ELEVATOR/ESCALATOR

HEALTH AND SAFETY

MANUAL

© Construction Safety Association of Ontario, September 2008

Prepared for the

Elevator/Escalator Trade
Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee
 CONTENTS

Fall protection guidelines for elevator construction 3

Hoisting with a capstan 20

Tuggers (powered winches) 28

Well wheels (gin wheels) for light hoisting 31

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 FALL PROTECTION GUIDELINES
for
ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTION

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 Fall protection guidelines for
elevator construction

INTRODUCTION wire-rope lifeline may be used, provided a

These guidelines are intended to describe CSA approved rope grab that is matched to
basic fall protection procedures for elevator the wire rope is also used.
construction.
A vertical lifeline must meet CAN/CSA-
They are not intended to describe the Z259.2.1-98 standard Fall Arresting
elevator construction process or the specific Devices and Vertical Lifelines. Vertical
requirements for various types, designs, or lifelines sold on a reel or in a container
manufacturers. will have the CSA standard information
attached or etched on the container or
reel. Once removed from the original
DEFINITIONS packaging, pertinent information such
Fall arrest system: An assembly of as the purchase order number and
components joined together so that when the CSA certification should be identified on
assembly is connected to a fixed support, it the lifeline (with tags or otherwise) to
is capable of arresting a worker’s fall. ensure it does not get confused with
hoisting rope and cable. The lifeline
Fall restricting system: A type of fall-arrest should be stored separately from
system that has been designed to limit a hoisting ropes and cable.
worker’s fall to a specified distance.

Travel restraint system: An assembly of Exposure to the sun may damage or weaken
components capable of restricting a worker’s synthetic lifelines. Ensure that material being
movement on a work surface and preventing considered for lifelines is UV-resistant.
the worker from reaching a location from
which the worker could fall. There must be a separate lifeline for each
worker using a fall-arrest system.
Vertical lifeline: A rope or wire that is
attached to an anchor. The lanyard of a fall- Anchor point (for a vertical lifeline): A
arrest system is attached to the lifeline. The structure, or a device attached to a structure,
lifeline extends the reach of the lanyard to an which will support a fall-arrest load.
appropriate anchor point. An example of a
lifeline is a 5/8" diameter synthetic rope A support used in a fall-arrest system must
(polypropylene blend) with a spliced loop and be capable of supporting a static force of at
thimble for attachment to an anchor point least 8 kilonewtons (1800 lb) without
using a shackle. It must extend to the ground exceeding the allowable unit stress for each
or the lowest point that a worker could material used.
access.
Horizontal lifeline: A horizontal lifeline is a
If synthetic rope may be subjected to lifeline connected horizontally with an anchor
damage such as from welding or cutting point at each end. Because of its
operations, a CSA-approved 3/8" diameter configuration, it may have very high end

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loads in the event of a fall arrest. Horizontal available on the project showing the details.
lifelines, including the end anchorages, must Such anchorage will usually be attached to
be designed by a professional engineer. the crosshead.

FALL PROTECTION TRAINING GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

The Construction Regulation (Ontario To protect workers or debris from falling into
Regulation 213/91) requires an open hoistway, completely board up or
• that employers ensure that workers using otherwise fully cover hoistway openings. If
a fall protection system are trained in its the hoistway opening is not fully covered,
use provide overhead protection in the hoistway
• that training records are kept, including and guardrails at the opening. The overhead
training dates and participants’ names protection should not be more than 3 storeys
• that employers have training records or 9 metres (30 feet) above a working area
available for Ministry of Labour inspectors (Figures 1 and 2).
upon request.
The overhead protection should be capable
RESCUE PROCEDURES of supporting 2.4 kN/m2 (50 pounds per
Before use of a fall-arrest system or a safety square foot). Planks of 48 mm x 248 mm (2"
net by a worker on a project, the worker’s x 10") No.1 spruce (rough sawn, full size)
employer must develop written procedures with a span no greater than 2.1 metres (7
for rescuing the worker in the event of a fall feet) will provide sufficient overhead
arrest. protection. Beams supporting the planks
should be secured in place and have a
Minimizing the time between a fall occurrence bearing surface of at least 200 mm (8 inches)
and medical attention is vitally important. at the ends. Do not use the overhead
protection as a working platform. Post
signs indicating that planking for overhead
INSPECTION protection is not to be used as a working
All fall protection equipment must be platform (Figures 1, 2 and 3).
inspected for damage, wear, and obvious
defects by a competent worker before each A fall-arrest system attached to a suitable
use. Any defective component must be anchor must be worn by workers while
replaced by one that meets or exceeds the installing or removing guardrails and
manufacturer’s minimum performance overhead protection, and while boarding up
standards for that particular system. or tearing down elevator doorways (Figure
3).

