Hook operating practices

1.       some safe operating practices that should be observed when using hooks are:

(1)    hooks of different types should be used only for their intend purpose.e.g. foundry hook has a wide, deep throat to fit for handles on molds and castings; Grab hook has a narrow throat and is used to hold a length of chain by engaging one link flat in the hook between two other chain links; The sorting hook has a point designed to fit into holes. Some choker slings are fitted with a sliding choker hook that engages the eye of the sling.

(2)    The weight of the load to be lifted should not exceed the rate load of the hook or of the hoist equipment or sling assembly of which the hook is a component.

(3)    Loads applied to hooks should be centered in the hook saddle—not on the point of the hook

(4)    Shock loading, such as sudden, jerky lifting of the load, should be avoided.

(5)    If you use a latch or other device to close the throat of a hook, be careful not to apply the load to the closing device.

(6)    Take care to keep hands, fingers, and body from between the hook and the load.

2.       hooks should be inspected frequently and periodically. Frequent inspections are visual examinations the operator should make every day before using the equipment. Periodic inspections should be conducted at regular intervals by specially designated inspectors. The length of inspector intervals depends uopn the type of hook service. Records shoule be maintained as a basis for continuing evaluation.

3.       the  followiing are some of the reasons for removing a hook from service and replcing it:

(1)    hook throat has increased by more than 15%.

(2)    Wear exceeds 10% of the original hook section dimension, or there is a bend or twist of more than 10°from the plane of the unbent hook.

(3)    Hook shows cracks, excessive nicks, or gouges. These damages can sometimes be repaired by filing along the hook contour. The hook can not be reused, however, if the filing reduces any dimension by more than 10% of its original value.

(4)    The portions that form the throat of a grab hook are not parallel.

4.       twist or increase in throat opening is often an indication of abuse or overload of the equipment. In such instances, other components of the sling or hoisting mechanism should also be inspected for damage.

TOOLEE GROUP INC.