• Mar 20, 2025
• News

Precautions for the use of chain block

In order to ensure the safe and effective use of a hand chain hoist, certain recommendations for use need to be followed.

Chain blocks are the typical equipment for small and medium-sized lifting operations and offer a number of advantages, such as ease of operation and low investment costs. For more information on the advantages of chain blocks, you can check out this article. Although the chain block is commonly used in minor lifting tasks and is simple to handle, safety is a crucial factor that should not be overlooked when in use. If safety aspects are overlooked while in use, they may jeopardize the user's safety.

Pre-Use Inspections

To maintain safety and effective operation, the chain block must be thoroughly inspected before each usage. The hoist must undergo a thorough visual examination of all load-bearing components, such as the top hook, bottom hook, load chain, housing, and supporting frame, to look for deformation, cracks, corrosion, or any physical damage that could weaken the structure. Any sign of defect should disqualify the hoist until a qualified technician assesses it. Additionally, operators must ensure that moving parts operate smoothly by checking for free movement. The inspection should also involve a thorough examination of the hand and load chains for any kinks, twists, damage to individual links, or evidence of wear, as well as confirmation that the chains are correctly placed in the chain wheel without skipping, dropping, or jamming. Any faults discovered during these examinations must result in the immediate disqualification of the chain block until repairs are performed, as maintaining chain condition is crucial for safe and effective lifting operations.

Operating Chain Blocks Safely

The operation of the chain block is very simple and you can use it easily even if you have never used it before. When using it for the first time, you can follow the instructions below.

1. Chain Alignment and Gradual Tensioning:

Before applying any load, ensure both the hand chain and load chain are hanging straight and free of tangles, knots, or twists to prevent binding and ensure smooth operation. When starting a lift, pull the hand chain gradually and smoothly to take up any slack and slowly apply tension to the load, avoiding sudden jerks or abrupt movements that might shock load the hoist and cause instability. This methodical chain alignment and gradual tensioning help minimize shock loading and promote controlled, safe lifting.

2. Load Hook Alignment and Axial Loading:

For safe and efficient lifting, ensure that both the top and bottom hooks of the chain block are aligned vertically above the load's center of gravity so that the lifting force is applied directly along a single, intended axis. This axial loading minimizes side forces and prevents uneven loading, which can cause instability or damage. Verifying that both hooks exert force along the same vertical line is essential for achieving balanced and stable lifting operations.

3. Matching Force Direction to Chain Wheel:

When using a chain block, it is essential to ensure that the force applied to the hand chain aligns with the plane of the chain wheel, regardless of whether the block is used vertically, horizontally, or at an incline. Maintaining this alignment helps to ensure that the lifting force is applied in the intended direction, which minimizes the risk of chain jamming or the chain dropping from the wheel. Pulling at an angle that does not match the chain wheel's plane can create uneven loads and side forces, interrupting the lifting operation and potentially damaging the manual hoist. To avoid these issues, operators should consistently maintain the proper hand chain angle, ensuring that the force direction is in line with the chain wheel's rotation. This practice not only enhances the efficiency of the lifting process but also contributes to the overall safety and reliability of the equipment during use.

Load Capacity and Suspension

Safe chain block operation hinges on a clear understanding and strict adherence to load capacity limits and proper suspension point selection. Overloading a manual hoist or suspending it from an inadequate support structure can lead to failures and accidents.

1. Adequate Suspension Point Strength

Ensuring adequate suspension point strength is critical for safe chain block operation. The suspension point must have a load capacity of at least 1.05 times the rated load of the chain block to provide a 5% safety margin for dynamic loads and unexpected stresses. Before each lift, assess the structural capacity of the intended support—whether it is a beam, overhead structure, or dedicated lifting lug—to verify that it is designed and certified to handle the combined weight of the hoist, lifting accessories, and the maximum rated load. It is also essential to avoid makeshift or unverified suspension points, such as pipes, conduits, or lightly constructed brackets, which are not specifically engineered for overhead lifting.

1. Synchronized Operation and Load Distribution for Multiple Chain Blocks

When multiple chain blocks are used to lift a single, long, or irregularly shaped load, synchronized operation and proper load distribution are essential. All operators must coordinate their efforts by pulling their respective hand chains at the same rate to maintain a level lift and prevent any one hoist from becoming overloaded. Additionally, each chain block should not be loaded beyond 70% of its rated capacity, providing a necessary safety margin to account for uneven load distribution, potential synchronization errors, and dynamic load variations during the lift.

Prolonged Suspension and Regular Maintenance

Beyond daily operational precautions, consider these additional safety measures for specific scenarios and for maintaining the long-term reliability and safety of your chain blocks:

• When a load needs to be suspended for an extended period, it is essential to secure the chain block by tying the hand chain to the lifting chain. Although chain blocks are equipped with self-locking mechanisms designed to hold loads, these devices may experience gradual creep or even failure over time under constant load. To prevent any risk of unintentional load descent, operators should use rope or straps to tie the hand chain to the lifting chain, creating a secondary safety measure.
• If the chain block has been used for more than 3 months or has been unused for a long period of time, it should be disassembled, cleaned, inspected and filled with lubricating oil. For the existence of missing parts, structural damage or serious wear and tear of machine parts, etc., must be repaired or replaced before use.

Conclusion

The precautions to be taken when using a hand chain hoist are not just about complying with regulations, they also help to protect the operator and maintain workplace stability.