FALL ARREST SYSTEMS

Depending on the application, a fall-arrest
system typically consists of a full body
harness, shock absorber, and lanyard as
specified above, attached to an adequate
anchor point.

Anchorages for the system should be

designed by a professional engineer and a
sketch stamped by the engineer should be

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FALL PROTECTION DURING
RAIL INSTALLATION
There are two basic methods of installing
brackets and rails:
1) The first method requires scaffolding the
entire height of the hoistway and is
usually only used for elevators of
moderate height. For situations where
travel is in excess of 15 metres (50 feet),
a professional engineer must be
consulted.
2) The second method requires scaffolding
to set up the basic structural car
components and the first length of rails,
and to hook up the basic running
components of the car. Workers then
use the car to install the balance of the
brackets and rails.

Both of these methods require planning in

advance for lifeline anchorages or horizontal
lifelines.

Ensure that responsibility for guardrails,

hoistway doorway covers, and overhead When the risk of bottoming out is
protection is established. Have the general present, consider options that would
contractor install, maintain, or change these limit the fall distance, such as using a
protective measures so that work may shorter lanyard, not using a shock
proceed in a safe manner. The mechanic absorber and limiting your free fall
typically installs and maintains overhead distance, or using a retractable lifeline.
protection for the moving car.

Method 1: Using scaffolding to install

Bott oming Out rails
Bottoming out occurs when a falling worker For travel of 15 metres (50 feet) or less,
hits a lower level, the ground, or some other provide access by erecting a scaffold from
hazard before the fall is fully arrested (see the bottom of the pit to the top of the
image in next column). This can occur when hoistway. Scaffolding must be installed under
the extended length of the fall arrest system the direction of a competent worker. Fall
(including the amount it will stretch when a protection must be used when a worker is
fall is arrested) is greater than the distance exposed to falling more than 3 metres (10
from the work surface to the next level, the feet) or onto a hazardous object.
ground, or some other hazard below.
For this whole operation, workers in the
Fall-arrest systems must be planned, hoistway must be protected from falling.
designed, and installed to prevent any risk of Workers must attach their fall-arrest lanyard
bottoming out. to a vertical lifeline before entering the
hoistway. A lifeline must be provided for each

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worker and be adequately anchored from
above.

Thread the lifeline down inside the scaffold

frames. Anchorage for the lifeline may be
provided by special anchors installed in the
hoistway, by structural steel, or by a
horizontal line installed across the hoistway
and anchored on either side. A beam in use
for hoisting must not be used as a lifeline
anchor point (Figures 4a and 4b). The
anchorage components must be designed by
a professional engineer.

Use a "gin" wheel or other hoisting device to

hoist scaffold components. Use only rated
devices with their working load limit (WWL)
stamped on them. The gin wheel must be
attached to an appropriate hoisting point.
Remember, the lifeline must be anchored
independently of a hoisting beam.

Scaffold platforms must be completely

decked-in before the next tier of frames and
braces is installed or dismantled.

Erect scaffold towers plumb and level by

using the adjustable base plates. Base plates
and frames should be pinned together to
withstand both tension and compression in
accordance with manufacturers' instructions.
Some methods of pinning scaffolds together
are shown in Figure 6.

Tie the scaffold to the structure at vertical

distances which do not exceed 3 times the
least lateral dimension or no more than 3
frames in height for standard 5 x 5 frame
systems (Figure 7).

Hang worker lifelines inside the confines of

the scaffold frames when preparing to install
the brackets and rails. The workers can then
climb up or down and be protected by the fall-
arrest system.

When installing brackets or rails, workers

must remain hooked up to the fall-arrest
system at all times.

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 Photo courtesy of
Miller Fall Protection, Franklin, PA.

