Date of Issue: August 4, 2005

Hazard Summary

The Lunenburg style winches, as shown at right, do not have failsafe braking systems to prevent hoist brake slippage in the event of operator error.

Timing, weather conditions, and onsite modifications have all contributed to the occasional loss of suspended loads endangering personnel in the working area.

These hoists are not rated by the manufacturer or by an engineer for safe working loads as a hoisting apparatus.

Preventive Measures

Operations using such systems should:

• Undertake a thorough risk assessment and have an engineer review the system and determine the safe working load
• Have the safe working load posted on the winch/hoist
• If a safe working load cannot be determined the equipment should be replaced with equipment that is designed, manufactured, and certified for hoisting
• Have a designated, competent operator manning the system and conducting inspections as required by the Occupational Safety General Regulations (sections 72 through 76)

Note

Employers must consider the following relevant laws: 13(1)(f) of the Occupational Heath and Safety Act - Every employer shall take every precaution that is reasonable in the circumstances to conduct the employer's undertaking so that employees are not exposed to health or safety hazards as a result of the undertaking.

Part 7 - Hoists and Mobile Equipment, Occupational Safety General Regulations - section 73(2) ... an employer shall obtain a statement of the rated load of the hoist from the manufacturer ... or section 73(3) where the statement referred to in 73(2) cannot be obtained, an employer shall obtain a statement of the rated load from an engineer.