Solution Summary: Portable Manual Hoist and Puller
A portable manual hoist can lift or move heavy objects by operating a hand crank.
Description:
A portable manual hoist is an engineering control that may help reduce heavy lifting or pulling associated with manual material handling. A portable manual hoist has a gear crank with a cable exiting each side. One cable is stationary and can be hung from the ceiling for lifting, or attached to an immovable object for pulling. When the hand crank is operated, the other cable is shortened, therefore lifting or pulling the object towards the hoist.
A portable manual hoist has a gear crank housing with a stationary cable exiting one side and a movable cable exiting the other. The stationary cable has a hook at the end, which is secured to a fixed overhead object for lifting. The movable cable is secured to the object being moved. The hand crank, which is typically 1-2 feet long, is used to lift the object.
(Photo courtesy of Hoists Direct LLC)
There are many types of portable manual hoists available. Northern Tool + Equipment makes various models that can lift between 1 – 2 tons. The cable length and weight of the hoists ranges from 7 ft – 12 ft and 7 lb – 10.3 lb, respectively. However, the cable can be doubled to offer twice the lifting weight (4 tons maximum) but half of the lifting length (6 ft maximum).
Little Mule portable manual hoists offer various models that can lift 0.5 – 3 tons. The cable length of the hoists ranges from 5ft-20ft. However, the cable can be doubled to offer twice the lifting weight (6 tons maximum) but half of the lifting length (10 ft maximum).
Lug-All portable manual hoists offer two models that can lift 0.5 – .75 tons. The hoists weigh around 10 lb and the nylon lengths are 9 ft long. However, the cable can be doubled to offer twice the lifting weight (1 – 1.5 tons maximum) but half of the lifting length (4.5 ft).
(Photo courtesy of Hoists Direct LLC)
Risks Addressed:
Heavy lifting or pulling can result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the back and shoulders. Heavy lifting is considered 90 lb or more. Repetitive lifting is considered 55 lb or more lifted greater than 10 times per day (Spielholz, 2006). Low back MSDs include disc herniation, which occurs when excessive loads are placed on the spine. Overworking the muscles can also result in back or shoulder strains. Use of a portable manual hoist may reduce the risk of disc herniation, muscle strains, and other MSDs associated with lifting and pulling.
How Risks are Reduced:
Traditionally, one or more construction workers lift heavy loads, which places excessive loads on the spine and musculature. Forklifts are not always available to lift heavy objects. A portable manual hoist can lift heavy loads with minimal effort.
Manufacturers and safety and health experts believe that using a portable manual hoist can decrease the risk of lifting related injuries. The Gilmore Company states, “…hoists are designed for safety.” Little Mule Construction Company states that their portable manual hoists are, “specifically selected to address the material handling requirements of construction professionals… Whether you have a lifting, pulling, or load securement application, you can count on Little Mule Construction Products to provide the quality and performance you need to get the job done easily and safely.” In addition, a portable manual hoist reduces the need for forklifts.
Safety and health experts believe risk may be reduced. A portable manual hoist reduces the amount of manual materials handling and therefore may reduce the incidence of low back disorders. Several studies have shown an association between manual materials handling and low back pain. (Kuiper et al. 1999; van der Molen et al. 2005).
Effects on Productivity:
A portable manual hoist can increase productivity on the worksite by reducing the amount of time and manpower required to lift heavy objects.
Additional Considerations:
The operator manual should always be thoroughly read before using a portable manual hoist.
Contributors:
Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University
Hazards Addressed:
- Residential Construction
- Load, unload or transport construction materials and equipment
Availability
Northern Tool + Equipment hoists
To obtain information, visit http://www.northerntool.com
or contact 1-800-221-0516
Gilmore-Kramer Cable Rachet Level Hoist
To obtain information, visit http://www.gilmorekramer.com
or contact 1-800-544-3137 contact@gilmorekramer.com
Hoists Direct, Inc. Lug-All
To obtain information, visit http://www.hoistsdirect.com
or contact 1-866-464-7871