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Method 2: Using the car to install rails car's crosshead as illustrated in Figures 8
If the hoistway is many storeys in height, it is and 9.
common practice to install the rail system
using the completed platform of the elevator The cabling and counterweight system
car. should then be installed. During these
operations, workers in the hoistway must
For this method, scaffolds are usually continue to be protected from falling by
erected to a level of 5 tiers in height or about wearing a fall-arrest system attached to a
7.5 metres (25 feet) using the standard vertical lifeline anchored overhead, as before.
procedures described in “Method 1”, above.
Each working level of scaffolding should be The overhead protection in the hoistway can
decked in with planks or with prefab now be removed.
platforms (Figure 7).
The travelling cable, running buttons, and
Once the first level of rails is installed, the top lights should then be hooked up. Install the
three or four tiers of scaffold frames are governor and governor rope in preparation
dismantled. Prepare for the installation of the for checking out the running operation of the
car sling and platform by double-planking the car. Install buffers before proceeding to run
scaffold platform. the car and install additional brackets and
rails.
The next operation is to install the car sling,
safety planks, bottom shoes, stiles, and At this time, the lifelines attached
crosshead. Scaffolding two tiers in height overhead are supplemented by additional
above the basic platform will be required to lifelines that will be used to provide fall
install the stiles and crosshead. protection when the car is moved. These
new anchor points attach to the car
When the car sling has been installed and the crosshead (Figure 10).
car platform is in place, the scaffolding is then
re-erected to provide access for further work Additional rope lifelines or a retractable lifeline
such as installation of cabling and further may be suitable. These lifelines should be
installation of brackets and rails. Alternate dropped down inside the scaffolding to
methods may be used such as attaching a provide fall protection while installers move
platform to the crosshead. Remember: up and down from one working level to
Workers in the hoistway must continue to another (Figure 10). This arrangement
wear a fall-arrest system attached to should remain in place until the work of
vertical lifelines anchored above until the installing brackets and rails has been
scaffolding is complete. completed, at which point the scaffolding on
the car can be dismantled.
The top of the scaffolding should be
completely decked-in for overhead
protection. Again, 48 mm x 248 mm (2" x 10") FALL PROTECTION AFTER
full size No.1 spruce planks spanning no RAIL INSTALLATION
more than 2.1 metres (7' 0") should provide
adequate protection (Figure 10). The Work from the car platform
scaffolding should be fully decked in at each After rails and brackets are installed and the
level where work will be performed. The scaffolding has been dismantled, you can
scaffolding should also be fixed to the car. prepare the car platform for the rest of the
One method is to attach members to the work. Before it can be used as an access

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platform, you need to install a guardrail and
provisions for a fall-arrest system.

Guardrails
Guardrails must conform to Section 26.3 of
the Construction Regulation (Ontario
Regulation 213/91). A standard guardrail
consists of a top rail, mid-rail, and toeboard.
Guardrails must be able to withstand the
loads specified in Section 26.3(5).

Fall protection is provided by the use of

standard guardrails on two sides and the rear
of the car platform with no front rail.

Guardrails should be located as close as

possible to the car perimeter on the two sides
and rear of the car platform. On the front side
where the elevator doors are located, the gap
between the wall and the end of the guardrail
should be no greater than 300 mm (12”).

Where a front guardrail (facing door

openings) is used, it will consist of a single rail
of equal size to the other top rails. It should
be placed at a height of 0.9 to 1.1 metres (3’
to 3’ 7”). It should also be located at least 300
mm (12”) from the front of the platform. Since
a considerable portion of the work carried out
from the car platform at this stage of
construction will be at the front of the car, this
front rail should be removable.

When the car is moved, workers are to be

tied off with a fall-arrest system as described
in “Method 2”. Lifelines that provide fall
protection while the car is moved attach
to the car crosshead. Workers must also
be tied off when the car platform is stationary
if openings in the guardrail or between the
ends of the guardrail and a wall are greater
than 300 mm (12”).

Unless the gap between the guardrail and the

front wall is greater than 300 mm (12”),
workers do not have to tie off during car
platform movement once the hoistway walls
and doors are installed.

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 HOISTING WITH A CAPSTAN

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 HOISTING WITH A CAPSTAN

Capstan hoists
In the elevator industry, capstans are used mainly for light hoisting activities such as
lifting rails. Before hoisting begins, personnel using the hoist must learn how to operate
the hoist properly, and learn the safety precautions associated with capstan hoisting
and rigging.

