[RIGGER’S CORNER] HOW TO INSPECT YOUR


LEVER STRAP HOIST Featuring the Little Mule 344C Lineman’s Strap Hoist


BY HENRY BROZYNA


A Guide to Inspecting Your Lever Strap Hoist When it comes to lever hoists, utility professionals rely on a variety of different hoists to get the job done. One of the most popular hoists for utility applications is the lever strap hoist. When using a lever strap hoist, it’s important to inspect it regularly to prevent accidents or product failures. Tese inspections are broken down into frequent and periodic inspections.


Frequent Hoist Inspections for Your Lever Strap Hoist Frequent inspections are what we refer to as pre-operational inspections. In addition to these inspections, visual observations should be conducted during regular service of these hoists to check for any damage. Any deficiencies should be carefully examined and a determination made as to whether they constitute a hazard.


During the inspection, check the following:


• All functional operating mechanisms for maladjustment interfering with proper operation


• Hooks and latches for deformation, chemical damage, cracks and wear


• Hook latches for proper attachment and operation • Levers for bends, cracks or other damage • Damage to the support of the hoist


Te web strap should be visually inspected at the beginning of each shift to identify any major damage that could cause an immediate hazard, such as melting or charring, weld splatter, broken stitching, damaged eyes, etc.


Tese should be performed by an appointed person. Tese inspections should include:


• A designated person determining whether conditions found during the inspection constitute a hazard and if disassembly is required


• Checking fasteners for evidence of loosening 80 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 WIRE ROPE EXCHANGE


• Checking the web strap, suspension frame, levers, yokes, shafts, pins, rollers and locking/ clamping devices for evidence of wear, corrosion, cracks and distortion


Special care should be taken when inspecting sections of the web strap for rapid deterioration, including sections:


• In contact with saddles, equalizer sheaves or other sheaves where web strap travel is limited


• At or near the ends where broken threads or cuts may be evident


• Subject to reverse bends that are normally hidden during visual inspection, such as sections passing over sheaves


You can download an Inspection Checklist here: info.columbusmckinnon.com/download-your-guide- inspecting-strap-hoist. You can find an extensive range of information and support for your lifting and motion control requirements in the Resources section of their website: www.columbusmckinnon.com Columbus McKinnon would like to thank the utility crews


working tirelessly through this pandemic to keep vital services running. Tank you for what you do now and always, to keep the power on and the world connected. y


Henry Brozyna is an Industry Product Trainer at Columbus McKinnon specializing in Crane and Hoist Inspection and Repair, Rigging & Load Securement He has been training on crane and rigging safety for more than 20 years. Henry is a member of the Tie Down committee and former Board of Directors for the WSTDA; this group writes the standards that are used by the material handling industry, the transportation industry, and also law enforcement. Henry is also a current member


of the Crane Institute’s board of directors.


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