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
