How to ensure the safety of manual chain hoists in agriculture?

How to ensure the safety of manual chain hoists in agriculture?

1. Inspection before use

1.1 Check the integrity of the equipment
Before using a manual chain hoist in agriculture, a comprehensive inspection of the integrity of the equipment must be carried out. This includes checking whether the key components of the hoist, such as the housing, chain, hook, brake, etc., are complete and undamaged. According to relevant safety operating procedures, any deformation, crack or damage to any part of the equipment may lead to serious safety accidents. For example, the chain is the core component of the manual chain hoist, and its integrity is crucial. If the chain breaks or deforms, it may cause the heavy object to fall suddenly, causing casualties or equipment damage. Therefore, each link of the chain should be carefully checked before use to ensure that there is no wrong button and no excessive wear (it is strictly forbidden to use when the chain diameter wear reaches 15%).

1.2 Check the chain and hook
The chain and hook are key components of the manual chain hoist, and their status directly affects the safety of use. The chain should not be twisted or used in a single strand, and the degree of wear of the chain should be within the allowable range. The hook must be firm and reliable, without deformation, cracks or excessive wear. According to the safety operating procedures, the hook should be replaced immediately when the wear exceeds 10%. In addition, the opening of the hook should not exceed 15% of the original size, otherwise its safety will be reduced. In actual operation, professional measuring tools should be used to check the chain and hook to ensure that they meet safety standards. For example, in agricultural scenarios, if heavy agricultural products or equipment need to be lifted, the reliability of the chain and hook is particularly important. Once a problem occurs, it may cause the heavy objects to fall, causing serious personal injury and property loss.

2. Operator requirements

2.1 Professional training
Operators who use manual chain hoists in agriculture must receive professional training. The training content should include the basic principles of the equipment, operating procedures, safety precautions and emergency response measures. According to relevant safety regulations, personnel who have not received professional training are not allowed to operate manual chain hoists. The training should cover the following:
Equipment principle and structure: Operators need to understand the basic working principle of manual chain hoists, including the transmission mechanism of the chain, the role of the brake, and the load-bearing method of the hook. For example, understanding how the tension of the chain is transmitted to the hook through the gears can help operators avoid overload operation during use.
Operational procedures and specifications: The training should explain the operating procedures in detail, including how to properly install the equipment, how to lift and lower heavy objects, and how to avoid unsafe operations such as oblique pulling and lifting. According to the safe operating procedures, operators should remain stable when pulling the chain and avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration to avoid chain jamming or breaking.
Safety precautions: Operators must be familiar with and strictly abide by the safe operating procedures. For example, overload lifting is strictly prohibited, and the lifting weight must not exceed the rated load of the equipment. In addition, operators should understand the safety operation requirements in different environments. For example, when used in a humid environment, pay attention to electrical insulation to prevent leakage.
Emergency response measures: Training should also include emergency response measures, such as how operators should take quick measures to avoid casualties and property losses when the equipment fails or heavy objects fall. For example, when a chain jam is found, the operation should be stopped immediately, and the heavy objects should be padded before maintenance.

2.2 Wearing protective equipment
When operating a manual chain hoist, the operator must wear appropriate protective equipment to reduce the risk of accidents that may occur during operation. Protective equipment should include but is not limited to the following:
Safety helmet: In an agricultural environment, operators may face the risk of falling objects from above, such as branches, tools, etc. Wearing a safety helmet can effectively protect the head and avoid head injuries.
Protective gloves: When operating a manual chain hoist, the hands may come into contact with metal parts such as chains and hooks, which are prone to scratches or crushing injuries. Wearing protective gloves can protect the hands and also provide better grip.
Anti-slip shoes: During the operation, the operator needs to walk and stand on different terrains. Anti-slip shoes can provide good grip to prevent slipping, especially in wet or muddy environments.
Protective glasses: During the lifting process, there may be dust, debris and other splashes that may cause damage to the eyes. Wearing protective glasses can effectively protect the eyes and avoid eye injuries.
Earplugs or earmuffs: If the operating environment is noisy, such as in a machining workshop or a large farm, wearing earplugs or earmuffs can protect hearing and avoid hearing loss caused by long-term exposure to high noise environments.
Through professional training and wearing appropriate protective equipment, the safety awareness and operating skills of operators can be significantly improved, thereby effectively reducing the safety risks when using manual chain hoists in agriculture.

