Hoist Inspection & Repair

All lever hoists must be inspected before use by a designated person. Periodic inspections are required based on usage. Stated as normal service yearly, heavy usage semiannually, severe service quarterly.

Western High Voltage Test Centre is trained and certified by KITO Canada to perform periodic inspections on manual and lever hoists including functional and static load testing.

Depending on the model of hoist there are different things to look for. Below is a list of general inspection criteria used on most manual and lever hoist.

• Damage and wear hooks
• Damage and wear to the load & chain 
• Damage and wear to brake assembly
• Damage and wear to lifting system
• Damage and wear to frame & body

Hoists are built with different components engineered to different failure modes. This is done intentionally by manufacturers so there is the least amount of damage if there is a failure.

Common failures are bent hooks due to overloading, pitted chains due to rust from improper storage and bent hook latches. Lifting systems with heavy use do experience wear that can cause failures and is an important part of the periodic inspection. 

Once the hoist has been dissembled and put back together by a certified technician it is load tested to 125% of is rated capacity for a set duration. If the hoist past this test it is labeled with a test date and returned to the customer

All hoist  should be stored away from moisture off the the ground. Due to working conditions of hoists this is not always possible to keep them dry, however best efforts should be used to keep debris off the hoist to ensure it remains operational.

For more information on hoist information and regulation please check out the following resource: 

www.riggingresource.com