
Damage 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.
l
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.
l
Never use a winch that inspection indicates is
damaged.
l
Prior to using the winch to lift personnel, an initial
inspection should be conducted after assembly, major
repairs or alteration, and when the system has been
idle for periods of longer than one month.
Daily checks, weekly and quarterly inspections should be
performed on equipment in regular use.
1. Daily checks are visual examinations performed by
operators or personnel instructed in safety and
operation of this equipment and include observations
made during routine equipment operation.
2. Weekly inspections are thorough inspections
conducted by personnel instructed in safety, operation
and maintenance of this equipment. Weekly
inspections are also required prior to personnel lifting
if the system has been idle for periods in excess of one
week, but less than one month.
3. Quarterly inspections are a combination of weekly
inspection requirements and the performance of a
static drop test on guided cage systems only to verify
operation of the cage’s safety clamp.
Winch Daily Checks and Weekly Inspections
On equipment in continuous service, weekly inspections
are required. Maintain written ‘records of weekly
inspections to provide an accumulative basis for
continuing evaluation. Disassembly may be required as a
result of inspection findings.
In addition, daily checks, or visual inspections should be
conducted by operators during regular operation for
damage or evidence of malfunction.
1. WINCH (DAILY). At the beginning of the shift, prior
to operation, visually inspect winch housings,
controls, brakes, siderails and drum for indications of
damage. Do not operate the winch until all
discrepancies noted have been reviewed, inspected
further and corrected by personnel instructed in the
operation, safety and maintenance of this winch.
WINCH (WEEKLY). Inspect the following:
a. SIDE RAILS AND END UPRIGHTS. Check for
deformed, cracked or corroded main components.
Replace damaged parts.
b. FASTENERS. Check retainer rings, split pins,
capscrews, nuts, and other fasteners on winch,
including mounting bolts. Replace if missing or
damaged and tighten if loose.
C.
DRUM AND SHEAVES. Check for cracks, wear
or damage. Replace damaged parts.
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 an experienced
wire rope inspector.
l
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 the
following instructions.
In addition to daily check requirements, also inspect
for the following weekly:
a.
b.
C.
d.
e.
Ensure wire rope is spooled onto the drum for
overwind operation only and that a minimum of 2
inches (50 mm) clearance is maintained between
the outside edge of the drum flange and the
outermost
layer of wire rope.
Buildup of dirt and corrosion. Clean with steam
or a stiff wire brush to remove dirt and corrosion
if necessary.
Loose, frayed or damaged end connection.
Replace if loose, frayed or damaged. Ensure ends
will not catch on personnel.
Ensure the wire rope is securely anchored in the
winch drum.
Verify wire rope diameter. Measure the diameter
of the wire rope from crown-to-crown throughout
the life of the wire rope. Recording of the actual
diameter should only be done with the wire rope
under equivalent loading and in the same
operating section as accomplished during
previous inspections. If the actual diameter of the
wire rope has decreased more than l/64 inch (0.4
mm) a thorough examination of the wire rope
should be conducted by an experienced inspector
to determine the suitability of the wire rope to
remain in service. (Refer to Dwg. MHTPA0056).
(Dwg. MHTPA0056)
16