We all want to get things done quickly and efficiently on the job site, but overloading lifting equipment can come at a cost, and can put both your equipment and your workers at risk.
Manual hoists are a simple and effective method of lifting and handling small to medium loads, conveniently converting a small input of human energy into a large hoisting ability. However, when it comes to lifting, pulling or moving odd loads, it’s not always easy to know how much weight you’re putting on the hoist.
In accordance with Australian Standards, manual hoists are designed with a 4:1 ratio factor of safety, which means that technically a hoist can lift significantly higher loads than what they are rated for, however the rated capacity should never be exceeded as there is a point where the hoist will fail.
To alleviate this risk, the use of manual hoists fitted with overload protection, or OLP, are used to primarily prevent failure of the lifting equipment. Some blocks fitted with OLP devices can lock up when overload conditions are encountered. This generally requires additional machinery such as a crane or higher rated equipment, to safely lower the item being hoisted back to the ground - a time consuming, expensive and potentially dangerous process. However, Bullivants and Tiger manual hoisting products continue to operate and can safely lower equipment, if overloading conditions are experienced.
How Does Overload Protection Work?
OLP is designed to prevent catastrophic failure due to excessive overloading, by using a clutch mechanism on the input stage of a hoist. When the clutch detects an overload condition, the lever block handle or chain block hand chain will slip, preventing any additional load being applied, and allowing you to lower the load safely to the ground.
An OLP device won’t prevent a hoist from lifting a heavier load than it’s rated for, it will only engage when the ‘overload’ is excessive and leaning towards potential equipment failure. OLP devices not only protect the machinery from physical damage, but it also safeguards against injury or death.
Bullivants BVOLP and Tiger (by Bullivants) OLP range allows safe lifting, positioning, and lowering, ensuring you never excessively overload your manual hoist. The Bullivants and Tiger manual hoisting ranges can both be optioned with Overload Protection. Traditionally and predominantly used in the mining industry, manual hoists with overload protection are becoming more widely used across all major industries, as companies focus more and more on the safety of their workers.
“In my mind, it’s a must-have safety device particularly when load weights are hard to gauge. This is common during Shutdowns or other maintenance works, especially where temporary rigging will need to be utilised,” says Paul O’Halloran, Strategic Account Manager, Bullivants.
The integration of OLP devices in manual hoists offers a vital safeguard against the potentially expensive and hazardous consequences of overloading. And investing in the right equipment now could save you time, money and stress in the long run.
