Construction Hoists

It is not new that anything can easily go wrong when it comes to using machines, especially when they are as big as the ones used at construction sites. There are lots of ways and manner these accidents occur. Hoist accidents are one of the examples of construction-related accidents that can happen.

There are a lot of construction site accidents that have been traced back to hoists. Some of these accidents were not usually caused because of lack of competence. Trained operators using the hoist have also been victims of these accidents too. A lot of the time it is usually caused by careless rigging, lack of inspection of the machines and tools to be used, poor maintenance of construction equipment which later leads to damages on the equipment that can only lead to accidents, not following normal procedures put in place for workmen using the hoist.

All these could simply be prevented by training workmen not only the technics and skills required to operate machines and other equipment at the construction site but also on the safety precautions they need to apply when using these machines. Workmen and operators should not just be given a run-through of how to operate a machine by the most experienced operator on-site because the contractor/supervisor of the construction team wants to reduce additional cost. As a matter of fact, the injuries sustained by operators and workmen as well as the malfunctions and damage construction equipment develop shows that poor maintenance and other causes of construction site accidents only increase the overall cost. It also reduces the productivity of the said construction team.

Without further ado, there are different categories we can group construction hoists each with their own unique safety tips. What all these categories have in common is the hoist. Since the article aims to highlight the things you need to do to stay safe, we will give tips you can apply in different types of scenarios in which you are working with or using construction hoists. We will also give general precaution and tips you need to take note of when using construction hoists.

GENERAL SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING CONSTRUCTION HOISTS

There are different ways construction hoists are used. The way and manner they are used depending on what kind of operation needs to be done with the hoist. Here we will take a look at some important things you need to take note of regardless of the type of hoist you are going to work with.

Obey the PPE Requirements

This is a very important requirement you have to meet before using a hoist. All protective gears should be used that is eyes, ear, and hand protection. Also, any construction worker in the vicinity where a lifting work is going to be done should wear hard hats. This is because, in the case of a head injury, the damage will be minimized.

In addition, other workers should always have their head protection gear on at all time on the construction site.

Do not operate a construction hoist if you are ill or not physically fit
Before starting, check the hoist, signal light and do a general check on the machine you want to use.
Make sure there is no out of order tag sign on the hoist
Read the manual provided by the manufacturer of the machine if it is your first time of using that kind of machine
Make sure that the hoist and all the equipment you want to use have been inspected and authorized by the necessary personnel.
Even after inspection, it is always good to check that the brake, as well as other gears in the machine or equipment, is working without any issues.
Before actually attaching a load to the hoist, test runs it without an attached load. In case you hear unusual sounds when operating the hoist, it should be reported immediately and sent to be repaired.
Before starting any operation, it is good to review all the steps involved in the operation with the signalman. This will ensure that all the hazards that might occur have been reviewed and kept in mind
Under no circumstance should you walk under a hoist that has a load attached to it. This is very dangerous regardless of the fact that the hoist is stationary or moving
Ensure to do a proper rigging before lifting the load.
Always ensure that when rigging the upper suspension and the hook that will be attached to a load forms a straight line.
In cases where the weight of a load is unknown and cannot be determined, do not lift it at all.

Note: There are different equipment with which the weight of a load can be determined. Ensure you have at least one of them on site. Most common ones are dynamometer and crane scale.

When the lifting operation is complete, ensure you do not leave the hoist unattended to. It should be properly placed so that it would not affect the movement of other people or equipment on the site
Preform every lifting operations in a way that protects everyone on the construction site even if an equipment failure occurs

SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING CRANE AND HOISTS

There are thousands of injuries that occur whenever these two construction equipment are used together. The following are the precautions and things you have to keep in mind when using the two together. These tips also apply to other construction equipment but they are essential for you to have in mind when using them.

