Hoists are usually used in warehouses, boats and on construction sites, allowing for heavy objects to be moved vertically. Hoists are primarily used by lifting or lowering a load, usually by wrapping a cable, rope or chain around a lift-wheel or drum. Hoists can be used for a range of different purposes and can be considered an essential piece of equipment. Although the hoist can be used for a range of tasks, it is important to remember that there are different types of hoists and the way they are used varies. At Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services, we know how these machines can make your job easier. That’s why we provide our customers with a varied selection of hoists to buy or hire. Whether it be a mobile hoist, heavy-duty winch or lifting gear, we have got you covered.
From the different types of hoists to the health and safety regulations you should follow when using them, take a look at Atlas Winch & Hoist Services’ guide to hoists.
When and Where Are They Used?
Hoists are typically found on construction sites to transport goods vertically. Hoists actually differ from cranes in the sense that cranes move both vertically and horizontally. What sets hoists apart from lifts is that lifts are usually used for public access, not to transport goods. Usually, big projects such as the building of dams, hospitals and high-rise buildings demand the need for the hoisting equipment. But in general, if lifting and moving heavy loads such as cargo, construction materials and engines is required, then hoists are the perfect tool to complete the job.
What Are The Different Types of Hoists?
There are also different types of hoists which each have their own benefits and uses. It can sometimes be difficult knowing which hoist would be best for the task ahead. See a quick overview of the different types of hoists to determine which would be best for you.
Manual Hoist
These hoists, which can also be labelled as chain falls, are hand chain operated lifting devices. This type of hoist uses two different chains, with one chain used to control the lifting and the other to support the load. This hoist could be best known for its versatility, as it is suitable for a wide range of lifting tasks.
Whilst the manual hoist has other advantages like being cheaper than alternative options and having the option to easily travel around with it due to its portability, this doesn’t mean it does not have its setbacks. For instance, because this is a hand chain operated lifting device this means that it requires a lot more work to lift the heavier loads, therefore putting a smaller weight limit on what can be lifted. Another disadvantage could be the longer lifting time compared to other hoists. It could be said that this hoist is more appropriate for situations where there is no electricity or power source available.
Electric Hoist
Electric hoists are different from manual hoists because they allow the lifting of heavy goods to be a seamless process. Not only do they allow you to work faster and more efficiently than the manual hoist, but these hoists also have a much wider range of lifting capacity. The electric motor allows this hoist to be particularly powerful when lifting heavy loads, and also allows the operator to have control when it comes to lifting, lowering and dictating how fast the hoist is going. If lifting is made easier, then this means that your project does not compromise on safety, allowing you to protect the load and whoever is operating the hoist.
Hydraulic Hoist
These types of hoists are different to manual and electric hoists because they are instead powered by hydraulic oil. Considering that they are powered by this oil, this means that they are 100% duty cycle which allows them to be in constant use. This is particularly useful for production environments, as it allows for a load to be lifted from a greater height.
Mobile Hoist
It might be obvious, but these hoists are especially useful because they can be dismantled and moved onto another location. These mobile hoists have the ability to lift material loads of heights up to thirty metres. Although these hoists each have their own advantages, they all require lifting slings that allow the heavy loads to actually be transported.
At Atlas Winch & Hire Services, we take pride in supplying our customers with a whole range of different hoists to suit different needs. Supplying different types of hoists that have a load capacity of 500kg to 75tonne, we have a hoist that would be a welcomed addition to any project. Explore our range of hoists to find out more.
Health and Safety When Using Mobile Hoists
When using hoists, there are certain health and safety regulations that you need to follow to ensure that the project you are undertaking is safe. Before you use a hoist, it is good practice to do the following:
Wear Personal Protective Equipment
When operating a hoist, it is imperative that you are wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Wearing PPE when using a hoist is essential to avoid any injuries or accidents, especially when you consider the heavy loads that you are dealing with.
See the list of PPE that should be considered essential:
- Ear Protection – Using hoists like this can sometimes be a loud operation. Ear protection helps to minimise the amount of noise reaching the inner ear.
- Protective Clothing – Protective clothing is important when undertaking any task, as it protects your skin from the machine and any debris.
- Safety Boots or Shoes – This piece of PPE is particularly important because of the weight of the load you are dealing with. If the contents of the load were to fall onto your feet, then this could result in a serious injury. It is therefore vital that you have the correct footwear to protect you. Not only this, protective shoes minimise the risk of falls and prevent muscle strain.
- Gloves – The use of gloves is particularly important if you are using a manual hoist. This is because this is actually lifted by the operator itself. The gloves provide a better grip but also protect your hands from cuts and scratches.
Check Equipment Before Use
Before you begin to use the hoist, you should check to ensure that everything is safe and operating as intended. If you notice any defects or any parts that are not working then this can result in a health and safety risk. Regularly checking the equipment keeps yourself and your colleagues safe by reducing the likelihood of injuries. If you start using a hoist that is faulty, then this can have catastrophic consequences. For instance, checking that the lifting sling is securely fastened to the hoist means that the load can be safely transported.
Clear the Area
No matter what project you work on, there will inevitably be mess. Each site can have its fair share of debris and waste, but did you know this can actually be a health and safety risk. Not only does having a clean and clutter-free workspace contribute to productivity, but it also prevents the risk of injury.
Clear Signage
Having clear signage on the site means that both staff and visitors are informed of any possible risks, whilst reminding the site to remain compliant with health and safety guidance. Some of the signs that you might see would be ‘High visibility jackets worn at all times’ and ‘safety helmets must be worn’.
Atlas Winch & Hoist Services: The Hoist Company You Can Rely On
If you are looking to either purchase or hire a hoist, then Atlas Winch & Hoist Services could be just the company for you. Specialising in all things lifting gear and slings, we know what it takes to provide you with hoisting equipment that you can depend on. No matter the size of the project you are undertaking, we have got the perfect hoist for you. Not only that, but we also provide servicing and repairs for all different types of hoists and lifting gear. To find out more about the services that we offer, visit our website today. Alternatively, give us a call on 01899 221 577 for Scotland or 01371 859 555 for Essex. A member of our team will be happy to help.
