15
INSPECTION
Inspection information is based in part on American National
Standards Institute Safety Codes (ASME B30.7).
WARNING
• All new, altered or modified equipment should be inspected
and tested by personnel instructed in safety, operation and
maintenance of this equipment to ensure safe operation at
rated specifications before placing equipment in service.
• Never use a winch that inspection indicates is damaged.
Frequent and periodic inspections should be performed on
equipment in regular service. Frequent inspections are visual
examinations performed by operators or personnel trained in
safety and operation of this equipment and include observations
made during routine equipment operation. Periodic inspections
are thorough inspections conducted by personnel trained in the
safety, operation and maintenance of this equipment.
ASME B30.7 states inspection intervals depend upon the nature
of the critical components of the equipment and the severity of
usage. The inspection intervals recommended in this manual are
based on intermittent operation of the winch eight hours each
day, five days per week, in an environment relatively free of
dust, moisture, and corrosive fumes. If the winch is operated
almost continuously or more than the eight hours each day, more
frequent inspections will be required.
Careful inspection on a regular basis will reveal potentially
dangerous conditions while still in the early stages, allowing
corrective action to be taken before the condition becomes
dangerous.
Deficiencies revealed through inspection, or noted during
operation, must be reported to designated personnel instructed
in safety, operation and maintenance of this equipment. A
determination as to whether a condition constitutes a safety
hazard must be decided, and the correction of noted safety
hazards accomplished and documented by written report before
placing the equipment in service.
Records and Reports
An approved test and inspection record should be maintained for
each winch, listing all points requiring test and inspection.
These reports should be dated, signed by the person who
performed the test or inspection, and kept on file where they are
readily available to authorized personnel.
1.
Winches which are used to raise, lower or suspend
personnel platforms shall be inspected by the qualified
person, at the beginning of each shift and prior to hoisting
employee’s on the personnel platform after the winch has
been used for any material handling operation.
2.
A test lift shall be made for each work location and at the
beginning of each shift to insure that all systems and
controls are functioning properly.
3.
The winch shall not be used for hoisting personnel if the
test results in instability or causes permanent deformation
of any component.
4.
A visual inspection of the winch, personnel platform and
rigging shall be conducted immediately after the test lift.
Wire Rope Reports
Records should be maintained as part of a long-range wire rope
inspection program. Records should include the condition of
wire rope removed from service. Accurate records will establish
a relationship between visual observations noted during frequent
inspections and the actual condition of wire rope as determined
by periodic inspections.
Frequent Inspection
On equipment in continuous service, frequent inspection should
be made by operators at the beginning of each shift. In addition,
visual inspections should be conducted during regular operation
for indications of damage or evidence of malfunction (such as
abnormal noises).
1.
WINCH. Prior to operation, visually inspect winch
housings, controls, brakes, sideframes, uprights and drum
for indications of damage. Any discrepancies noted must be
reviewed and inspected further by authorized personnel
instructed in the operation, safety and maintenance of this
winch.
2.
WIRE ROPE. Visually inspect all wire rope which can be
expected to be in use during the day’s operations. Inspect
for wear and damage indicated by distortion of wire rope
such as kinking, “birdcaging,” core protrusion, main strand
displacement, corrosion, broken or cut strands. If damage
is evident, do not operate winch until the discrepancies
have been reviewed and inspected further by personnel
knowledgeable on wire rope safety and maintenance
procedures.
NOTICE
• The full extent of wire rope wear cannot be determined by
visual inspection. At any indication of wear inspect the wire
rope in accordance with instructions in “Periodic
Inspection.”
3.
AIR SYSTEM. Visually inspect all connections, fittings,
hoses and components for indication of air leaks. Repair
any leaks or damage.
4.
MANUAL THROTTLE LEVER. Ensure operation of
manual throttle lever is smooth and winch is responsive to
lever movement. Lever must return to neutral when
released. If winch responds slowly or controls stick, do not
operate winch until all problems have been corrected.
5.
BRAKES. During winch operation test brakes. Brakes must
hold load without slipping. Automatic brakes must release
when winch motor throttle or pendant is operated. If brakes
do not hold load, or do not release properly, the brakes
must be adjusted or repaired.
6.
WIRE ROPE REEVING. Check reeving and ensure wire
rope is properly secured to the drum. Do not operate the
winch unless the wire rope feeds onto the drum smoothly.
7.
LUBRICATION. Refer to the “LUBRICATION” section
for recommended procedures and lubricants.
8.
PENDANT (optional feature). Ensure operation of pendant
levers are smooth and that winch is responsive to pendant
control. Pendant levers must spring return to neutral
position when released.