A capstan is a kind of winch that provides pulling force by means of a rotating drum.
The operator wraps rope around the drum. With the capstan anchored between the
operator and the load, the operator pulls on the rope and the capstan increases that
pulling force to move the load.

Capstans are compact units, but they are capable of high torque. They can be
manufactured as small and relatively light units that utilize fibre or synthetic rope as the
load line. Such small units are easily transported and stored. On the other end, rated
capacities can exceed 30,000 lbs.

Operating the capstan

The basic principle of operation requires the
operator to wrap rope (or cable) around a
spindle-mounted drum that is driven by a
power source such as electric motor or
combustion engine. Some units can be
rotated manually, using bars fitted into
sockets in the drumhead. Applying tension
(by pulling on the fall line) tightens the rope
on the drum until eventually it turns with the
drum. As the drum rotates, the worker varies
his or her pull on the fall line, tightening or
loosening the rope tension on the drum.
Increasing the pull on the fall line increases
the amount of friction between the rope and
the drum. The load is raised (or lowered) by
increasing (or decreasing) this tension.
Using four wraps of rope on a drum can increase the operator’s pulling force by
approximately 44 times. That is, 10 lb of pull by the operator could result in 440 lb of pull
on the load. The ratio of the mechanical advantage will vary among capstans.

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 The proper method of wrapping the rope around
the capstan for optimum performance is shown in
the adjacent figure. Place the "load wrap" on the
inboard end of the capstan where the diameter is
the smallest. This provides a stable condition for
the rope to feed smoothly over the capstan
without jumping or changing position for both
raising and lowering loads.

Use the proper number of rope turns. Variables

(such as the load to be raised, amount of
mechanical advantage in the tackle, size of rope)
affect the number of turns required. Generally,
three to four turns are recommended. With the proper number of wraps, a slight pull
should raise or lower a load. Adding wraps decreases the amount of pull required to
control the load.

Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine if the capstan is rated

for hoisting (lifting) or for pulling. Capstans designed for hoisting may have
features, such as braking or high gear ratios, to hold a load suspended when
power is turned off or if power fails. The manufacturer might have two separate
load specifications for the same capstan which depend on its use.

A load should never be raised by using so many wraps around the capstan that it
can raise the load without the operator applying a pulling force on the load line
(that is, a situation where the operator is not required to pull rope off the capstan
as it turns). This could result in the rope over-wrapping, causing loss of control
of the load and injury.

The best method for lowering a load is with the hoist motor running. Although the
capstan turns in a direction opposite that of the rope when doing so, rope action on the
capstan is smoother than merely allowing the rope to slip on a stationary capstan. Use
care when holding a load on a rotating drum to ensure the friction is not melting
or otherwise damaging the line.

If a situation exists where the hoist must be started with a suspended load, and
raising the load would cause an unsafe condition, it would be better to lower the
load by slipping the rope without rotating the capstan. When the load is in the
clear, start the capstan motor for smoother rope action.

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Always use at least as many wraps of rope on the drum to lower a load as is required to
lift that load.

CAUTION!
Capstans generally do not reverse due to pull of the load. That does not,
however, prevent the load from reversing direction. The load is only held in place
by the force applied to the fall line and the binding friction around the drum. If the
operator fails to maintain a pulling force on the fall line for any reason (such as a
fall, distraction, heart attack, etc.) the rope can slip around the drum and the load
can fall. For this reason, using a capstan for hoisting requires extreme caution.

Rope lock device

A rope lock device is designed to

prevent the rope from reversing on
the drum. To allow reverse travel of
the rope, the operator must first
release the lock.

Lifting a cam lever opens the rope lock so that the fall line can be placed into the rope
guide. The cam allows the rope to freely travel through the guide toward the operator
pulling on the fall line. When the operator releases the fall line, the cam rotates, locking
the rope in the guide. To lower a load, the operator first pulls on the fall line, then pulls

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the cam open with a small lanyard. The cam must be held open for load lowering. Rope
lock devices must be sized to the rope diameter.

Foot Switch
Use of a foot switch leaves both
hands free for the capstan
operation. This allows for greater
control of the load. Always use a
foot switch when operating a
capstan winch.

