Swivel Hoist Ring Safety

A hoist ring is a device used to connect a cable to a harness. It is used to lift people and heavy objects off the ground. There are a number of issues surrounding swivel hoist ring safety.

Inspections

• Always inspect hoist rings for damage before they are used. It is important to ensure that the screw is tightened to the recommended torque, that the busing is flat against the object to be lifted, that the hoist ring is free to swivel, that there are no signs of wear or cracks, and that the shoulder pins are secure.

Don'ts

• Never exceed the load capacity of a swivel hoist ring. This may be determined by contacting the manufacturer. Users should also never apply "shock loads" to the ring. Rather, loads should always be applied gradually.

Swivel Hoist Rings vs. Shouldered Eyebolts

• Unlike shouldered eyebolts, swivel hoist rings have the same load rating regardless of the direction in which pressure is applied to it. Shouldered eyebolts, on the other hand, should only have pressure applied toward the top of the ring (at 0 degrees). Depending on your purpose for using such a device, hoist rings may be safer.