bobgaggle
Well-Known Member
DON'T WORRY! I know the title of this thread may sound like I'm about to do something incredibly stupid, but I'm not. I'm just looking for information about standards and rules regarding the safe and proper lifting of people. Yes scissor lifts and boom lifts are designed to safely lift people, but I've been in situations in various venues where these options are not viable due to either lack of space to fit a lift or the venue not owning one. With this in mind, I've wondered why other lifting devices can't be used to lift people. For example, all the chain motors I've worked with (from 1/2 ton to 4 ton) specify on their label that they are not to be used for lifting people, regardless of the type of chain being used.
Why?
Why can't a 4 ton motor (which is well over the 10:1 safety ratio) be used to lift a person? If a 3/4" climbing line and a carabiner bought at the local REI is acceptable to support a person dangling off a cliff face, why can't a chain motor accept that?
I do understand that climbing ropes are more elastic and can absorb the shock force of a falling person, but what about a separate dedicated safety line attached to the harness of the person being lifted?
Why?
Why can't a 4 ton motor (which is well over the 10:1 safety ratio) be used to lift a person? If a 3/4" climbing line and a carabiner bought at the local REI is acceptable to support a person dangling off a cliff face, why can't a chain motor accept that?
I do understand that climbing ropes are more elastic and can absorb the shock force of a falling person, but what about a separate dedicated safety line attached to the harness of the person being lifted?