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Rigging for capstan hoisting
Calculating a Simple Load

When rigging for raising elevator rails, well wheels (gin

wheels) are often used at the top of the elevator shaft to
change direction of the load line. There is no mechanical
advantage to a single-part load-line system, so the load
line pull is equal to the weight being lifted and more
importantly, the combined pull on the wheel (and
anchor point) is double that of the load.

Example load calculation for a 260-pound lift

See “Elevator Hoisting” diagram on the next page.
- Pull between load and wheel: 260 lb
- Pull between load and capstan: 260 lb
- Total load on gin wheel: 520 lb (260+260)
- Pull exerted by worker for a 260-lb lift with four wraps: approximately 6 lb.

Note: In addition, the wheel (and anchor) can be subjected to additional loads caused
by
• shock loading (e.g., the load catches on an object or drops from the landing area)
• starts and stops.

The working load limit of the wheel, the rope, and the anchor points (of both the wheel
and the capstan) must be considered when rigging.

Refer to the section titled Well Wheels (Gin Wheels) for Light Hoisting in this document
for additional information on this topic.

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When anchoring a
capstan to the floor,
consider adding extra
protection against
pulling out by extending
the floor plate to wrap
over the edge into the
elevator shaft as shown.
Anchoring in this way
will add greatly to the
strength of the capstan
anchoring system. Also,
with the capstan set
close to the edge of the
shaft, the rope is not
likely to rub against the
top edge of the shaft
opening. If the rope rubs
against corners or other
objects while under
load, it will wear. As
well, the friction will
increase the loads on
the rope and hoisting
devices.

Additional capstan hoisting precautions

• Under extreme loading, the hoist motor may stall before reaching maximum
capability. The hoist should not be operated under these conditions to avoid
damage to the motor.

• Polypropylene rope is seriously weakened whenever use of it generates heat

from friction. This is particularly true if it is used over a capstan. Because of this
fact, the continued slipping of polypropylene rope over a capstan should be
avoided. Poly-Dacron is an example of rope that has higher heat resistance.

• Select rope with less stretch. Low-stretch material includes polyester and Kevlar.
Polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon rope tend to stretch. Stretch in the line
can cause the rope to snap from your hand or pull your hand into the winch. All

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 rope will stretch. Be cautious when using long lengths of rope. Release the line
tension slowly to avoid the line recoiling and whipping.

• Overhead loads can fall. Do not allow people to stand under or near the load.
The operator must keep the rope securely on the capstan drum, and under
control.

• Read the operating instructions for the capstan.

DO NOT

use a capstan unless you are competent to do so

lift more than the rated load for any hoisting system components

use any hoisting system components if damaged or malfunctioning

lift people

lift loads above people

stand between load and hoist

let the fall line tangle with operator or equipment

hold loads suspended in the air

remove wraps of rope from the drum while supporting a load.

• Inspect the winch, rope, and other rigging equipment before use. Check for wear,
misuse, damage, or improper functioning. If any of these conditions exist, do not
use the capstan. Tag it and return it to the manufacturer for repairs or replace as
appropriate.

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 TUGGERS
(POWERED WINCHES)

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 Tuggers (powered winches)

Many trades in construction use tuggers (or powered winches). These are basically
machines that pull fibre or wire rope. They are often described as boomless cranes.
Advantages of using tuggers instead of cranes can include:
• lower operating costs
• the equipment is lighter and more portable
• the smaller size permits use in tight spots—they’re ideal for use inside buildings.

Tuggers can be used for both hoisting (vertical lift)

and hauling (horizontal or vertical incline pulls).
They may be powered hydraulically, electrically, by
compressed air or by an internal combustion
engine. The most common tuggers seen in
construction are electric tuggers (for light lifting and
pulling), and air-powered tuggers (for heavier
loads). Wire rope is used for heavy applications
while fibre rope is used for lighter applications.

Examples of tugger use in construction

include pulling electrical cables, moving
heavy machinery, lifting vessels, and
installing structural steel.

Tuggers are often used with other

rigging attachments. The most common
attachments include snatch blocks,
sheaves, and rollers. Snatch blocks and
sheaves are used to change the
direction of pull while rollers are used to
support the load.

