IMCA Diving Division

Publication Details

Guidance on the Use of Chain Lever Hoists in the Offshore Subsea Environment

Chain lever hoists are used extensively in underwater construction activities. Their design characteristics allow for ease of transportation to site and require minimum set-up. The lever hoist, unlike the often cumbersome chain hoist, can be used in any operating position. This makes the chain lever hoist a potentially very useful tool. However, there has been a history of failures in the use of this equipment, both underwater and topside. The offshore environment can be particularly harsh, with its combination of temperature extremes, wind blown dust or grit atmosphere, silt, washing out of lubricants, and general corrosion from seawater.

This has prompted critical examination into the cause of these failures, with the view to establishing industry guidance on the safe application for use of chain lever hoists. The purpose of this IMCA guidance is to aid members in safe management of their operations involving chain lever hoists.

The changes in this version reflect the additional experience gained by the industry in using the guidance and incorporate lessons learnt during investigations into lever hoist incidents. In particular it contains a new section 7 on the use of chain lever hoists underwater.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background
3. General principles for lifting equipment
4. Selection of equipment
5. Information and data requirements
6. Transportation, storage and control
7. Use of chain lever hoists underwater
8. Management of equipment issue and return to store
9. Maintenance
10. End use competence
11. Appendix - Suggested checklist for the thorough examination of a chain lever hoist