3. Preparation of the operating environment

3.1 Ensure the safety of the operating area
When using manual chain hoists in agriculture, the safety of the operating area is crucial. The following are key measures to ensure the safety of the operating area:
Clear debris: The operating area should be kept clean and all debris that may hinder operation or cause people to trip should be removed. For example, on a farm, stones, branches, tools, etc. on the ground should be cleared to ensure that the operator has enough space to move.
Set up a cordon: Set up a clear cordon around the operating area to prevent unauthorized personnel from entering. Especially when lifting heavier agricultural products or equipment, the cordon can effectively prevent people from mistakenly entering the dangerous area.
Check the stability of the ground: The ground in the operating area must be firm and flat to avoid equipment tipping or sliding due to ground collapse or unevenness. For example, in farmland, if the ground is too soft or muddy, reinforcement measures should be taken, such as laying steel plates or pads.
Avoid bad weather: In bad weather conditions (such as strong winds, heavy rains, lightning, etc.), the manual chain hoist should be stopped. According to relevant safety regulations, lifting operations are prohibited when the wind force exceeds level 6. Bad weather will not only increase the difficulty of operation, but may also cause the equipment to lose control or be damaged.

3.2 Check the suspension support point
The firmness and stability of the suspension support point are key factors to ensure the safe use of the manual chain hoist. The following are the specific requirements for checking the suspension support point:
Check the firmness of the support point: The support point of the suspension manual chain hoist must be firm and reliable to withstand the total weight of the equipment and heavy objects. For example, in agricultural scenarios, if steel beams or wooden beams are used as support points, they should be checked for cracks, deformation or corrosion. According to the safety operating procedures, the bearing capacity of the support point should be at least 1.5 times the rated load of the manual chain hoist.
Avoid oblique pulling and lifting: The suspension support point should be kept vertical to the hook of the manual chain hoist, and oblique pulling and lifting are strictly prohibited. Oblique pulling and lifting will cause uneven force on the chain and increase the risk of chain breakage. In actual operation, it should be ensured that the center of gravity of the hook and the weight are on the same vertical line to ensure the safety of operation.
Check the connection part of the support point: If the support point is fixed by welding or bolting, check whether the connection part is firm and reliable. For example, the welding point should be free of defects such as cracks and incomplete penetration, and the bolts should be tightened and not loose. According to relevant standards, the tightening torque of the bolts should meet the design requirements.
Check the support point regularly: During use, the status of the suspension support point should be checked regularly, especially under frequent use or heavy loads. For example, a comprehensive inspection should be carried out at least once a month to promptly discover and deal with potential safety hazards.

4. Operation process specifications

4.1 Comply with the operation steps
When using manual chain hoists in agriculture, strictly following the operation steps is the key to ensure safety. The following are detailed operation steps and precautions:
Installation and debugging: When installing a manual chain hoist, make sure that the center of gravity of the hook and the weight are on the same vertical line to avoid oblique pulling and lifting due to improper installation. After the installation is completed, a trial run should be carried out to check whether the chain is smooth and whether the brake is flexible and reliable. For example, when pulling the chain, make sure that the chain is not blocked and the brake can brake quickly to prevent the weight from sliding down.
Lifting operation: Before lifting, make sure that the weight is correctly mounted on the hook and the opening direction of the hook is correct to prevent the weight from slipping. When lifting, the operator should pull the chain slowly to avoid sudden force to avoid chain jamming or breaking. According to the safety operating procedures, the chain should be kept vertical during lifting, and it is strictly forbidden to twist the chain or use a single strand. For example, when lifting heavier agricultural products, operators should maintain a steady operating speed to avoid shaking or falling of the heavy objects due to improper operation.
Staying and fixing in the air: When the heavy objects need to stay in the air for a long time, the hand chain should be tied to the lifting chain, and a safety rope should be added to the heavy objects. This measure can effectively prevent accidents of heavy objects sliding down due to brake failure. For example, in agricultural scenarios, if heavy objects need to be lifted to a high place for installation or maintenance, the safety rope can provide additional safety protection to prevent the heavy objects from falling accidentally.
Lowering operation: When lowering the heavy objects, the chain should also be pulled slowly to avoid suddenly loosening the chain, causing the heavy objects to fall quickly. When the heavy objects are close to the ground, more care should be taken to ensure that the heavy objects land smoothly. According to the safety operating procedures, after lowering the heavy objects, the hook and chain of the manual chain hoist should be put away to avoid accidents in subsequent operations.

