Hoisting if done improperly can present hazards to the operator and other workers in the vicinity. But; if proper precautions and techniques for operation; inspection; maintenance and repair are followed; the risks can be reduced. Using hoists safely can be broken down into several areas, the most important being safe operation.
 

Operators of hoists should be told to:

Know and do not exceed the safe load limit of the hoisting equipment

Check controls to see that the proper reaction results from the operation of a certain control

Check pendant control cable cuts; kinking; or signs of wear

Visually check hoist cables for fraying; kinking; crushing; and twisting of the cables between the cable and the drum

Look at the hoist drum for proper cable alignment; stacking of the cable on the drum; and cable alignment in the drum guides

Visually inspect the hook for cracks; bending; or distortion; and the safety latch for proper operation

Never operate the hoist if it is not physically fit

Never attempt to lengthen or repair the load chain

Read and follow manufacturer's instructions and all instructions and warnings on the hoist

Position the hoist directly over the load

Pull in a straight line so that neither hoist body nor load chain or rope are angled around anything

After the hook is placed in the lifting ring; apply slight pressure to the hoist to ensure that the lifting ring is seated in the bottom of the hook and that the hook is properly aligned

Between lifts; check to see that the rope is properly reeved on the drum

Attach sufficient guide ropes to control the unit being moved

Check the intended movement path to see that it is clear of people and obstructions and to see if the intended destination is ready to receive the load

Never tamper with any part of the hoist

Check brakes for excessive drift

Be sure there is proper clearance for movement

Get positioned on the pendant side of the hoist to get maximum clearance from the load and to prevent entanglement of cables

Avoid sudden starts; stops or reverses to avoid shock loading

Raise the load only high enough to avoid obstructions

Never hoist loads over workers - wait until area is vacated

Never permit the operator or guide rope handlers to become distracted

Be alert for any variation of hoist operation and any possible malfunction

Not leave a load suspended in the air - if a short delay is unavoidable, lock the controls

Not allow unqualified personnel to operate hoists

Never carry anyone on the hood or load

Not operate hoist to extreme limits of chain or rope

Avoid sharp contact between two hoists; between hoist and end post, and between hooks and hoist body

Never use the hoist rope or chain as a sling

Never use chain or rope as ground for welding nor touch a live welding electrode to the chain or rope