Safety Latches Save Lives Hazard Alert

The following table outlines the requirements for safety latches on hooks for various types of hoisting apparatus:

Type of Crane

It is important to follow proper procedures when using hooks as their misuse may lead to a load disengaging from the hook. A falling load may cause serious injury or death.

Recommended Preventive Action

• Always inspect hooks and latches before use to ensure they are adequate for the work and are in good working condition.
• A safety latch that is inoperative shall be repaired, replaced or removed, if not required.
• Hooks with self-closing safety latches shall be used to prevent components from slipping out of the hook.
• When a latch is equipped with a lock open device to facilitate rigging, the latch should be closed during operation.
• Where a hook is equipped with a safety latch, the latch should not be subjected to loading unless it is specifically designed by the manufacturer to carry the weight of the load.
• When a hook is equipped with a latch, the load should not restrict the closure of the latch.
• Never use a latch that is distorted, bent, or does not close the hook’s throat.
• A latch will not work properly on a hook with a bent or worn tip.
• Latches are intended to retain any loose sling or devices under slack conditions.
• Latches are not intended to be an anti-fouling device.
• Using an open hook can allow a load on that hook to come free and fall, however, the use of a hook with a safety latch does not preclude the accidental detachment of a load from the hook. Proper hook engagement is required in all cases.