
P5710 - Edition 15 13
INSPECTION
Inspection information is based in part on American National
Standards Institute Safety Codes (ASME B30.7).
• 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 winch 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 made, and the correction of noted safety hazards
accomplished and documented by written report before placing
the equipment in service.
Records and Reports
Inspection records, listing all points requiring periodic inspection
should be maintained for all load bearing equipment. Written
reports, based on severity of service, should be made on the
condition of critical parts as a method of documenting periodic
inspections. These reports should be dated, signed by the person
who performed the inspection, and kept on file where they are
readily available for review.
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.
1. WINCH. Prior to operation, visually inspect winch housing,
control, brake 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.
• The full extent of wire rope wear cannot be determined by
visual inspection. At any indication of wear or damage inspect
the wire rope in accordance with instructions in “Periodic
Inspection.”
3. 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.
4. AIR SYSTEM. Visually inspect all connections, fittings,
hoses and components for indication of air leaks. Repair any
leaks or damaged components found.
5. BRAKE. During winch operation, test the brake. The brake
must be capable of supporting the load without slipping. The
automatic brake must release when the winch throttle is
operated. If the brake does not hold or does not release
properly, the brake must be adjusted or repaired.
6. LUBRICATION. Refer to “LUBRICATION” section for
recommended procedures.
7. 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 movement is unsatisfactory, do
not operate until all problems have been corrected.
8. PENDANT (optional feature). Ensure operation of pendant
levers is smooth and that the winch is responsive to pendant
control. Pendant levers must spring back to their starting
position when released.
9. MOTOR. Check oil level. Place a suitable container below
the motor and carefully open the level plug to remove any
accumulated water. Check oil level in motor and add oil as
necessary to maintain correct level. Ensure lubricated air
supply provides 6 to 9 drops of ISO VG 32 (10W) oil.
Operate motor slowly in both directions to verify operation.
Periodic Inspection
Periodic inspection intervals for winch use under various
conditions is listed below:
Disassembly may be required as a result of frequent inspection
findings or in order to properly inspect the individual components.
Disassembly steps are described in the “MAINTENANCE”
section. Maintain written records of periodic inspections to
provide an accumulative basis for continuing evaluation. Inspect
NORMAL HEAVY SEVERE
yearly semiannually quarterly