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USER MANUAL
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Red Rooster Lifting Limited
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Nauta House, The Meadows, Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, AB51 0EZ
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Tel: +44 (0) 1651 872101
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M01-AH35-CH REV3
SAFE OPERATION
3.1
The contents of this section are designed for the guidance of personnel using the hoist. For the most part, they are ‘common sense’
procedures. Most dangerous occurrences involving lifting machines are not as a result of defect developing in the machine itself but are as a
result of an error or act of carelessness by the operator. As such, the vast majority of accidents or dangerous occurrences are avoidable. The
operator is responsible for his safety and the safety of others in the area of the hoist.
It is further recommended that only authorised personnel should be permitted to use the hoist and that all staff should be properly trained and
have adequate knowledge in both safe use and visual examination.
ALWAYS - follow company procedures, work safely, report faults and comply with regulations.
GUIDELINES FOR PERSONNEL USING AIR HOIST
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Read the instruction manual before use.
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Test run the equipment prior to application of a load and ensure that the equipment, including its control and safety devices are
functioning correctly.
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Do not touch the hoist body immediately after extensive use, as it may be hot or very cold.
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Do not wear loose clothing (ties, scarves etc.) which may get dragged into the hoist or bottom block.
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Wear safety boots or shoes (together with a safety helmet if lifting overhead).
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Ensure that a positively engaged isolator requiring an appropriate operation to re-engage, is fitted between the air supply and
the machine (lever, button or quarter turn valve). The isolator should isolate only the machine itself or where the safety of other
machines may be affected by isolation of the machine, all machines affected must be isolated at the same time.
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Large hoists and trolleys have lifting eyes that can be used for handling and installation. Where no lifting eyes are fitted, a sling
may be fitted round the hoist body using a choker hitch.
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Ensure that the load is securely supported by certified lifting gear (slings and shackles) with a higher safe working load in the
configuration used, than the load to be lifted and that it cannot ‘escape’ whilst being lifted.
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Stand clear of the load when lifting or lowering and ensure that the point at which you are standing is secure. Do not touch
moving chain.
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When there is a brief pause in the lifting operation where the operator lets go of the pendant control, he must stay in the area and
make sure the pendant hangs vertically and cannot swing or get blown against anything.
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When there is a longer break in the lifting operation and the load has been landed, then the emergency stop button should be
actuated so that a positive action is required before the hoist or hoist and trolley can be operated.
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If the hook is still attached to an item then a sign should be attached to the pendant and depending on the circumstances the
power supply locked off.
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Ensure that other personnel cannot enter the immediate area where the lift is taking place.
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Never lift the load higher than necessary.
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Ensure that the control length (cord or pendant) is adequate to allow the operator to stand away from the load in a position to see
the load at all stages of lift.
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The pendant should hang from the hoist and not be placed onto objects where the controls could be activated.
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If it is not possible to site yourself in a position where you can see the load at all stages, appoint a ‘banksman’ to cover the area
which you cannot see and establish a reliable method of communication (verbal or hand signals) before starting the lift.
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If you suspect that the equipment is defective or is developing a fault, stop the lifting operation immediately.
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In the event of an emergency make the area safe by returning the load to a rest position, but if this is not possible the area should
be cordoned off and the advice of your superior or safety officer sought. Never repair a hoist with the load suspended.
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If it is not possible to lower a load to the ground to make it safe, then a lifting plan must be in place to recover the load or make it
safe in case of hoist failure.
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In the case of complex lifting operations a lifting plan must be in place to control the lift stipulating the hoists to be used,
operating conditions, operator instructions and the different parts of the lift taking part in the agreed sequence. Carry out a
practice lift with a small load if necessary to confirm the lifting operation.
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The starting and stopping of the hoist and taking up of slack chain at high speed can apply high forces which could be higher
than the load being lifted. Always operate hoists smoothly and in a controlled manner.
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The attachment points must be capable of withstanding the expected forces.
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External vibration can affect the hoist and can cause damage and wear.
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Do not use the hoist outside in high winds, bad weather conditions, or when temperatures are likely to be outside the operating
temperature of the hoist.
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Only use the hoist to make a lift safe when a warning alarm has been activated in the area and then isolate the hoist.
AT ALL TIMES THINK BEFORE YOU ACT - PLAN EVERY LIFT
DANGER
