Fall Arrest System Solutions

To fully comply with OSHA standards and ANSI recommendations, employees must provide their employees a workplace free from health hazards and known safety risks. When working OVER dangerous equipment and machinery, a Fall Arrest System must be in place, regardless of the height.

Gorbel has two fall arrest systems that work well in elevated environments.

Tether Track System (Rigid)

The Tether Track System is the best option for low-headroom applications. It stops fall within a shorter distance than wire rope and less clearance is required from the anchor point to the floor below.

• Designed for multiple workers
•  Includes an anchor trolley
•  Various in various configurations, including multiple track profiles and support center distances
• Provides a high degree of mobility and freedom

View VIDEO of the Tether Track in Action >>

Ranger Mobile Anchor (Flexible)

The new Ranger allows for quick attachment to a forklift truck or alternate towing vehicles. It allows the unit to be anchored directly above where the user is performing the work, working well for indoor or outdoor use.

• All steel construction
• Only 2,685 lbs.
•  Adjustable anchor height at 18’, 20’ and 22’
•  Integral outriggers provide firm support
• Permits a 30 degree work area from anchor point
• Maximum tow speed 25 mph

View VIDEO of the Ranger Mobile in Action >>

For more information on these Gorbel products or assistance in determining what Fall Arrest System is best for your application, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

No Room for an Overhead Crane?

Gorbel’s Freestanding and Wall Mounted Work Station Jib Cranes are a practical and economic solution! With a wide variety of spans, capacities and mounting styles, you will be able to find an efficient and reliable solution for your material handling application(s).

Types of Workstation Jib Cranes:

Freestanding (WSJ360)

Capacities: 100, 150, 250, 500 and 1,000 Lbs.

Rotates 360 degrees and can be bolted directly to your existing floor without the need for a base.

These cranes have a retaining pin through the pivot pin to help against accidental dislodgment of the boom assembly.

This model is also available in stainless steel for models with 250 or 500 series track.

Wall Cantilever (WSJ200)

Capacities: 100, 150, 250, 500 and 1,000 Lbs.

Rotates 200 degrees and mounts to a wall or column. The crane uses a tapered roller bearing at the pivot point for ease of rotation. Shim stock is included with each jib to ensure that it is aligned through the pivot axis.

This model is also available in stainless steel for models with 250 or 500 series track.

Wall Bracket (AL100)

Capacities: 150, 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 Lbs.

Rotates 200 degrees and handles extremely easy due to its patented lightweight aluminum enclosed track. The jib rotates 40% easier than a comparable I-beam jib.

Standard hoist trolley and end stops are included in the base price.

Do you still need help assessing your best option?  Call one of our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 for a free crane assessment or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

#materialhandling  #workstationjibcranes  #jibcranes

Do You Need to Improve Work Force Utilization?

Just imagine this scenario. You are working on a project and your work cell members typically operate a manual I-beam crane. But, the two work cell members who are required to handle a large load are out sick.

I-beam cranes require more effort to move which means there is a greater chance of injury. An ergonomic solution is Gorbel’s Freestanding Work Station Bridge Crane. A Gorbel Workstation Bridge Crane require much less effort, a load can be moved 3 times more easily than with a traditional I-beam crane. Because it is so easy to handle, it can be safely operated with fewer work cell members also allowing a greater variety of people to safely lift and maneuver heavy loads.

Features:

·        Capacities from 150 to 4000 lbs

·        Rectangular coverage with up to 34’ bridge and 124’ runway standard

·        Standard support distances of 20, 25, and 30 feet.

·        Easy to move and position loads

·        Modular design for greater flexibility

·        Doesn't require existing support structure

View the VIDEO at: https://vimeo.com/85185030

For more information on Gorbel’s Freestanding Work Station Crane, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com.

Inspection Tips for Below-The-Hook Lifting Devices

When was the last time you inspected your below-the-hook lifting devices? A below-the-hook lifting device is defined as a device that is used for attaching loads to a hoist. It may contain components such as slings, hooks, rigging hardware and lifting attachments. Types of below-the-hook lifting devices include:

• Lift Beams/Spreader Beams
• Plate Clamps
• Pallet Lifters
• Coil Lifters
• Vacuum Lifters
• Lifting Magnets
• Sheet Lifters
• Tongs

According to ASME B30.20, these are the minimum inspection requirements:

VISUAL INSPECTION: Daily / Weekly / Monthly

• Check for structural deformation, cracks and excessive wear of any part of the lift device.
• Check for loose or missing guards, fasteners, covers, stops or nameplates.
• Check all functional operating mechanisms and automatic hold and release mechanisms for maladjustments interfering with operation.

