L3-PRC-VQ 001.

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EXAMINATION OF AIR WINCHES

1.0 Purpose

To define the procedural requirements for Onshore/Offshore Examination of Air Winches

for cargo and personnel lifting.

2.0 Scope
To specify the internal procedures for certifying of thorough and test examination of
Pneumatic winch (Air winch)

3.0 Definition

Refer BS EN 14492 – 1 & BS EN 14492 - 2

4.0 Responsibility

Assurance of Quality Inspection and correct acceptance level of Lifting Equipment by a

qualified Lifting Equipment Inspector

5.0 Procedure
Clean air winch with wire brush or safety cleaning fluid.

Check identification and SWL is clearly marked on the winch.

Then compare the markings/location against the current test certificate.

Examine test certificate for correct detailing, i.e.

SWL Proof Load

Up to 20 t SWL x 1.25
20 to 50 t SWL +5.00 t
>50 t SWLx 1.10

t = TONNE

If fitted, inspect rope guard and check for distortion or damage.

Inspect brake drum/bands are clean and free from contamination.

Inspect brake/bands for undue wear.

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EXAMINATION OF AIR WINCHES

Inspect automatic brake, if fitted, by checking springs, link arms and pin.

Inspect automatic brake cylinder for possible leaks.

Inspect piston rod for corrosion and wear.

Inspect that all operating levers return to neutral upon release, with power disconnected.

Inspect for adequate oil level.

Inspect holding down bolts and welds for security, thus ensuring that the structural
steelwork is capable of sustaining the imposed loads.

Inspect load chain, if fitted, checking for wear, twist, corrosion, cracks, stretch or damage.

Allowable wear shall not exceed 8% reduction of the original links diameter.

Measure the length of eleven chain links to check for stretch. The allowable stretch shall
not exceed 5%.

Inspect bottom hook or end fitting for distortion/stretch, cracks and wear. Allowable wear
on the hook shall not exceed 8% of the original bearing section, and hook admittance shall
not exceed the manufacturing tolerances.

Ensure hook safety catch operates correctly.

Ensure hook swivels freely, except where fixed by design.

Examine load rope, checking for wear, kinks and broken wires. Ensure that at least
two turns of the rope are on the drum at the lowest position of the hook.

No load rope shall be used when broken wires exceed 10% over a length of eight times the

diameter of the rope.

AIR WINCH-PERSONNEL CARRYING

Winches will be fitted with duel braking, one manual and the other automatic. These brakes
must be examined as defined under section 3.0.

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EXAMINATION OF AIR WINCHES

Ensure that the winch has a factor of safety of no less than 5:1, man-riding winches must
have safety factor of 10.1 and be marked MAN RIDING ONLY.

Check that the winch does not have a disengaging clutch or pawl and ratchet mechanism
for man carrying.

Ensure the winch is clearly marked, by indicating that it can be used for man carrying.

Ensure limit switches function correctly if fitted, to prevent over travel, i.e. in both

hoisting/lowering directions.

6.0 Associated documents

Engineering Standards and manufacturing literature applicable to this procedure:

BS4942 Prt.1: 1981 -Specification for general conditions of acceptance – Short link chain
for lifting purposes
BS4942 Prt.6: 1981 -Specification for Grade T (8) Calibrated Chain – Short link chain
for lifting purposes
BS 818-7 -Alloy Steel Chain Grade 80
BS6570:1986 -Code of Practice for the Selection, Care and Maintenance of Steel Wire
Rope
BS2903:1980 -Higher Tensile Steel Hooks
Qatar Petroleum Lifting Equipment Regulations
LEEA Handbook 1987 - Air Winches

7.0 Revision History

Rev Date Section Outline of Change Authorizati Sign

. on
0 First Issue First Issue M Coles

Rev No. 0 Date Page 3 of 3