, has been issued
stating that the equipment is safe to operate.
Section 6 Maintenance
6.1 Legal commentary
There is a general requirement in PUWER (SI 2306) Regulation 5 to ensure
that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working
order and in good repair. The efficiency and safety of hand chain blocks and
chain lever hoi sts is very dependent upon:
(I) Them being free of contaminants and corrosion which cause components
to seize.
(2) Them being suitably lubricated and the lubricant kept away from the
brake.
(3) Components liable to wear and deterioration being replaced before their
condition becomes dangerous .
In the offshore environment, all three of these matters requires regu lar
attention. Whi lst basic maintenance and minor repairs can often be made at the
storage facility, to deal with these matters adequately, the equipment should
periodically be taken to a maintenance facility with suitable equipment and
tra in~d personne l who can carry out the work.
23
6.2 Maintenance whilst in store offshore
In this section, the term ' nominated person' is used to identify a person who
should be responsible for issue and return of equipment, in spection of
equipment between thorough examinations to check whether it remains fit for
service and some maintenance/repairs. It is not intended to restrict those
responsibilities to a single person and it is recognised that, depending on the
type of facility, staffmg levels, shift patterns etc one or more people may be
involved. However in all cases the persons involved should be adequately
trained for whatever part of the work they undertake and any records shou ld
identify the particular person involved. See also section 5 which uses the term
in the same context.
Any maintenance carried out whilst in store offshore should be under the
control of the nominated person.
The nominated person should be given a clear written remit about what repairs
may be undertaken by him without affecting the integrity of the equipment to
the extent that it must undergo thorough examination.
The remit shou ld not permit the dismantling of the load bearing components of
the equipment or of the brake.
6.3.1 Dismantling
The equipment should always be stripped down to its component parts.
24
6.3.3 Cleaning of components
The components should be thoroughly cleaned by an appropriate process.
The processes used should not be detrimental to the components nor
should they tend to hide defects . Therefore, for example, acids must not
be used as they may cause hydrogen embrittlement of chain. In general a
chemical wash to remove lubricants and contaminants, followed by a
li ght grit blast to remove paint and corrosion is appropriate although for
chain, dry rumbling is preferred to grit blasting.
If there is any doubt about the condition of the brake disks, new ones
should be fitted.
The load chain should be the correct grade, size and fit. The grade can be
identified from manufacturer's marks on the links at intervals, generally
every 20th link. As well as being of the correct nominal size, the pitch
should also be checked as, for any given size, there may be small
variations in pitch to match the chain to a particular design of pocket
wheel.
The hand chain should also be of the correct size and fit.
25
6.3.6 Treatment to resist corrosion and lubrication
After examination and before assembly, the components to be used
should be treated to resist corrosion and, where appropriate, lubri cated.
See section 6.4 for suitable lubricants.
The working faces of the brake should be left clean and dry and not
treated or lubricated in any way. The volume of lubricant on other
components should be such that it will not work or migrate from these
components onto the faces of the brake unit under operational conditions.
Except for bearing surfaces, the frame or body of the block or hoist, both
sides of all covers, the hand chain wheel or lever and the .top and bottom
hooks should be painted.
All surfaces of gears and shafts and the bearing sutfaces of other
components should be coated with a suitable lubricant to serve the dual
purpose of protection and lubrication (see section 6.4 for suitab le
lubricants ).
The record should be made contemporaneous with the work being done.
( l) A water tolerant grease suitable for gears and bearings and the
temperature range likely to be found during shipment, storage and use .
26
(2) A wax based lubricant I corrosion protective product which can be
applied by dipping or spray to the chains.
COSHH data should be obtained for all lubricants used and, where necessary,
control measures identified.
The instmctions for use provided by the manufacturer should also be kept by
the owner of the equ ipment for so long as the equipment is availab le for use.
For equipment where safety depends upon the installed conditions, the report
of thorough examination fo llowin g installation which states that it has been
installed correctly and is safe to operate should be kept by the emp loyer until
he ceases to use the equipment at the place it was installed.
27
(4) Maintenance record Two years or four maintenance
periods whichever is the longer
For hire equipment transferred from one undertaking to another, the copy of
the report of thorough examination referred to in 5.1(4)(a) shou ld be kept until
the equ ipment is withdrawn from service or returned off hire.
*If the equ ipment has been withdrawn fi·om service fo llowing an incident,
these records shou ld be retained until after the incident has been investigated.
Section 8 Planning the lifting operation and safe use of hand chain blocks
and lever hoists
The LEEA Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Lifting Equipment, edition 7
dated May 2009 provides general guidance on planning the lifting operation in
Section I Appendix I. 7 and information for the safe use of hand operated chain
blocks and lever hoists in sections 2 and 3 respectively.
(I) Never use equipment which does not have a current report of thorough
examination, stating that it is safe to operate.
(2) Never use equipment that has been withdrawn fi·om service and
quarantined due to a defect.
(3) Always inspect the equipment before use and do not use it if any of the
fo llowing defects are fo und :
(a) The load chain is heavily corroded or damaged. In par1icu lar,
attention should be given to damage in the form of bent, notched or
stretched links. The chain should articu late fi·eely.
(c) Obvious signs of damage to the slack end anchor which connects
the load chain to the block casing or to the load chain stop where
one is fitted. The anchorage or load chain stop must be of at least
equal strength as the chain to prevent accidental nm out.
