If your business involves using and operating heavy equipment and lifting machines, it’s absolutely crucial that you operate these machines safely to avoid severe injuries. We have broken down our basic do’s and don’ts of winch safety to help keep you and your employees safe from the risks. Keep reading to find out more!
What Is A Winch?
A winch is a hauling or lifting device and a strong piece of machinery used in lots of different industries. Winches are commonly found on boats, but they can also be used in a range of construction projects and other trades. You may also find towing winches, designed for large towing vehicles.
Winches are industrial pieces of equipment that should be used with extreme caution.
Safety Measures
When it comes to your winch safety,it’s important to train your employees and make everyone aware of the proper methods, as well as the potential risks. Even those who won’t be directly operating the winch should be aware of the potential hazards.
Do’s
- Store your ropes and handle winches correctly
- Inform everyone of the potential risks
- Ensure that everyone wears the appropriate safety wear (goggles, gloves…etc)
- Always inspect the winch before use, to ensure it is safe to operate
- Make sure any mounting or suspension points are secure and suitable for specific loads
- Use the appropriate speed settings
- Keep your hands and feet clear of the drums and ropes at all times
Don’ts
- Never operate the winch in the opposite direction as directed
- Use ropes or drums that are not secure
- Use the winch if a rope is twisted or wrapped somewhere
- Do not interfere with the winch or stand in the way whilst someone else is operating the winch
These are just our basic guidelines to winch safety, and informing everyone who will be using it is a wise decision. Your winch should also come with some precautionary guidelines you can share with other employees.
Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services
Here at Atlas Winch Hire & Hoist Services, we offer an excellent range of winches and hoist machines. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, we have options to suit any of our customers. We understand the importance of working with safe machinery, and all of our products are of the highest quality, so you don’t need to worry about faulty machinery or a potential hazard.
For further enquiries about what we do or how we can help, feel free to contact us today at info@winchhire.com to find out more! Our team will be happy to help you find what you’re looking for.