2. Objectives
Know what is a winch
Know the type of winches
Know basic parts of winches
Know the Safety in Operating the Winches.
Know the responsibility of a Winch Operator.
Know the safety in using a Man-Riding Winch.
Know Saudi Aramco Safety Requirements (SASR) for Air
Hoists and Man Riding Operations.
3. What is a WINCH?
A winch is a mechanical device that is used to pull in
or let out or otherwise adjust the "tension" of a
“cable" or "wire cable.“ In its simplest form it
consists of a spool and attached hand crank. In
larger forms, winches stand at the heart of
machines as diverse as tow trucks, steam shovels
and elevators.
7. General Safety
ALWAYS:
Inspect the winch, rope and accessories before use and before
placing into storage.
Ensure mounting and suspension points are secure, suitable for
the full loads that will be imposed and frequent interval conduct
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI).
Lift the load just clear, halt for a short period to ensure the
integrity of the brake or sustaining mechanism before completing
the lift.
Use a speed appropriate to the specific application.
Keep hands and feet clear of ropes, drums etc.
8. General Safety
NEVER:
Raise loads by revolving the drum in the opposite direction to
that indicated.
Use winches with loose or insecure handles.
Use the pawl to arrest descending loads.
Use winches if the rope is twisted or trapped.
Over wind the rope on or off the drum.
Use winches for man-riding applications unless they are
specifically designed for that purpose.
9. Using Winches Safely
Do not use defective winches, ropes, pulleys etc.
Check the rigging arrangement, that mounting and suspension points are secure and adequate for
the imposed loads. Do not use timber bearers.
Ensure sheaves are correct for size and type of rope, that fleet angles are not too great, the rope is
not twisted and the load is free to move. Check operating handles are secure.
Raise the load just clear, halt the lift to ensure the integrity of the brake, slinging arrangement etc.
With manual winches, only the slow speed should be used to raise/lower loads. With power
operated winches, select a speed appropriate to the specific lifting operation.
Ensure oil, water or other foreign matter does not come into contact with lined brakes.
If the direction of rotation is indicated the winch must raise the load when turning in that
direction.
Check the rope and load travel paths are clear and you have a clear view so as to avoid accidents
or collisions. Do not over wind the rope on or off the drum. Three turns must always remain on
the drum. (Some manufacturers design for more and their recommendations must be followed.)
Keep fingers, toes etc clear of ropes, pulleys, drums and other moving parts.
10. Winch Operator’s Duties & Responsibilities
Operators should always wear the proper PPE.
Daily visual inspection should be done by the operator at the start of his shift.
Ensure that all warning and operation labels and tags are attached and legible.
Be familiar with the winch controls before operating the winch.
Watch for potential winch malfunctions that may require adjustment or repair.
Stop operation if malfunctions occur, and immediately advise their supervisor
so corrective action can be taken.
Check brake operation, by lifting load a short distance and releasing control.
Be aware of shut off valve or electrical disconnect location and proper
operation.
11. Winch Operator’s Duties and Responsibilities
Operator should be having depth perception, field of vision, reaction time, manual
dexterity and coordination for the work to be performed.
Should not be subject to seizures, loss of physical control & defects, or emotional
instability.
Not to operate when under the influence of alcohol.
Not to operate when under the influence of medication.
Verify that lubrication levels are correct.
Ensure power supply connections are tight and connected correctly.
Check direction indicators on control match load direction.
Know the rating capacity of the winch.
Ensure that the load does not exceed the winch rating
12. Important Points
When the winch is operating:
Never allow someone to touch or
grab the wire rope.
Immediately stop the winch
operation if anyone enters an area
3 ft. in front of the winch or the
area behind the winch that is in
line with the load path
13. Important Points
When initial spooling wire rope
onto the winch drum, make
certain that it bends in the same
direction. Re-reel from the top
of one reel to the top of
another, or from the bottom of
one reel to the bottom of the
other.
14. Important Points
Maintain a fleet angle between the
lead sheave and winch of no more
than 1-1/2.