(e) General damage to the block or hoist body, including any gear
covers, breaking of overload protection devices, controls or chain
guides
(f) When operated under load there is any jumping or excessive noise
of either the hand chain or lever or load chain, any undue effort is
required or any visible slipping of the brake.
(4) Never use the load chain to sling the load, ie do not wrap the chain
around the load and back hook it or pass the chain through the load so
that it lies across an edge or corner of the load. The load chain should
always be free to take up a straight line under load.
(5) Ensure that tbe top arid bottom hooks are free to articulate in their
respective connection points so that the block or hoist is free to take up a
straight line under load.
(6) Never overload the equipment. If more than one block or hoist are used to
lift or lower a load, the plan for the lifting operation should ensure that
the load imposed on each is never more than its SWL. In particular care
should be taken in planning the lowering operation when lowering on one
block or hoist transfers the load to others.
(7) Never extend the handle of a lever hoist with a tube or similar implement
to increase the leverage nor apply any method of power drive to a hand
chain block or lever hoist. The majority of band chain blocks and lever
hoists are designed to be capable of operation by a single person. lf it is
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found that additional effort is required then either the equipment is
overloaded or is in need of maintenance and shou ld be withdrawn from
service. That is not to prec lude the use of two persons which may be
found advantageous in some app lications but is to indicate the degree of
operating effort nonnally required.
(8) Do not attempt to lift a load of less than 10% of the SWL of the hand
chain block or lever hoist. This is because the brake relies on the torque
generated by the load. Under test the brake is checked down to 5% of the
SWL but prolonged storage and exposure to hot or cotTosive atmospheres
can affect the efficiency of the brake.
{I) Eve1y employer shall ensure that eve1y lifting operation involving lifting
equipment is-
{a) properly planned by a competent person;
(b) appropriately supervised; and
{c) carried out in a safe manner
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"21 0 The person p lanning the operation should have adequate practical and
theoretical knowledge and experience of planning lifting operations."
The guidance recognises that the competent person required to cany out the
planning is unlikely to be the same person refeiTed to in regulation 9. However,
whilst the ACoP and gu idance give much useful advice about p lanning and
canying out the lifting operation, it does not add much about the knowledge
which the p lanner and the operatives should have. Section 9.2 below lists the
essential knowledge each shou ld have.
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(4) Inspection procedures:
(a) pre-use
(b) post-use
(5) Reporting of equipment fa ults
(6) Bas ic slin ging practices
(7) Methods of estab lishing:
(a) we ight of load
(b) position ofC ofG
(c) positioning and suitability oflifting points
(8) Reporting of inc idents and accidents
Regu lation 9 of LOLER requires that the thorough examination, inc ludin g the
appropriate testing, is carried out by a competent person. The term is not
defined within the regu lations, but paragraph 294 of the ACoP states:
"294 You should ensure that the person carrying out a thorough examination
has such appropriate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience of the
lifting equipment to be thoroughly examined as wi ll enable them to detect
defects or weaknesses and to assess their importance in relation to the safety
and continued use of the lifting equipment."
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Appendix A - Check list for thorough examination of band chain blocks
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(9) Spur gears, drive pinion and shaft
- examine all gears for wear, fracture and alignment
-examine drive pinion for damage and distortion
- check shaft for straightness
(1 0) Load chain
- check that chain is of correct grade (normally embossed every 20th link)
- examine and measure load chain checking for bent, notched, stretched,
wom or corroded links
( 15) Bearings
- examine all bearings I bushes for wear
- check smoothness of operation
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(16) Mu lti-fall blocks
- check all load chain reeving sprockets for wear and ensure they rotates
free ly
- check all associated bearings and pins
- check all sprocket frames for wear, damage and distortion
( 17) General
- check that all components are suitab le for their purpose and have not
been replaced by inadequate substitutes
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Appendix B - Check list for the thorough examination of lever hoists
36
(8) Load chain
-check that chain is of correct grade (normally embossed every 20th link)
- examine and measure load chain checking for bent, notched, stretched,
worn or corroded links
( l 0) Top hook
- examine load pin for distortion and wear
- check that the hook swivels freely and there is no excess ive wear on the
shank
- check hook for stretch, distortion and wear
- check that safety latch is present and operates correctly
(13) Bearings
- examine all bearings I bushes for wear
- check smoothness of operation
37
(15) General
- check that all components are su itable for their purpose and have not
been replaced by inadequate substitutes
38
Appendix C - Model data sheet to identify equipment required and
conditions of use
Special requirements
39
I
I I
I
II I
I
Iexle~ded I
I
I dimension
I I
I
I c I
I range
of lift
I I
'-../
/
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Appendix D - Model report of thorough examination of lifting equipment
Name and address of employer fo r whom the Add ress of premises at which the examination
thorough examination was made: was made:
Description and identification of the Safe work ing Date of Date of last
equ ipment: load(s): manufacture if thorough
known: exa mination :
Particulars of any repair , renewal or alteration required to remedy the defect identified above:
Particulars of any tests ca rri ed out as part of the examination: (If none state NONE)
Signature:
Name and address of employer of persons making and authenticating this report:
XYZ Lifting Equipment Co Ltd, Any Street, Any Town, Any County
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