RECORDED INSPECTION: Quarterly / Semiannually / Annually

• Check for loose bolts or fasteners.
• Check for cracked or worn gears, pulleys, sheaves, sprockets, bearings, chains or belts.
• Check for excessive wear of linkages and other mechanical parts.
• Check for excessive wear at hoist hooking points and load support clevises or pins.

Any visual or recorded problem should render the device out of service. ASME B30.20-1.3.9 Maintenance states:

(b)(1) Before adjustments and repairs are started on a lifter, the following precautions shall be taken:(a) All sources of power shall be disconnected, locked out, and tagged “Out of Service.”(b) A lifter removed from service for repair shall be tagged “Out of Service”.

Do you need an ongoing Inspection/Maintenance Program for your equipment?  If so, please call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com. We would be happy to design a program tailored to your company’s specific needs.

#liftingdeviceinspection #hoistinspection #materialhandling

Is Your Fall Arrest System Safe?

Did you know that OSHA requires a visual inspection of all fall arrest equipment prior to each use?

To maintain high performance of your equipment, all fall arrest equipment, harnesses, lanyards, and its hardware should be routinely inspected by a “trained and competent” person. Over time, belts, rings, lanyards and webbing can become frayed or distorted which could cause an arrest system to fail.

Before using any equipment, the following should be examined:

Harnesses – Hold one side toward you and invert the harness in a “V” shape. Look for any broken fibers, cuts, or frayed edges.

Rings/Buckles – Check for any distortion, cracks, or rough edges.

Lanyards – Check the hardware for any distortion, cracks, pitted surfaces or corrosion. Thimbles should be firmly seated in the eye of the splice, and there should be no loose or cut strands. Inspect the lanyard by rotating it and check for any cuts, breaks or discoloration.

For OSHA’s comprehensive inspection list, go to: 

https://www.osha.gov/Region7/fallprotection/fall_protection_info.html

Need an ongoing Inspection/Maintenance Program for your equipment?
Email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com or call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477 and we would be happy to design a program tailored to your company’s needs.

Lift Transmissions Safely and Easily with the T/D Lift

WiscoLift is proud to introduce their new product, T/D Lift. 

The T/D Lift, used with your hoist, will help you to safely and efficiently raise, turn, rotate and lower transmissions and differentials.  Simply engage the T/D Lift until the thread covers the sight hole, then lift! Standard and metric threads available.

Features:

• Rated for 1000 lbs.
• Engraved with work load limit and serial number.
• Sight-hole to visually verify thread is fully engaged.
• Includes swivel hoist ring.
• Each T/D Lift is load tested to 1250 lbs. and comes with a test certificate.

For additional information and pricing, go to: T/D Lift. You may also email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com, or call us at 800-242-3477.

#transmissions  #differentials  #liftingdevices  #materialhandling

Assembly Line Solutions

Assembly lines have come a long way since the days of "I Love Lucy." There are many products that improve work efficiency, including the use of spring balancers.

The advantage of using ENDO spring balancers on your assembly line are that they support heavy tools with cable tension equal to the weight of the suspended tools which makes them seem virtually “weightless”.  As the tool is repositioned, the balancer extends or retracts the support cable to follow the tool’s movements. Constant tension on the cable is accomplished with a spring motor and a tapered drum. The assembler has the flexibility to reposition the tool, while experiencing comfortable operation and less fatigue.

There are many types of spring balancers on the market including Long Stroke Balancers, designed for high ceiling applications, “ECO” Balancers, designed for the food industry, Clean Room Balancers, for use in industries of pharmaceuticals and electronics where there are environmentally sensitive components, Air Tool Balancers, and “Zero Gravity” Balancers.

Load capacity guidelines for using spring balancers are to use the size that is comparable to the upper end of the capacity range. For example, if lifting a total weight of 10.5 lbs, use a balancer that has capacities up to 11 lbs. versus one that has capacities of up to 19.8 lbs.

The solutions we deliver for your applications are based on your specific requirements. You can count on WiscoLift to find the perfect solution to meet your jobsite requirements. For more information, call our Sales Representative at 800-242-3477.

#OEM #SpringBalancing  #ENDOSpringBalancers  #assemblyline

Oil Free Hoists Succeed in Food Processing Industry

In the food processing industry, sanitary conditions are mandatory by the FDA. Food grade hoists offer benefits over regular industry hoists.

