5 Safety Rules You Should Follow When Using a Hydraulic Hoist
A hydraulic hoist is handy for lifting heavy loads. However, with that much power comes danger. One wrong move and you could end up losing a finger.
To make sure that your finger count remains at 10, be sure to follow these five hydraulic lift safety tips.
1. Don’t Get Complacent
Of the hundreds of cases of injuries reported in the manufacturing industry every year, a number of them could have been avoided if the operator had been following the safety protocols already in place.
Hydraulic lifts become a hazard only when operators become complacent when using them. They’re too comfortable, so they cut corners or put their hands where they shouldn’t be just to save time. Whenever operating such a machine, always keep in mind just how powerful it is and how much damage it could do if you’re not careful.
2. Use Barriers
It should be common sense, but people need to stay out of the area where a hydraulic lift is working. Unfortunately, some people will disregard that rule or not pay attention, leading them to inadvertently walk into a danger zone.
For that reason, barriers must be put in place so that nobody accidentally puts themselves at risk. This will vary depending on the location of the machine and what you use it for, but there are two basic types of barriers:
Gates
For large pieces of machinery, locked gates should be put around the machinery so that people cannot walk into a danger zone without realizing it.
Light Curtains
This safety feature can be placed around the most dangerous parts of machines. If your hand crosses them, they shut the machine down instantly, saving you from injury.
3. Keep Machines Maintained
When machines start malfunctioning, they can become dangerous. They may then require more manpower or special nudges to get the job done. However, that makes it easy to put yourself in danger.
Any time there is an unusual movement or sound, the machine should be inspected to try to find the source of the problem. Regular maintenance should also be scheduled to catch small problems before they get bigger.
4. Lock Down During Maintenance
If maintenance is being done on a hydraulic hoist, then it needs to be completely locked down. That means using a lock with a single key that you keep on your person. Lock the power supply up so that it can’t be accidentally turned on while the machine is being repaired or cleaned.
5. Monitor Hydraulic Hoist Usage
Monitoring who can use the hydraulic lift will help you make sure that only those who are properly trained and qualified are using it. Those who have not been trained should not have access.
While not every employee will need to know how to operate the hydraulic hoist, everyone who works there should receive ongoing training to be aware of the safety concerns involving this machinery.
Learn More
Now you know how to stay safe while working with a hydraulic lift. If you want to learn more about these machines and how they can help you with your business, contact us today.
