It is imperative to position the hoist directly above the load prior to attaching it to the hoist’s load hook. Neglecting to center the hoist accurately over the load may result in the load swaying during lifting, potentially leading to side pulls or the transfer of undesirable forces onto the crane structure.
Why is side-pulling often deemed hazardous?
Multiple factors contribute to this assessment:
- Risk of Injury to Personnel: A side pull significantly heightens the likelihood of an off-center load swinging uncontrollably and potentially colliding with the operator or nearby personnel, posing a grave risk of injury or even death.
- Potential Operational Disruptions: The unintended swaying of a side-pulled load can result in collisions with equipment or facility structures, leading to substantial and costly damage that may disrupt operations.
- Hoist Degradation: Each instance of a hoist being subjected to a side pull, due to an unbalanced load, exerts undue stress on the hoist and its integral parts, such as hooks, chains, wire ropes, load blocks, sheaves, ropes, and gears. This accelerated wear and tear shortens the hoist’s lifespan and escalates the danger of catastrophic failure.
- Trolley Damage: A side pull adversely impacts the trolley by inducing off-center forces that cause it to become unbalanced, either tipping to one side or exerting excessive force on the wheels remaining on the bridge beam. Designed for even weight distribution, a trolley subjected to unbalanced loads experiences premature wear and deformation. Depending on the angle of the side pull, the trolley may even detach from the beam, crashing to the ground and potentially injuring personnel or causing further damage to equipment and structures.
- Cumulative Equipment Deterioration: A side pull can either immediately damage overhead lifting equipment or, if repeated, gradually weaken both the hoist and trolley, ultimately leading to a catastrophic failure that could have been prevented through proper load handling practices.
