Chain hoists, derricks, cranes and other hoisting equipment shall be inspected at regular intervals. In no case shall such equipment be used until it is been determined that is free from defects and safe to use. Any hoisting equipment found defective should be immediately tagged as unsafe and not used until repaired. Be certain that the hoist is properly hung and that the supporting member will carry the load. Before the load is lifted, a strain should be taken on the cable and the hitch rechecked. When there is danger of the load being suddenly released, or if the chain hoist is suspended from a long cable, the hooks should be snubbed with wire or shackles.
Before operating crane, derrick or other hoisting equipment, the operator should sound a warning and accept only one person’s signal to start raising, lowering or swinging load. However, the operator shall stop immediately upon signal from anyone. When operating a crane (locomotive, caterpillar or truck-mounted) near energized lines or equipment, its boom, cables or load shall not come closer to unprotected conductors than twice the length of the insulator supporting the conductor. Before moving a crane in close proximity to overhead electric lines, the boom shall be lowered sufficiently to provide ample clearance.
When making heavy lifts, outriggers or rail clamps should be used to prevent overturning. Extreme caution shall be used when working near cables or ropes under tension. Never place yourself within the angle formed by ropes or cables under tension. When anyone is in this or other dangerous positions, the hoist operator shall never place tension on a rope or cable. Employees shall familiarize themselves with the proper knots, ties and hitches, safe working load for ropes, cables, slings and fittings, and proper methods of hooking and slinging required in their work. http://www.animatedknots.com
Particular care must be exercised to see that cables, chains and other hoisting equipment are not unduly stressed by improper use. All ropes, cables, chains, slings, etc. shall be discarded when they have worn or deteriorated to the point where their safe use may be questionable in the judgment of the foreman. Chains shall not be spliced or joined by makeshift means such as open links, bolts, or wire. New links shall be inserted by some competent person, or the chain returned to the manufacturer for repairs.
Wire ropes or cables should not be allowed to kink as this weakens them. Protective pads shall be used where cables are wrapped around sharp objects or corners. When applying U-bolt clips to cable, a sufficient number should be used and the bases should bear on the pulling side of the loop. The rating of hooks, rings, clevises, and other fittings used on chains or cables shall exceed the carrying capacity of the chain or cable.
Fiber rope shall be properly cared for to retain its strength and lasting quality. The following precautions will preserve the strength and life of rope:
Where a rope sling passes over sharp edges, pads shall be used to protect the fibers against cutting and undue stress.
Do not drag rope on the ground unnecessarily as dirt charges the fibers.
Do not use too small a sheave.
Do not use sheaves with rough surfaces or broken edges.
Do not let rope slip on winch drum or lie idle on moving drum.
Do not place kinked rope under stress.
Do not allow rope to unravel; finish the ends.
Do not tie knots where splices should be used.
Do not allow ropes to become oil soaked or exposed to acid or corrosive substances.
Do not allow rope to remain dirty or gritty. Wash and dry.
Do not allow rope to remain exposed to weather any more than necessary.
Carefully dry rope when it becomes wet.
Do not use excessive heat when drying rope.
Do not allow wet rope to freeze.