
MHD56114 - Edition 4 19
INSPECTION
Inspection information is based in part on American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (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
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 authorized 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 (such as
abnormal noises).
1. WINCH. Prior to operation, visually inspect winch housings,
controls, brakes, side rails, 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. 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.
5. 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.
6. LUBRICATION. Refer to the “LUBRICATION” section for
recommended procedures and lubricants.
7. PENDANT (optional feature). Ensure operation of pendant
buttons are smooth and that winch is responsive to pendant
control. Pendant buttons must spring return to neutral
position when released.
8. 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 control sticks, do not operate
winch until all problems have been corrected.
9. MOTOR. During operation check motor housing for excess
heat build up. Housing should not be hot to the touch. Listen
for grinding or knocking noises in the motor. There should
be no grinding or knocking noises. Ensure lubricated air
supply provides 6 to 9 drops per minute of ISO VG 32
(10W) oil. Operate motor slowly in both directions to verify
operation.