What You Should Know About Chain And Lever Blocks

Manual chain and lever blocks are commonly used for heavy duty lifting and materials handling operations. Lever blocks are designed for lifting, lowering or tensioning loads. Providing the load chain remains straight, it can be used in both vertical and horizontal applications. Chain blocks are used for lifting, lowering or extracting loads in a vertical application only.

Know Your Load

Exceeding the rated capacity of the chain block is the major cause of load failures and injuries within Australian workplaces each year.

Know the capacities of your loads to ensure you match the load with the correct block. The application, size and the type of load must be taken into consideration in selecting the right block for your lift. Some hoists like the Beaver Chain and Lever Blocks are colour coded to make selection easier and safer.

Inspect Your Block

Not inspecting your chain or lever block prior to each use can cause potential risk if the chain is twisted or obvious external damage to the block can cause the load to drop.

Frequent and periodic inspections should be carried out on all chain and lever blocks:

• Frequent Inspection – A visual examination by the operator should be performed prior to each use -by checking load chain, hand chain, top and bottom hooks/latches and the brake mechanism.
• Periodic inspections – A certified check conducted every 12months by a certified competent inspector. This Inspection is a certified check in compliance with AS1418.

Minimise Other Common Risks

• Never overload or shock your block
• Ensure slings or attachments are secured properly
• Never run the hook assembly into the body of the block
• Do not Lift Loads Over People
• Do Not Leave a Suspended Load Unattended