Information on two types of GDS Wire Rope Lifting Frames

GDS Hand Operated Lifting Systems

GDS Wire Rope Lifting Frames

GDS uses Wire rope lifting frames made from Welded Box section for the purpose of lifting cell tops clear of the cell base in a safe manor, removing the need for consistent manual handling. The lifting mechanisms found on the Lifting Frames consist of Wire Ropes, a winch, pulleys and suitable connectors depending on the cell type. In this document you will find information on the use of the Frames, a maintenance guide and the technical specifications for the wire rope and winches.

Operating the Winch

All lifting connections should be checked for correct application. No rope should be in danger of slipping from its hook/connection.

During operation, only the operator should stand within the vicinity of the frame. Any other bystanders should place themselves well clear during operation in case of slippage or fall.

The winch should be operated in a slow, smooth manner, all the while checking that all connections are remaining in position and that no obstacles may obstruct movement of the lifted item.

Tracking of the wire ropes on the pulley wheels should be observed during operation too, checking made for any indication of slippage or derailment.

If any sign of slippage or derailment is observed, the operator should cease lifting/lowering, stand clear of the apparatus and seek a remedial course of action for a safe resolution.

During operation, all moving parts should be kept well clear of, including the pulley wheels and their mountings, the winch mechanism, all hoisted items, any rope connections or the wire ropes themselves.

Setting up the Lifting Frame

After unboxing our GDS System the Lifting Frame will have arrived either standalone or located in a similar format to its use, inside the shipping crate, surrounding the cell it will be used to lift. The Lifting frame carabiner should arrive disconnected from the cell top, but connected to each other. If they have not please remove these from the eye bolts on the cell top and connect together. This can be done using a suitable sized spanner to release the locking mechanism.

Moving the Lifting Frame into place

Before moving the frame consideration should be made for the following.

• Check you have a clear passageway from the unpackaged location to the final position the Lifting Frame will be in.

• Ensure the Frame has adequate height clearance for the location it will be positioned, especially if the frame is to be on a bench or fixed onto one of our systems.

• Connect the two carabiner together and lightly pre tension the Winch if cables are too loose.

Once the frame has been moved into position fix into place if required.

Connecting the Cell Top to the Lifting Frame

To safely connect the cell top to the lifting frame carabiners, the cell top should be in its normal operating position.

Disconnect the two carabiners from each other and leave in the open position. Using the Winch lower the carabiners down until enough slack is available to hook the carabiners through the eye bolts.

Tighten the carabiners up by hand until in the fully locked position. To ensure the carabiners are correctly fitted the use of a spanner is required. Using the spanner tighten the locking mechanism up using reasonable force.

Following the instructions for Operating the Winch in the section above, slowly wind the Winch to apply tension in the wire ropes. Check that Wire Ropes, frame and cell top connection for any damage or reasonable signs that a lift would be unsafe. Remove the tension from the Wire Ropes using the Winch in the reverse direction.

Ensure any bolts or tie bars connecting the Cell top to the Cell base are now removed if they were not currently undone.

Following all of the safety information and safe use guides, check the full lifting motion of the Lifting Frame by use of the Winch.

If applicable once the Cell top is lowered again realign the Cell base if required. Recheck the full motion and alignment of both parts to each other until satisfactory.

Safe Operation of Wire Rope Lifting Frames

Type 1

Type 2

• Lifting frames are to be used only for lifting items for which they are intended, as supplied by GDS. They are not intended for use with any other equipment.

• Rope assemblies are only to be used in the manner intended by the design. They must not be looped nor be used with any other fittings other than those supplied as part of the system.

• Safe Working Load (SWL) limits are to be observed and adhered to.

• If any visual sign of wear or damage is seen on either the rope/webbing e.g. tears, breaks, etc. then they must be replaced with GDS supplied replacements.

Maintenance Guide

Regular visual inspection of all components is advised. If any sign or wear or damage is observed then use of the apparatus is to cease. Advice should be sought from supplier and parts replaced or fixed as advised. Until such action has taken place the frame should not be utilised.

For specific wire rope maintenance, further detailed information can be found in the link below, listed under “Wire Rope”.

Technical Specifications

Below are the technical specifications for the wire ropes and two types of Winches GDS use on their Lifting Frames

Wire Rope

GDS use S3i wire ropes on their lifting frames. General instructions and further information for these can be found at https://www.s3i.co.uk/wire_rope_assembiles.php or downloaded from the GDS Knowledge base here

Hand Winch Type 1 (Haacon) HA WE-300

Full User manual available here

Hand Winch Type 2 (Goliath) GO-CS100

Full User Manual available here