Under no situation or circumstance must you walk under a hoist that has a load attached to it; regardless of the fact that it is stationary or still moving.
Always ensure you pay utmost attention to any warning signal from the equipment you are using, especially one from the overhead hoist.
Whenever there is a situation that a hoist that has a load attached will pass overheard unknowing personnel, ensure you warn them.
Before operating any equipment, ensure you check that the said equipment has been certified for operation and thoroughly inspected. In case of doubts, you can always ask for a re-inspection
You should also perform an operational inspection for the particular equipment you want to operate
Ensure you activate and test the warning signals, device or lights as the case may be. Check that they are fully functional before carrying out any lifting task with the said equipment.
Do not engage in discussion or any other thing that can distract the person operating an overhead machine, especially when they are operating the equipment.
Ensure you obey all warning signs placed on and around the construction site, more importantly, the signs that are in specific critical areas.
As an operator, ensure you check the brakes and any other control on the equipment you want to use before you start.
Under no circumstance must you permit or allow an unqualified or unauthorized person access to the crane or permission to operate the crane.
At all times, the signal persons and the operator must be in direct view as well as be in clear communication at all times of the operation.
In case a crane is not safe or its certification for operation looks dodgy, do not operate it
Do not swing the hoist while carrying a load over other construction workers
Never operate a hoist with a load that looks improperly attached. In such a case, immediately lower the crane and have the load properly attached.
The hooks are made for lifting loads only. Under no circumstance is anyone allowed to ride on the load.
During maintenance checks of equipment, always ensure the control of the equipment is locked in the off position.
Cameras: Cameras is fast becoming an essential tool to have on-site when construction hoists, as well as other massive construction equipment, are concerned. The reports of injuries and the occurrence of accidents at construction sites is very common. there are tons of them and even with the right qualified personnel, there are still lots of such occurrence. The only good thing is that attaching cameras is becoming increasingly popular and accepted. Operating a crane that has a camera brings with it a lot of advantages and positives.

One of the positives is that the operator, as well as the signals man, are able to see every inch of the construction site as well as the zone the crane will be working. The cameras enhance the vision of the personnel tasked with operating the construction hoists. This, in turn, ensures there are no sloppiness or error when lifting a load or controlling the crane. That is just one of the advantages. The rest of the benefits are discussed below;

Safety

This is the main and sole reason why any safety tip is practiced when at a construction site. Using cameras that are attached to cranes means enhanced safety of the workmen is guaranteed. There are lots of blind spots which are spots for potential accidents on a lot of construction site. This is usually because the signalman or the operator cannot see what they are doing clearly.

With cameras attached to the load on a hoist, there is no way the operator would lose sight of the load or the site. Both of them will be in a manner which he can see even when the load enters a poorly lighted area or when the load is blocked by construction equipment or buildings. The cameras ensure that the operator’s eyes are covering every inch of the work area he is operating the hoist on.

Excellent time management

Time is very crucial when it comes to construction work. The faster workmen are able to work, the faster the construction job is completed. While workmen have to be fast, keeping in mind safety tips when using construction hoists can make it very hard to finish construction work faster.

With cameras, all the blindspot on the site that would take a long time to navigate a hoist pulling a load through will be eliminated.

Low cost

While adding a camera to cranes might actually sound expensive, the truth is the number of accidents it is reducing makes it worth it in the long run. when accidents happen, contractors have to pay millions of dollars to repair any damaged caused.

SAFETY TIP WHEN USING MANUAL CHAIN HOIST

Accidents can occur in any way when construction hoists are concerned. Using a manual chain hoist without adhering to the laid down safety tips when using such type of hoist can be dangerous. It can lead to death as well as very serious injuries. Here are the tips you have to keep in mind when using Manual chain hoists.

Never lift more load than the amount of load the hoist can carry. Always ensure it is way below the maximum weight the hoist can support
Do not, under any circumstance, lift or transport a human being with a hoist
Do not lift a load without making sure it is attached under the hook
Always ensure that the load chain is not twisted, stretched or damaged
Do not swing the hoist when a load is attached to it
Ensure you read the manual that comes with the machine
Keep your eye on the load being lifted.

Endnote

It is very important to perform checks on any machine you want to use for construction work before even starting it. That is the main tip you should always have in mind. You can easily prevent a lot of accident from happening by simply checking it to ascertain it is working properly before you operate it.

In addition, a lot of accidents are caused by lifting loads that are too heavy. This should also be prevented and stopped. Making sure a trained operator is operating a construction hoist is very important as thins will prevent a lot of accidents. Remember, a lot of people are counting on you to use your skills to properly operate the machine.