When it comes to equipment, regular hoist inspections are crucial for keeping operations running smoothly and maintaining safety standards. Because hoists are responsible for heavy lifting, it’s important for each mechanism to be working properly to ensure they can carry the load safely. Manual, powered, mounted, and overhead hoists all need to be inspected often and thoroughly, to ensure their reliable and safe use.

Types of Inspections

Hoists need certain inspections depending on how often they are used and how heavy the loads are that they carry.

• Daily: Daily inspections are often required for hoists that carry loads categorized as “severe” (meaning they are heavier than average).
• Frequent: Frequent hoist inspections are defined as being weekly for heavy loads and weekly-to-monthly for normal loads.
• Periodic: Periodic inspections happen annually, semi-annually, or quarterly depending on the hoist’s service class. Detailed records must be kept of all inspections.

Requirements and Guidelines

Specific inspection requirements are outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). OSHA-CFR 29 Part 1910.179 is the federal regulation that applies to overhead and gantry cranes, requiring inspections of new and altered cranes and hoists prior to use and at regular intervals. The ASME B30.16 also calls for regular inspections performed by those who are qualified to do so.

Additionally, the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) offers a free manual with details on recommended hoist inspection procedures. This, along with the equipment owner’s manual from the manufacturer, should be referred to for performing accurate and effective inspections at the proper times.

Performing Daily Hoist Inspections

When performing daily inspections, these are a variety of things to check for:

• Missing labels or warning tags
• Deterioration or leakage in lines, tanks, valves, drain pumps, and other parts of air or hydraulic systems
• Damage, cracks, nicks, gouges, and deformations of the throat opening
• Cracks, nicks, gouges, and wear in the chain
• Broken wires, broken strands, kinks and any deformation or damage to the rope structure

See our full daily inspection list to learn more and remember to always refer to the manufacturer's operator manual for a complete list of recommended safety checks.

Need a hoist inspection? Contact Olsen Chain & Cable to schedule your hoist inspection today so that you can ensure your equipment stays in proper shape this year.