Most Critical Pieces of Lifting Equipment You Need to Know About

August 8, 2022 Husnain Seo

When performing lifting tasks, selecting the tool for the job is essential for productivity, safety, and quality of work. According to the Health and Safety Executive, safe and successful lifting operations depend on the quality of lifting equipment and accessories used. As such, certain tools used in lifting equipment require proper selection and use to make your job easier, faster, and more effective.

Here are the most critical pieces of lifting equipment to inspect before operations:

Table of Contents

Eye Bolts

The eye bolt is one of the essential pieces of lifting equipment. Selecting and using eyebolts correctly can make the difference between a safe work environment and one that endangers people’s lives. Nut eyes, machinery eye bolts, and screw eye bolts are the most common types of eye bolts. All the three types come in two types—plain and shoulder type.

Eye Bolt Uses

Besides being used as a connection point for rigging, eye bolts are helpful in anchoring, pushing, hoisting, or pulling. The eye bolt’s design consists of a threaded shank with a ring/eye at one end. You must have a rope or cable fed through the ring to lift objects. An additional ring articulates around this first forged ring if it’s a ring bolt.

Eye Bolts Safety Precautions

Unrated eyebolts are typically less expensive and can only be used in low-load applications.

In addition, follow these safety precautions when using eye bolts:

Ensure it has been proof tested per the industry regulations such as ASTM A489.

Check if the eye bolt is made from bar quality fine grain steel bar.
Do not exceed the manufacturer’s rated capacity (the load a single eye bolt can lift when the load is applied through its shank).
Inspect and clean the eye bolt threads and the hole before use.
Align the loads to the plane of the eye, not at an angle to the plane
Never alter an eye bolt in any way (grinding, machining, or stamping it)

A qualified technician should always supervise the application, installation, and maintenance.

Lifting Chains

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Lifting chains are one of the most reliable ways to lift and tie down materials in various applications. They come in multiple options depending on the weight you want to lift—the higher the grade, the stronger and more resistant to breaking and stretching. The rule of thumb is to confirm each lifting chain’s grade and appropriate use to prevent accidents and damages.

Lifting Chain Uses

Primarily used in the construction industry, lifting chains are ideal when you need to move heavy and bulk loads such as heavy concrete, wood, or glass from the ground to the upper floors. However, applying all safety precautions for chain sling use is crucial. Before choosing chains for your lifts, inspect the site environment. For instance, chain or wire rope slings are corrosion resistant. You should also check load sizes and the different lifting points.

Lifting Chain Safety Precautions

Chains have a life span, even with proper care. As such, you should regularly inspect it to detect if there’s a strain. Follow these procedures to ensure safety for operators on site:

Use chains only within the prescribed workload limit.
Ensure load is evenly distributed always.
Always clean the chains properly after and before use, as oil and dirt can cause chain damage.
Check for gouges and nicks and ensure there are no corrosion signs.
Inspect the chain connectors to ensure no damage could compromise the chain itself.

Check the hook’s alignment to make sure it isn’t bent.
Remove it from service if you check your chain sling and are still not sure it’s safe for use.

Lifting/Runway Beams

A lifting beam is a popular below-the-hook lifting tool used to stabilize and support a load during an overhead lift. A simple lifting solution within a building or structure, a runway beam allows a

trolley to move freely across the beam’s length. In sum, it carries a load from one end to the other.

Lifting Beam Uses

This lifting tool can prove helpful when a construction project requires more flexibility. Runways allow loads to be raised, lowered, and moved along their path. They help keep the lifting

slings below the device to avoid damage to the load, rigging hardware, and lifting slings. In addition, beams help keep the slings from sliding off the load during the lift.

Lifting Beam Safety Precautions

The most crucial factor in runway beam is to choose the right type for your project. Do you need to provide multiple lifting points? Or does the project entails balance loads or special load attachments? Ensure the lifting beam is designed according to your company’s needs.

To ensure safety when handling lifting beams, take these precautions:

Ensure the attachment points on the load are above the center of gravity to keep your load stable.
Make sure only qualified operators are handling the beam.
Do not skip any pre-operational inspection.
Test your lifting beams before you put them to work

Store the lifting beam correctly.
Keep regular maintenance of the lifting beam.

In Conclusion

Lifting operations require great attention to safety and the equipment. This includes ensuring pieces of equipment, such as eye bolts, chains, and lifting beams, meet all industry safety requirements. Ensure they’re checked by experts and well maintained. Using them correctly according to the manufacturer’s specifications and following all safety procedures is also essential.