All hoists should be visually inspected before use, in addition to
regular, periodic maintenance inspection.
Inspect hoists for operations warning notices and legibility.
Deficiencies should be noted and brought to the attention of
supervisors. Be sure defective hoists are tagged and taken
out of service until repairs are made.
Under no circumstances should you operate a
malfunctioning hoist.
Check for gouged, twisted distorted links and foreign
material. Do not operate hoists with twisted, kinked
or damaged chain links.
Load chain should be properly lubricated.
Hooks that are bent, worn or whose openings
are enlarged beyond normal throat opening
should not be used. If latch does not engage
throat opening of hook, hoist should be taken
out of service.
Chains should be checked for deposits of
foreign material which may be carried into the
hoist mechanism.
Check brake for evidence of slippage under
load.