GENERAL WARNINGS

Before Operating:

DO NOT operate without having received, read and understood manufacturer’s operating instructions.
DO NOT lift people or carry loads above people.
DO NOT lift more than Rated Load.
DO NOT operate malfunctioning unit or one with “out-of-service” tag attached.
DO NOT use lifter for any purpose(s) other than those designated by manufacturer’s operating instructions.
DO NOT lift load higher than necessary or leave it suspended unattended.
DO NOT use a lifter when capacity, weight or safety markings are missing.
DO NOT make alterations or modifications to lifter.
DO NOT lift load that is not properly balanced for safe lifting.
DO NOT remove or obscure any labels or safety markings.

Operator must closely monitor the lifter’s performance during the lifting procedure. Operator shall stop using the lifter immediately if improper performance or function is observed.
Operator shall be familiar with standard hand signals for crane operating.
Operator should respond to signals from a Designated Person only. Always obey stop signals from anyone.
If the operator considers a load to be unsafe, do not move the load until obtaining clearance from a Qualified Person.
The operator should inspect the lifter before using. Any deficiencies found shall be examined by a Qualified Person in accordance standard suggested inspection and maintenance procedures.
Pay attention to what you are doing. Do not allow yourself to be distracted from what you are doing.
Store empty lifter in proper place and in a position where the lifter can not fall or move on its own or by accident.

The lifter should not be loaded in excess of its Rated Load.
The combined weight of the lifter and load should not exceed the Rated Load of the crane or hoist.
The lifter should be applied to the load in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended operating procedure.
Lifter ropes and chains should not be kinked and multiple part lines should not be twisted about each other.
The lifter shall not touch obstructions during load movement.
The lifter operator, or Designated Person, must determine that all loads are secure and that nothing will fall during the lifting cycle.
The lifter operator or other personnel should not place themselves, or any part of their bodies, beneath suspended loads.
The operator or other personnel should not ride suspended loads, nor should they enter restricted areas.
The load or lifter should not be slid across any surface.
The lifter should not be used for loads for which it is not designed.
If suspended loads are moved manually, they should be pushed, not pulled.
A preliminary safety lift of a few inches should be made to determine that the load is properly balanced.
All loads should be accelerated and decelerated smoothly.

Lifters should be operated in accordance with manufacturer’s operating instructions, and by personnel who have received instructions described in the “Operation” section of these guidelines. Training should also include instruction regarding:

Details of the lifting cycle.
Application of the lifter to the load including (according to the manufacturer’s instructions) adjustments to the lifter, if any, to adapt it to various sizes and kinds of loads.
Instruction in any special operations or precautions that may be required.
Recognition of proper load configuration. For example, preferred operation requires an orderly pattern of stacking.
Before assuming responsibility for using the lifters, an operator should demonstrate his understanding of the lifting procedure to the instructor. The instructor should record, for your personnel evaluation, notes of operator’s demonstrated ability.