Harrington’s AL Series Ex certified spark resistant and lube free air hoists can operate without air supply lubrication and leaves the surrounding area free from oil mist from the air exhaust. These hoists are suitable for applications where a clean environment is necessary, in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Features:

• Capacities from ¼ through 5 Ton
• Pendant, cord, or twist rod control
• Heavy-duty disc brake
• Reliable vane motor
• Zinc-plated, blue-chromated load chain
• Planetary gearing system

Harrington’s AW Series Ex certified spark resistant hoist is intended for use in humid and outdoor environments where equipment must be washed down frequently.

Features:

• Capacities from ½ through 1 Ton
• Pendant, cord, or twist rod control
• Unpainted aluminum body
• Stainless steel and electro-plated external components
• Gear box and chain lubricants comply with FDA standards

Do you need more information on Food Grade Hoists? Our Sales Representative can assist you with your specific industry needs at 800-242-3477 or smartlift@wiscolift.com.

#foodhoists  #oilfreehoists  #foodindustryhoists 

Lifting Loads at an Angle Could Prove Disastrous

Many accidents are caused as a result of exceeding the rated load capacity. When using machinery eye bolts for example, the rated load capacity is reduced significantly due to lifting at an angle.  Swivel hoist rings stay at 100% of stated capacity at virtually any angle. 

In order to achieve 100% capacity, proper installation is required to comply with torque value.

Note: Swivel hoist rings must be sized based on the actual sling tension calculated from the weight of the live load adjusted for the angle of lift.

Types of swivel hoist rings include:

• AISI 4140 Alloy
• Stainless Steel
• Side Pull
• Lifting Ring
• Forged Side Pull
• Speed Base
• Forged Swivel Hoist Ring
• Forged Hoist Ring
• “Mold Handler” Ball Bearing
• Ultra Lifting Ring Ball Bearing

All swivel hoist rings have 360^◦ swivel and 180^◦ pivot, are 100% magnetic particle inspected, certified heat treated, and serialized and proof tested to 200% of working load limit.

For more information on WiscoLift's swivel hoist rings, go to: https://www.wiscolift.com/pages/Swivel-Hoist-Rings.html.

Cost Effective Lifting Solutions

ADJUSTABLE GANTRY CRANE

Do you need a handy and economical way to lift materials on the job? Gorbel’s fixed and adjustable height gantry cranes move freely on wheels around your facility and store easily out of the way when not in use. With spans available up to 30‘ and capacities up to 5 ton, it is an efficient and cost effective lifting solution.

Adjustable and Fixed Gantry Crane Features:

•  Capacities from 1 ton – 5 ton
• Spans from 8ft. – 30ft.
• The Adjustable Gantry is adjustable in 3 ft. increments to provide different lifting heights
• The steel Fixed Gantry has heights from 10’ – 20’
• Easily moved to any location in a facility
• Cost effective for areas with infrequent lifts
• Square tubing uprights, knee braces, and channel base provide for stable lifting and movement
• Bolted beam to upright connection ensures safety
• Molded phenolic casters are standard and provide for easy movement

Prices start at $1,722 for the Steel Fixed Gantry Crane and $2,514 for the
Adjustable Gantry Crane.

Aluminum Gantry Crane Features:

• Capacities from 250 lbs. – 2 ton
• Standard spans up to 20'.
• Height under Boom 7-12' 
• Collapsible for easy storage
• Cost effective for areas with infrequent lifts
• Made from lightweight extruded aluminum for easy lifting 
• Adjustable span and height 
• Collapsible for easy set up and break down

Prices start at $2,251 for the Aluminum Gantry Crane.

NOTE: A wide variety of hoists and trolleys are available and sold separately.

Not sure which Gantry Crane is right for you? Our experienced and knowledgeable crane staff will work with you to find the best overhead handling solution. Call us at 800-242-3477 or visit our website at http://www.wiscolift.com. 


WiscoLift, Inc. is a Nationally Recognized, Top-Tier Gorbel Distributor.

Part II - "I wish we would have seen that coming!"

by Don Cooper, District Manager, WiscoLift, Inc.

The worst part of our job is when we are involved with our customers’ response to a lifting accident. Our customer has purchased the proper hoist and below the hook devices. The weight load is within the working load limit of the lifting equipment. In many cases, the operator has had some level of safe lifting training. Effective training helps people to focus on prevention as the majority of lifting accidents are caused by operator error. We hope that by sharing these occurrences, focus may be increased to help prevent future accidents.

