A block and tackle, also commonly known as a chainblock or manual chain hoist, is a system comprised of two or more pulleys with a rope, cable, or chain between them. Block and tackles are typically used as a tool for lifting and lowering heavy loads.
In a standard block and tackle system, the chain is wound around two wheels. When the chain is pulled, it winds around the wheels and begins to lift the load that's attached to the chain.
Chainblocks can be attached to lifting slings or chain bags to lift the load more evenly.
A block and tackle system is typically made up of a lifting chain, a hand chain and a grabbing hook.
First, the chainblock needs to be connected to the load via the grabbing hook. Then, when the hand chain is pulled, the chain tightens its grip on the wheel and forms a loop inside the mechanism - causing a tension which lifts the load from the ground.
This system can be used to lift loads manually, although electric block and tackle systems are popular because they require less physical exertion.
Due to their lifting capabilities, block and tackle systems are commonly used in garages to remove engines from cars. Because they can be operated by one person, chainblocks are a wonderfully efficient way to complete lifting jobs which may otherwise have required two or more workers.
Block and tackle systems are also used on construction sites and on assembly lines.
Chainblocks come in a variety of different capacities, making them suitable for a wide range of operations. Here at SafetyLiftinGear, we stock block and tackle products with lifting capacities of up to 20 tonnes.
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Feel free to contact the SafetyLiftinGear team if you have any questions about our range of heavy-duty block and tackle products.
Rigging equipment refers to the devices and elements used to lift and manoeuvre objects safely, as part of a planned system implemented by a team of riggers. This encompasses a variety of components which are used to secure and distribute the load in question, in order to facilitate the moving process and ensure that it is completed successfully. Industries which often require the services of rigging equipment include construction, engineering and event staging.
Like all lifting operations, hoisting and rigging should be performed with public and employee safety as a primary focus. In order to comply with health and safety legislation along with industry standards, organisations should carefully consider two following elements:
Wire rope slings are available in a range of lifting capacities, providing users with a strong and flexible solution for performing lifting operations.
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Our lifting slings are available in a range of different designs and weight specifications.
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Chainslings offer a durable lifting solution, which comes with a convenient hook system for easy attachment. Not only do these slings come in a variety of weight limits, they are also available in single, 2 leg and 4 leg designs.
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Spreader beams are a modular lifting solution which are designed to be used in a variety of configurations, depending on the requirements of the lifting operation. These beams can be used with both synthetic lifting slings and wire rope slings.
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Click here to view the full selection of rigging equipment that we supply here at SafetyLiftinGear!
When working at heights, there's nothing more daunting than the prospect of dropping your heavy tools to the ground below where they could potentially do serious damage. It is commonplace to wear a safety tool belt that allows workers to carry tools up to a height safely but tool safety lanyards ensure those tools stay safe when using them. This is why tool safety lanyards are so important, and why we have introduced four new TOOL-SAFE safety lanyards to our collection! These lanyards will ensure your tools (and the people below you) will be kept safe while you're working.
Take a look at our new arrivals here:
First in our new TOOL-SAFE range, is this 3kg Coiled Cable Tool Safety Lanyard. With the ability to keep tools of up to 3kg safe, this safety lanyard is sure to make working at heights a much safer operation. It's coil design also reduces the length of the lanyard making it more compact.
If you're working with slightly heavier tools, this 10kg Coiled Cable Tool Safety Lanyard might be just what you're looking for. Compact and strong, much like the 3kg Coiled Cable Tool Safety Lanyard, this TOOL-SAFE lanyard will make sure your tools stay close to you if they slip from your hands.
To browse our full collection of Tool Safety Lanyards just click here! Alternatively, if you have any questions about our new tool-safe safety lanyards you can contact us here.
It is often difficult to identify every item in a workshop especially if they look similar to another, which is why it is important to understand the importance of each tool before working in this environment. Today we will be looking at the Toe Jack and what the purpose of this tool is.
A toe jack (also known as a floor jack) is a heavy-duty piece of equipment that is designed to lift items with very low or high clearances. Toe jacks are ideal for moving loads that are lower down on the floor, such as heavy machinery. They are available in a variety of different weight capacities too, making them suitable for a wide range of operations.
The 'Toe' is the fork-like part at the front of the Toe Jack which slots underneath the load you wish to lift. Loads can also be lifted by the 'head' part of the Toe Jack, which can sustain even heavier loads from higher clearances. The hydraulic pump is then used to lift the load to the required height and if your Toe Jack includes a swivel feature, this will allow you to place the load in the correct position.
Here at SafetyLiftinGear, we stock Hydraulic Toe Jacks, meaning water pressure is used to lift the loads. Available in both standard and swivel models, you should be able to find a Toe Jack to suit you. Our Toe Jacks are also available to hire if you need one for a single occasion. Simply click the 'Hire me' button and then 'Enquire' at checkout to receive a quote for this rental.
A Toe Jack is commonly used to lift and lower heavy loads onto moving skates. This operation means heavy loads can be moved around with ease. If it is an exceptionally heavy load, multiple Toe Jacks can be used at once if required. Toe Jacks are most often used to move heavy machinery in a warehouse, but can also be used for operations such as moving furniture too. The varied weight capacity of Toe Jacks means they can be the helping hand you need in a variety of operations.
If this sounds like something that might be useful for you, then feel free to browse our comprehensive range of Hydraulic Toe Jacks. If you have any queries about this product, please do not hesitate to get in touch or call us on 0808 123 69 69.
A confined space is a work area which is considered to be partially or substantially enclosed, restricting movement. In many cases, confined spaces will also present restrictions in terms of entry and exit, increasing health and safety risks for workers who perform operations in these areas.
Confined spaces are often defined as areas that are:
However, a place not usually fitting this description may become a confined space if the conditions change, for example, if the level of oxygen is reduced or there is water present. This may also apply if the area is used to store specific items such as gas cylinders, which would present a risk to the surrounding atmosphere if discharged.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers must ensure the safety of their workers and others, a duty which is regulated in further detail by the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. These regulations require the employer to avoid confined space entry where possible, following safe working systems in cases where the work is unavoidable. If confined space work is being conducted, employers must ensure that emergency arrangements are put in place before commencing operations.
In addition to the specific requirements of working in confined spaces, regulations for managing health and safety at work (1999) also require employers/self employed individuals to carry our a thorough risk assessment of the area, in order to accurately identify which measures need to be taken in order to prevent injuries. This may result in the need to manage certain hazards by using specialised equipment such as safety barriers and harnesses.
One or more of the following risks must be present or reasonably foreseeable for the area to be defined as a confined space:
If an enclosed space does not present one of the specific risks outlined by the regulations, it may not be defined as a confined space, but will be subject to other relevant regulations relating to workplace health and safety.
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