A 2 fleet angle is allowable with
grooved drums. Exceeding the
specified fleet angle can cause
excessive friction, leading to heat
build up or sparks. The lead sheave
must be on a center line with the
drum.
15. Important Points
Installing wire rope:
Place the wire rope wedge into
the wire rope anchor pocket in
the drum. Install the wedge such
that the wire rope will wrap
around the wedge.
In some winches, an allen screw
is used to lock wedges. Ensure
that the allen screw are properly
torqued.
16. Important Points
Emergency:
In the event of emergency, all winch
operations can be stopped by pushing the
emergency STOP button. This will prevent
air from reaching the winch motor, engage
winch automatic brake and stop winch
haul-in or payout movement.
When Emergency STOP and Overload valve
is activated, all winch movement will stop.
17. Important Points
Air Line Filter:
Place the strainer/filter as close as
practical to the motor air inlet port,
but upstream from, the lubricator,
to prevent dirt from entering the
motor. The strainer/filter should
provide 20 micron filtration and
include a moisture trap.
Ensure correct air pressure is given
to the air winches and regulated by
the Chief Mechanic.
18. SASR C-42 “Air Hoists”
1. Rig personnel are not permitted to operate more than one air hoist at a
time.
2. Tuggers corresponding end connections shall be colour coded to easily
identify that proper tugger and line are being used.
3. Each air hoist shall be equipped with a quick action air supply isolation
valve installed near the tugger operator in the event the air supply to the
tugger needs to be secured.
4. Only qualified personnel shall operate air hoists.
5. Air hoist operator shall not leave the air hoist unattended.
6. Personnel shall not stand in the intended path of a load being moved with
a tugger.
7. Air hoist operator/observer shall be aware of position of other personnel.
19. SASR C-42 “Air Hoists”
8. Personnel shall always have escape route prior to loads being
lifted.
9. Check air hoists daily for proper maintenance.
10. Ensure brake is in proper working order.
11. Sockets will be fitted on wire rope, bulldog clips are not
permitted. Check sockets for corrosion and/or wear.
12. Safety slings shall be installed around snatch blocks and air
hoist lines in the event of snatch block failure.
13. Personnel shall be aware of shock loads imposed when using
tugger line on heavy loads.
14. Inspect snatch blocks, line and pad-eyes before using.
20. SASR C-42 “Air Hoists”
15. Ensure that snatch block & Pad-eye SWL is known, marked
and certified.
16. Operate air hoists smoothly and avoid jerking loads.
17. Do not overload any part of the system.
18. Secure all loads properly before lifting.
19. Hand tools and other small equipment shall be secured with
safety line.
20. Personnel shall not use hands to guide line onto drum.
21. All air hoists will be equipped with line guards/guides.
21. SASR C-42 “Air Hoists”
22. Personnel shall not ride on loads or hooks.
23. Air hoist operator must have eye contact with man riding in
belt or utilize Flagman if visibility is restricted or impaired.
24. Supervisor shall consider suspension of operations when
environmental conditions endanger personnel and/or
equipment.
25. Air hoists are not to be free wheeled at any time.
26. Lifting caps will be utilized on pipe and subs.
27. Only 4 part shackles (no hooks) are to be used to lift
equipment or personnel on the rig Floor.
26. Lifting and lowering personnel by air/hydraulic hoist or crane can be
hazardous unless extreme caution is exercised. Manriding should be avoided
whenever possible and can be undertaken only when an essential task must
be done and when there is absolutely no practical and safe alternative to
manriding to accomplish the task.
Manriding operations will be controlled by Permit to Work .
27. Procedure:
Only "man riding hoists", as defined in the previous section, shall
be used for hoisting personnel.
Safety hooks will not be attached to the hoist line when used for
manriding.
The employee must be shackled directly onto the end of the
hoist line without any intervening chains, slings, swivels or other
fittings.
The riding belt used will be of an approved standard, and
inspected for wear and damage before use.
Any tools carried into the derrick must be tied off to either the
employee or the hoist tugger line