4.2 Avoid overloading and oblique pulling
Overloading and oblique pulling are common causes of safety accidents of manual chain hoists and must be strictly avoided:
Overloading is strictly prohibited: The rated load of the manual chain hoist is determined according to its design and material strength. Overloading can cause equipment damage and even cause serious safety accidents. According to the safety operating procedures, the operator should clarify the rated load of the equipment before use and ensure that the lifting weight does not exceed this value. For example, if the rated load of the manual chain hoist is 1 ton, and the lifting weight exceeds 1 ton, it may cause the chain to break or the hook to deform, causing casualties and equipment damage.
Avoid oblique pulling and lifting: Oblique pulling and lifting will cause uneven force on the chain and increase the risk of chain breaking. According to the safety operating procedures, the center of gravity of the hook and the weight should be kept on the same vertical line, and oblique pulling and lifting are strictly prohibited. In actual operation, if it is found that the center of gravity of the hook and the weight are not on the same vertical line, the hook position or the mounting method of the weight should be adjusted to ensure the safety of the operation. For example, in agricultural scenarios, if an irregularly shaped heavy object needs to be lifted, the hook should be aligned with the center of gravity of the heavy object to avoid safety accidents caused by oblique lifting.

5. Safety device inspection

5.1 Check the brake
The brake is a key safety device for manual chain hoists, and its performance directly affects the safety of the equipment. When using manual chain hoists in agriculture, the inspection of the brake is essential.
Check the flexibility of the brake: The brake should be able to respond quickly to the operator's actions to ensure timely braking when the chain is pulled. According to relevant safety standards, the braking time of the brake should be less than 0.5 seconds. For example, in actual operation, the operator can observe whether the brake can brake quickly to prevent the heavy object from sliding down by pulling the chain and suddenly releasing it.
Check the reliability of the brake: The reliability of the brake is the key to ensuring safety. The friction pad of the brake should be checked regularly for excessive wear and whether the spring is loose or damaged. According to the safety operating procedures, when the wear of the friction pad exceeds 30% of the original thickness, it should be replaced immediately. In addition, the elasticity of the spring should be kept good to ensure that the brake can withstand sufficient braking force. For example, in agricultural scenarios, if the friction pad of the brake is severely worn, it may cause the brake to fail, causing the heavy object to fall suddenly and cause a safety accident.
Check the adjustment of the brake: The adjustment of the brake should ensure that it can work normally under the rated load. According to relevant standards, the braking force of the brake should be able to withstand 1.2 times the rated load of the equipment. During the inspection, you can simulate the lifting of the rated load to observe whether the brake can brake stably and prevent the heavy object from sliding down.

5.2 Check the self-locking device
The self-locking device is another important safety device of the manual chain hoist. It can automatically lock when the equipment fails or the operation is wrong to prevent the heavy object from falling.
Check the sensitivity of the self-locking device: The self-locking device should be able to respond and lock quickly when the chain is abnormal. According to relevant safety standards, the response time of the self-locking device should be less than 0.3 seconds. For example, in actual operation, you can simulate the situation of chain jamming or breaking to observe whether the self-locking device can lock quickly to prevent the heavy object from falling.
Check the reliability of the self-locking device: The reliability of the self-locking device is the key to ensuring safety. The mechanical parts of the self-locking device should be checked regularly for wear or damage to ensure that they can work properly. According to the safety operating procedures, the mechanical parts of the self-locking device should be replaced immediately when the wear exceeds 20% of the original thickness. In addition, the locking force of the self-locking device should be checked to ensure that it can be stably locked under the rated load. For example, in agricultural scenarios, if the mechanical parts of the self-locking device are severely worn, it may cause self-locking failure, causing the heavy object to fall suddenly, causing a safety accident.
Check the adjustment of the self-locking device: The adjustment of the self-locking device should ensure that it can automatically lock when the equipment is abnormal. According to relevant standards, the locking force of the self-locking device should be able to withstand 1.5 times the rated load of the equipment. During the inspection, you can simulate the abnormal situation of the equipment to observe whether the self-locking device can be stably locked to prevent the heavy object from falling.

6. Maintenance and care

6.1 Regular lubrication
Regular lubrication is an important part of ensuring the normal operation and extending the service life of the manual chain hoist. Lubrication can reduce friction between components such as chains and gears, reduce wear rate, and improve the operating efficiency and safety of the equipment. According to the relevant maintenance guidelines, the chain and gears of the manual chain hoist should be lubricated every two weeks. In agricultural environments, due to the high dust and impurities, the lubrication cycle may need to be shortened to once a week. It is crucial to use the right lubricant, and the lubricant model recommended by the equipment manufacturer should be selected. For example, for the chain, a lubricant with rust and corrosion protection should be used to prevent the chain from rusting due to long-term exposure to a humid environment. During the lubrication process, it should be ensured that the lubricant is evenly applied to each link of the chain and each tooth surface of the gear. In addition, a trial run should be carried out after lubrication to check whether the equipment is operating normally.

