Installation

Lifting attachments should be assembled and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, unless other specific arrangements have been approved in writing by the manufacturer. When lifter/auxiliary power supply is required, user inspection should ensure that the power source coincides with the requirement(s) of the lifter. If electrical connections are made, the power supply should be connected to the line side of the crane disconnect or to an independent circuit as specified in manufacturer’s operating instructions.

Check for correct rotation of all pumps and power units, lubrication of moving parts, and filling of reservoirs, all in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

Operator training

Lifters should be operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s operating instructions, and by personnel who have received instructions in operating practices. Training should also include instruction regarding:

• Details of the lifting cycle;

• Application of the lifter to the load including (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) adjustments to the lifter, if any, to adapt it to various sizes and kinds of loads;

• Instruction in any special operations or precautions that may be required;

• Recognition of proper load configuration. For example, preferred operation requires orderly stacking;

• Before assuming responsibility for using the lifter, an operator should demonstrate his/her understanding of the lifting procedure to the instructor.

Inspection

The lifting attachment should be visually inspected by, or under the direction of, an appointed person on a daily or weekly schedule depending on the nature of the lifter and the severity of the service.

Details to look for include, but are not limited to:

• Structural deformation;

• Cracks in the structural frame, welds, hoist hook attachment points, mechanically operating parts, and attached slings, clevises and hooks;

• Malfunctions during operation of a mechanically operating lifter;

• Loose covers, fasteners and stops;

• Faulty operation of automatic hold and release mechanisms;

• Wear of hoist hooking points, load supporting clevises, pins, slings, linkages and mechanical parts;

• Missing name plates and markings.

Maintenance and repairs

• A preventive maintenance programme should be established for each lifter by a qualified person, based on recommendations from its manufacturer.

• A qualified person should have responsibility for repairs. Dated records and details of repairs and parts replacement should be carefully maintained by a qualified person, and copies kept in your possession.

• Replacement parts should be at least equivalent to the original manufacturer’s specifications.

Handling the load

• The lifter should not be loaded in excess of its rated load.

• The combined weight of the lifter and load should not exceed the rated load of the crane or hoist.

• The lifter should be applied to the load in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended operating procedure.

• Lifter ropes and chains should not be kinked, and multiple part lines shall not be twisted about each other.

• The lifter should not touch obstructions during load movement.

• The lifter should not be loaded with loose material that might fall during movement.

• The operator or other personnel should not place themselves or any part of their bodies beneath suspended loads.

• The load or lifter should not be slid on the floor or other surface.

• The lifter should not be used for loads for which it is not designed.

• If suspended loads are moved manually, they should be pushed, not pulled.

• A preliminary lift of a few inches should be made to establish that the load is stable.

• All loads should be accelerated and decelerated smoothly.