Tugger operations involve rigging. Because of this,

the hazards associated with rigging operations will
also be present while operating a tugger. A very
important element in tugger operation safety is pre-
planning. Many difficulties can occur during a lift,
such as an unexpected shift of the load’s centre of
gravity. Planning for an adequate safety factor in,
for example, the rigging components and anchor
points, will avoid failures and potential catastrophe
during tugger use. Thorough planning of a lift will
help you prepare for difficulties that may arise.

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Hazards associated with tugger operation

The kinds of hazards a worker is likely to be exposed to during tugging operations are
similar to those in rigging applications. Check for the following hazards, as well as
conditions that can create hazards:

Poor communication
Electrical hazards when using

Lack of training electrically powered tuggers

Overloading
Carbon monoxide from combustion

Failure of tugger and rigging by-products in confined spaces
assembly
Fire or explosion (if operated in an

Fall hazards area of combustible products)

Failure of anchorage points of the
Exposure to hydraulic fluid from
tugger or rigging components hoses breaking or leaks

Shifting or other movement of the
Improper purging of hydraulic lines
tugger or point of anchorage when
Rope coming off the drum
under load
Area not isolated from other

Brake failure when under load workers or public during hoisting or

Unexpected movement of the hauling.
equipment which can strike or crush
a worker handling the load

The moving drum and sheaves
which can pinch or crush a worker’s
hand

Loose clothing or jewellery caught
in drum or sheaves

A tugger must generate enough pull through the load line to lift, move, or hold the load
and any associated rigging. In addition to this pull, there is also stored “potential” energy
in the system. A failure in the rigging system can result in a violent whipping of the lift
line due to release of this stored energy, and the release of the load. It's of paramount
importance to ensure that all rigging and all points of anchorage are able to safely
handle all loads, or all potential loads, to which they might be subjected.

All rigging components and points of anchorage may be subjected to forces

greater than the weight of the load.

For detailed information on powered winches, see CSAO’s data sheet Specialized
Rigging: Guidelines for Construction—Hydraulic Gantry Systems, Overhead Cranes,
Jacks and Rollers, Tuggers (DS035).

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 WELL WHEELS (GIN WHEELS)
for
LIGHT HOISTING

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 WELL WHEELS (GIN WHEELS) FOR LIGHT
HOISTING

Where light materials need to be raised or lowered, a well wheel (or gin wheel), used in
conjunction with a hoist arm (or davit), will make the hoisting of materials easier than with a
rope alone. One application of gin wheels is in roofing. The gin wheel and davit allows the
hoisting to be done by workers on the ground. This is much safer and eliminates the risk of
workers failing if they pull materials up by rope from above.

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Loads lifted by a gin wheel are limited by the capacity of the structure supporting the wheel,
the individual components used, and the anchor point. Check the manufacturer’s
recommendations when determining the maximum load that can be safely raised.

Lifts should normally be no more than 100 lb (45 kg) unless engineered structural provisions
are made. Although the gin wheel itself may have a capacity far in excess of 100 lb, the
maximum load is dependent on the weakest link in the entire system. The Construction
Regulation (Ontario Regulation 213/91) requires the load rating and weight to be legibly
stamped or cast on the “hook block.”

In this type of system, the weakest links are usually the structure supporting the wheel, the
capacity and condition of the rope used to lift the load, and the worker. The weight and
strength of the person pulling on the rope limits the weight that can be hoisted with a safe
measure of control of the lift.

The physical limitations of the operator can be overcome by using a hand-operated or

machine-operated winch. Using a winch requires careful planning. Mechanical devices can
generate a great amount of force quickly. Evaluate the rigging components to ensure that you
won’t exceed their limitations.

SNATCH BLOCKS
Heavy loads or powered winches may overpower
the capacity of a gin wheel. In these situations a
snatch block may be required. Snatch blocks
typically come with a hook, swivel shackle, or eye.
Some snatch blocks are designed for multiple
reeving.

Like gin wheels, snatch

blocks are used to
change the direction of
pull.

Plain Yoke

Switching to a snatch block from a gin wheel for the extra capacity requires a review of the
loading on all rigging components to ensure that the increased loading does not exceed the
capacity of any of the components.

