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LOLER or PUWER?
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Borisgiles  
#1 Posted : 13 June 2011 16:16:23(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Borisgiles
I think I know the answer to this one but best to check... We use a chain hoist to lift a stillage out of a pit. Once above the level of the safety rail surrounding the pit we then use a small winch to pull the stillage past the safety rail towards the wall before using the the chain hoist to lower the stillage to the floor. Obviously the chain hoist is LOLER, but is the small winch LOLER or PUWER? It doesn't lift anything, it just pulls horizontally, but it is used in a lifting operation. Thanks in advance.
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MB1  
#2 Posted : 13 June 2011 16:44:11(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MB1
I would consider to place under LOLER, as you mention it is actually being used to assist in the lifting operation, in addition if it was decided to be suddenly used to actually lift itself then would be a pain to be inspected. As your chain hoist is being inspected the extra to have the winch inspected would be minimal expense?
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firesafety101  
#3 Posted : 13 June 2011 17:47:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
If you ask anyone what a chain hoist is used for you know what answer you will get? I recommend LOLER
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Ron Hunter  
#4 Posted : 13 June 2011 22:36:24(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter
Were the winch to fail, would the load be in danger of falling? I suspect not - therefore LOLER not applicable. I take it the chain hoist is on a carraige.
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DNW  
#5 Posted : 14 June 2011 06:47:18(UTC)
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DNW
PUWER for me. But if you're unsure go with LOLER, in doing so you will be complying with PUWER anyhow, though it will cost a little more time/money re inspections etc.
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Borisgiles  
#6 Posted : 14 June 2011 14:54:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Borisgiles
The chain block is not on a carriage it is attached to a roof joist so it pulls up vertically. If the winch failed, the load would not fall, but it would swing in to the safety rail around the pit, probably damaging it. Thanks for all your replies, but I think I'm going down the "If in doubt, it's LOLER" approach.
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