Accident Cases and Recommended
Preventive Measures

• Operator using battery magnet to lift 400 pound piece of steel. Operator did not recharge battery on the magnet. Kicked load with foot to test and then dropped 400 pounds on same foot causing multiple broken bones.  -- Check the charge status of batteries before each use.
• Operator using permanent magnet dropped 500 pound box. Operator did not realize downrating of the magnet when using with a thin material.  -- Always check the capacity chart of the magnet before use and pay particular attention to thickness, shape (flat/round surface), cleanliness, roughness, and length of steel.
• Crane sheet lifter collision with fork truck. Crane operator using personal cell phone while operating a crane.  -- Duh! Cell phones should not be used while operating machinery!
• Operator snags pallet lifter on corner of pallet racking, drops four steel coils on legs.  -- An operator should be constantly aware of his/her surroundings and potential obstructions. Operator should always be walking forward behind the load rather than backwards in front of load.
• Operator decides to decrease amount of touch up painting required by balancing 2000 pound load on tips of hooks. Operator suffered critical head, torso, and leg injuries.-- OSHA 1910.184(c)(6) states, “Slings shall be securely attached to their loads”.
• Back injury. Employee didn't want to use box vacuum lifter provided by company as he felt it was too slow. -- Ergonomic devices are designed to help prevent on-the-job back injuries.
• Operator snags hoist hook. As a result of operating the hoist and not watching hook, he lost his eye.  -- The Operator should always focus on load and hook when operating.
• Pendant button sticks and operator panics rather than pushing power off button on pendant. Drops 8000 pound load almost resulting in fatality.  -- Read the Pendant Control instructions included in the Owner’s Manual before using, and follow all OSHA and manufacturer inspection requirements.
•  Employee twists chain on new chain sling to shorten. Chain failure results in 8000 pound load falling in aisle resulting in a near miss.  – Only properly rated and approved hardware should be used with chain slings. Operator should always inspect before using.
• Crane operator on one side of conveyor lifted product to aisle on other side of conveyor. Due to the height and width of product, operator did not notice coworker in aisle. Coworker was pinned against building column resulting in fatality. -- OSHA 2236 states, “When using aisles and passageways to move materials mechanically, workers must allow sufficient clearance for aisles at loading docks, through doorways, wherever turns must be made, and in other parts of the workplace. Providing sufficient clearance for mechanically-moved materials will prevent workers from being pinned between the equipment and fixtures in the workplace, such as walls, racks, posts, or other machines. Sufficient clearance also will prevent the load from striking an obstruction and falling on an employee”. 

We cannot underestimate the need to implement continued safety training to raise the awareness of all potential lifting accidents. All operators are always to stay clear of suspended loads and follow safe lifting practices at all times.

Are your employee’s using safe lifting practices? For information regarding WiscoLift’s individualized Safe Lifting training program, contact our Sales representative at 800-242-3477.

Part I - "I wish we would have seen that coming!"

That actual quote from our facility manager during a post- accident discussion provides the subject for today's blog. Following are some examples to help prevent a lifting accident in your facility.

Operators not aware of actual working load limit. One accident was caused by an operator lifting a 500 pound load with a 660 pound rated magnet. Unfortunately, where the magnet was placed on the load, the material was only a quarter of inch thick causing an overload condition. As material becomes thinner the actual lifting capacity of a magnet is reduced. Be sure to review the capacity information that accompanied your magnet to help ensure that you make a safe lift.

Product manufactured changes over time. Lifting device designed for axle lifter 15 years before accident. Actual axle assembly had more than tripled in weight. Lifter also had considerable wear from original design.

Misuse of eyebolts. I am aware of multiple accidents caused by improper use of eyebolts. Failure reasons include cross threading, wrong eyebolt, homemade eyebolts, not seating eyebolt against load properly, and overloading eyebolt do to angle pull. Eyebolts are rated based on a straight pull only. Pulling at any angle reduces the lifting capacity.

Loose or missing and stops. Seriously! Electric hoists weighing over 100 pounds falling from beams 12 feet in the air could easily cause a fatality. Two of the cases I'm aware of were caused by operators winching a load from the aisle into a work cell. Training is necessary as we can't assume that every hoist operator is aware that hoists are for vertical lifting only. Operators must be trained on how to inspect their lifting equipment before using.

Sometimes all the right lifting products are in place and catastrophic accidents occur. Part II of the subject will discuss details of mistakes and how to prevent them.

WiscoLift provides hoist and crane inspection for companies in the Greater Wisconsin area. For more information, call 800-242-3477 or email us at smartlift@wiscolift.com. Visit our website at: http://www.wiscolift.com.