6.2 Regularly check chain wear
The chain is the core component of the manual chain hoist, and its degree of wear directly affects the safety and reliability of the equipment. Regularly checking chain wear is a key measure to prevent equipment failures and safety accidents. According to relevant safety standards, when the chain wear reaches 15% of the original diameter, the chain should be stopped and replaced immediately. In agricultural scenarios, the chain may wear faster due to frequent use and heavy load operations, so it is recommended to conduct a detailed chain wear inspection once a month. When checking, professional measuring tools such as vernier calipers should be used to measure the diameter of the chain and the thickness of the chain ring. In addition to diameter wear, the chain should also be checked for deformation, cracks or twisting. If the chain is found to have obvious deformation or cracks, it should be replaced immediately even if the wear amount does not meet the standard. Regular inspection of chain wear can not only detect potential safety hazards in time, but also effectively extend the service life of the chain.

7. Emergency treatment measures

7.1 Chain jam treatment
When using manual chain hoists in agriculture, chain jam is a common emergency situation, and improper handling may cause equipment damage or safety accidents. The following are specific measures to deal with chain jams:
Stop operation immediately: When the chain is found to be jammed, the operator should stop pulling the chain immediately to avoid chain breakage or equipment damage due to forced operation.
Check the cause of the jam: Under the premise of ensuring safety, carefully check the specific cause of the chain jam. Common causes include chain entanglement, foreign body jamming, or connection problems between the chain and the hook. For example, in agricultural scenarios, foreign objects such as branches and tools may fall into the chain, causing the chain to get stuck.
Clean foreign objects: If the chain is stuck due to foreign objects, the foreign objects should be carefully cleaned. Use appropriate tools such as pliers or wrenches to remove the foreign objects. During the cleaning process, the safety of the operator should be ensured to avoid hand injuries due to improper operation.
Adjust the chain: If the chain is stuck due to chain entanglement or improper connection, the position of the chain should be carefully adjusted. Ensure that the chain is smooth and unobstructed, and the connection with the hook is firm and reliable. During the adjustment process, avoid applying excessive external force to the chain to avoid deformation or damage to the chain.
Check the equipment: Chain jam may affect other parts of the equipment, so after cleaning foreign objects or adjusting the chain, other parts of the equipment should be fully checked. Including key parts such as chains, hooks, brakes, etc., to ensure that they are not damaged or abnormal. If any problems are found, they should be repaired or replaced in time.
Conduct a trial run: After completing the above inspections and adjustments, a trial run should be conducted. Pull the chain slowly to observe whether the chain is smooth and whether the brake works properly. If any abnormality is found during the trial run, the operation should be stopped immediately for further inspection and repair.

7.2 Equipment Fault Handling
Manual chain hoists may experience various equipment failures during use. Timely and correct handling of faults is the key to ensuring safety and reducing losses. The following are specific measures for equipment fault handling:
Stop operation immediately: When a fault is found in the equipment, such as brake failure, chain breakage, or hook damage, the operator should stop the operation immediately. Avoid more serious safety accidents caused by continued use of faulty equipment.
Cut off the power supply (if any): When handling equipment failure, if the equipment is connected to the power supply (such as electric hoist), the power supply should be cut off immediately. This can effectively prevent electric shock accidents caused by electrical failures.
Set warning signs: Set obvious warning signs around the faulty equipment to prevent irrelevant personnel from approaching. For example, in agricultural scenarios, warning tapes or warning signs can be used to remind people around to pay attention to safety.
Check the cause of the fault: On the premise of ensuring safety, carefully check the specific cause of the equipment failure. Common causes of failure include brake wear, excessive chain wear, hook damage, gear jamming, etc. For example, if the brake fails, it may be caused by excessive wear of the friction plate or loose spring.
Contact professional maintenance personnel: For complex equipment failures, professional maintenance personnel should be contacted immediately for processing. Professional maintenance personnel have rich experience and expertise, and can diagnose and repair faults quickly and accurately. While waiting for the arrival of maintenance personnel, the site should be protected to prevent the faulty equipment from being misoperated.
Record fault information: Record the time, phenomenon, cause and treatment process of equipment failure in detail. This information is of great significance for analyzing the cause of the failure, improving the equipment maintenance plan, and preventing similar failures from happening again. For example, by recording fault information, it is possible to find problems that are prone to occur in equipment under specific environments or conditions of use, so as to take targeted preventive measures.
Perform equipment inspection and maintenance: After the fault is repaired, the equipment should be fully inspected and maintained. Including lubricating the chain, checking the wear of key components such as brakes and hooks. Ensure that the equipment can operate normally after repair to avoid recurrence due to residual problems.