Posted By John Prictor I have seen on many occasions jib hooks on Overhead gantries and small cranes without a safety latch. I was under the impression that all hooks no matter where used must have this safety latch. Any help??

Posted By Eddie Campbell John It depends on the application. We have had an LTI in the distant past when a sling slipped off an unguarded hook and landed on a chap’s shoulder. The EOT was travelling along to position itself over a load. The crane came up against the stops, which caused the hook to swing, and the sling dropped off. The safety catch spring was found to be broken and thus the catch was ineffectual. All hooks and catches were checked and found to be sound. Except for the one that caused the LTI! An assessment of the type of hook, the type of work and the proximity of personnel to the operation would provide the answer to your question. Eddie