#craneliftingaccidents #cranesafety #wiscoliftinspection

WiscoLift Saves Automotive Company Time and Money

WiscoLift frequently receives requests to fabricate special cable assemblies, many times in “emergency” situations.  Here is a recent example:

Mr. Scott Bickley, Owner of Little Wolf Automotive in Waupaca, WI, had a car lift with one broken cable.  This did not result in a complete failure, but the lift was not usable until the cable got replaced.  The car lift manufacturer quoted a 4 week lead time – anybody in this situation would find that unacceptable.

He contacted WiscoLift on a Thursday afternoon with all the necessary information – wire rope diameter and length, end stop information, and dimensions of the threaded stud.  Although we had never fabricated an assembly specifically for a car lift, we were able to fabricate and load test (on our 100 ton horizontal test bed) the replacement assembly in just 2 business days.  To top it off, our price was less than half of the manufacturer’s price!

The customer was so pleased with the price and fast service that he bought us lunch!

Providing our customers with quality pricing and service is what we strive for. If you need a new cable assembly, contact one of our Sales Reps at 800-242-3477 or fill out our Quote Form and we will respond to your request immediately.

Free Safe Lifting Seminar on May 6, 2015

WiscoLift will be conducting hands-on demonstrations of Gorbel’s G-Force®, with a Harrington Hoist and an iCON Articulating Crane at Busch Precision's Expo on Wednesday May 6, 2015. In addition, WiscoLift will provide a Safe Lifting Seminar and information on our OEM and material handling products throughout the day.

WiscoLift Safe Lifting Seminar Presented by Don Cooper, Sales Manager
This seminar will review safe lifting practices and inspection requirements for overhead lifting. A demonstration using Gorbel’s G-Force®, with a Harrington Hoist and an iCON Articulating Crane will be implemented.	Date:  May 6, 2015 Time: 1:00 p.m. Location: Busch Precision, Inc., 8200 N. Faulkner Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53224 Directions Register for this event.

The Machining & Maintenance Expo introduces areas of specialty machining and maintenance services that can enhance your quality and production results.  It is a free event that will include tours, learning and networking.

For more information and a current list of vendor exhibitors and scheduled technical sessions, go to Busch Precision’s Event page: https://buschexpo15.eventbrite.com.

We look forward to visiting with you.

Custom Cable Assembly Bank Fits Immediate Needs

Cable assemblies and similar OEM component products whether made from steel cable, webbing, bungee cord, or any combination of these are often a critical part of many industrial and consumer products.

To ensure a reliable supply of these items, WiscoLift has created the Assembly Bank. WiscoLift will manufacture, inspect, test, package, and store pre-determined quantities of your most important cable assemblies ready for immediate shipment.

Advantages:

• Minimizes your inventory
• Eliminates scrap/defect costs
• Reduces storage costs
• Reduces uncertainty

For more information, email us at eforms@wiscolift.com or speak with one our specialists at 800-242-3477.

Visit us on Facebook.com/WiscoLift.

Is Your Inspection/Maintenance Program OSHA Compliant?

There are four parts for a complete program of inspections and maintenance of hoists and cranes for full compliance with OSHA .

1. Daily inspections, most often performed by the crane and hoist operators, (performed at the beginning of every shift for multi-shift plant operations). These are not required to be documented however each employee who performs the inspection must be trained and qualified to do so.
2. Hoist and crane inspection defined by OSHA as a “frequent” inspection. Frequent inspections must be documented with individual inspection records for each piece of equipment. The inspection interval can be anywhere from daily to monthly with a monthly interval the most common.
3. Hoist and crane inspection defined by OSHA as a “periodic” inspection. Periodic inspections must be documented with individual inspection records for each piece of equipment. The inspection interval can be anywhere from monthly to annually with an annual interval the most common. A properly performed Periodic inspection requires partial disassembly of the equipment being inspected.
4. Preventive maintenance. OSHA regulation 1910.179(l)(1)  states:
   "Preventive maintenance. A preventive maintenance program based on the crane manufacturer's recommendations shall be established."

Complete hoist and crane maintenance often involves partial disassembly of the equipment.

WiscoLift has developed a comprehensive program to help you achieve full compliance with all four parts of the OSHA inspection and maintenance requirements.

1. Standardized curriculum training for daily hoist inspection.
2. and
3. Comprehensive inspection with printed reports and web based archiving of all past inspections available for your review 24/7.
4. Complete preventive maintenance carried out for each specific make and model of hoist and crane component.

Are you FULLY in compliance? Call WiscoLift at 800-242-3477, we can design and execute a specialized program for your company.

Visit us online: www.wiscolift.com . www.facebook.com/wiscolift