An overhead lift is a device used in manufacturing to move heavy objects. It has a control system, electric or pneumatic motor, and steel cable or rope. The operator requires specialized training, and maintenance involves inspecting the cable and greasing the drum.
An overhead lift is a device typically found in a manufacturing facility for lifting and moving heavy objects from one location to another. The control system can be wireless, connected to a long drop cable, or in a control cabinet connected to the hoist. The aerial lift has an electric or pneumatic motor that drives a reel loaded with steel cable or heavy rope. The common placement of the ceiling hoist is on a track to allow movement of the hoist to different workstations. Typically featuring a large steel hook for carrying items, other options include a scissor clamp instead of a hook.
When an overhead lift is used to move a large or heavy object across a work surface, a siren or horn is usually sounded to warn workers of the potential danger. On an overhead hoist used to move materials around a facility, the hoist is often equipped with a traction motor to help move the hoist along the track. Smaller hoists typically can be pulled by hand when lifting smaller objects onto a track system. On larger overhead hoist designs, an operator is commonly perched high above the floor and is actually controlling the movement of the hoist from a control booth attached to the hoist.
The typical operator of an overhead hoist is required to undergo specialized training in hoist operation before actually working with materials. In some situations where material handling is particularly difficult or fragile, a new operator may be required to act as an intern for a period of time before being able to work without direct supervision. Understanding weight loads and balance points is critical to safe hoist operation when lifting and moving large loads. In some applications, the hoist operator is not responsible for securing the lifting hook or vise to the moving object. Specialized personnel are occasionally employed to hook the hoist to moving objects.
Maintenance on a ceiling hoist is often limited to inspecting the cable and greasing the cable drum. Pneumatic hoists may require shorter maintenance intervals than an electric hoist; however, this is often subject to filters and water collection devices on the air lines that feed the hoist motor. Minimal fraying of the cable is typical with a ceiling hoist, however, any major damage or kinking of the cable should be repaired by cutting and reattaching the hook or clamp to avoid breaking the cable or falling materials.
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