Load Arrester Blocks are available for sale at Professional Safety Services UK Ltd. Maintenance services are also available.
A load arrest block, also known as a load arrester, is a safety device designed to prevent suspended loads from falling if the primary lifting mechanism (like a hoist) fails. It acts as a secondary backup, automatically stopping the load’s descent and minimizing potential damage to equipment and injury to personnel.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Purpose:
Load arrest blocks are crucial in any situation where objects are lifted and suspended, especially in environments where falling loads could cause significant damage or injury.
How it works:
These devices are typically attached to a structure and connected to the load with a wire rope. If the primary lifting system fails (e.g., a hoist cable breaks), the load arrest block engages, either by a braking mechanism or other means, to halt the descent of the load.
Key features:
Secondary Safety: Load arrest blocks are designed as a backup to the primary lifting system, providing an extra layer of protection.
Automatic Activation: They are triggered automatically when they detect a sudden increase in descent speed, indicating a potential failure of the primary system.
Fall Arrest: They prevent the load from falling freely, minimizing the distance it can drop and reducing the impact force.
Shock Absorption: Some models include shock absorption mechanisms to further reduce the force on the system and the load during a fall.
Applications:
Load arrest blocks are used in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, entertainment, and logistics, wherever overhead lifting is involved.
Importance:
They play a vital role in preventing accidents, protecting personnel, and minimizing damage to equipment and material