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Construction Safety Association of Ontario 1-800-781-2726 www.csao.org 34
Load Calculations
There is no mechanical advantage to a single-part line system as is used in this type of
rigging. Generally speaking, the force required to lift the load is equal to the weight being
lifted. More importantly, the total load on the anchor point (and davit) equals the
combined pull of each line. As the angle between the pull line and the load line increases,
the total load on the anchor point decreases. To determine the total load on the davit and
anchor point, consider the following examples for a 100-pound load. (The angle is measured
between the two lines.)

A) A straight pull (angle = 0º). Load on block or wheel

(and anchor) is 200 lb.
[100 lb (load) x 2.00 (load factor)]
B) A 45-degree pull (angle = 45º). Load on block or wheel
(and anchor) is 184 lb.
[100 lb (load) x 1.84 (load factor)]
C) A 60-degree pull (angle = 60º). Load on block or wheel
(and anchor) is 173 lb.
[100 lb (load) x 1.73 (load factor)]
D) A 90 degree pull (angle = 90º). Load on block or wheel
(and anchor) is 141 lb.
[100 lb (load) x 1.41 (load factor)]

Angle Factor Multipliers

Angleº Factor Angleº Factor
0º 2.00 100º 1.29
10º 1.99 110º 1.15
20'º 1.97 120º 1.00
30º 1.93 130º .84
40º 1.87 135º .76
45º 1.84 140º .68
50º 1.81 150º .52
60º 1.73 160º .35
70º 1.64 170º .17
80º 1.53 180º .00
90º 1.41
(Calculations for determining total load value on single-line system. Courtesy of The Crosby Group, Inc.)

Construction Safety Association of Ontario 1-800-781-2726 www.csao.org 35

Working Load Limit (WLL)
Always consider the safety factor of each component when calculating loads. The safety
factor provides additional protection from dangers such as accidental overloading and wear
and tear on components. It is used in calculating the Working Load Limit (WLL) of a
component. The WLL is the maximum load to be applied to a component. To incorporate the
safety factor in calculating the WLL of a gin wheel, consider the following example:

For a gin wheel rated at 1000 lb, having a manufacturer's designed safety factor of 3,
what is its WLL?

Section 172 (1)(d) of the Construction Regulation requires a safety

factor of 5. This requirement is greater than the designed safety
factor. The gin wheel capacity must be reduced accordingly.

The WLL of the gin wheel is calculated as follows: 1000 lb x (3 / 5) = 600

lb.

In this example, even though the gin wheel has a stamped capacity of 1000 lb, it can be used
to lift only a maximum of 600 lb safely.

Horizontal Force
Be aware that pulling on the wheel at any angle other than straight down will impose a
horizontal force on the davit or anchor point. This force could impose loads on the davit and
anchor that they were not designed to take, and could result in sliding of the anchoring
system, twisting and collapsing the davit, or tipping the structure supporting the davit (such as
a scaffold).

Construction Safety Association of Ontario 1-800-781-2726 www.csao.org 36

Additional safety measures
• Keep the landing areas clear, both above and below.
• Ensure workers are using appropriate fall protection where required.
• Keep hands, body, and clothing away from moving parts to avoid pinch points.
• Wear gloves to protect hands from rope burn. Other personal protective equipment such
as eyewear and a hard hat should be used to protect you from falling dirt or material.
• Take into account the potential for shock loading. Shock loading results from rapid
movement or jerking of the load and can significantly add to the total load. Examples of
what can contribute to this type of loading include sudden pulls on the line during lifting
and lowering, and sliding the load over the edge of a roof (without first having taken up the
full weight of the load).
• Ensure all loads are secured to prevent shifting of the load.
• Inspect the equipment and line before use and after any shocks are placed on the system.
If you find any problems, take the system out of service until repairs have been made by a
person competent to do so. At the very least, check for the following:

The anchor mechanism for the gin wheel and/or davit is secure.

Proper attachment of the gin wheel: make sure the hook latch is in place and
closed.

Deformation of support components (including the gin wheel).

Integrity of the line.

Loose nuts, bolts, pins, or other locking devices.

Construction Safety Association of Ontario 1-800-781-2726 www.csao.org 37

Construction Safety Association of Ontario
21 Voyager Court South
Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 5M7 Canada
1-800-781-2726 fax (416) 674-8866 www.csao.org

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