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crane hooks may encounter various sudden failures or safety hazards during operation. Correct emergency handling and troubleshooting methods can effectively avoid accidents and ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. The following is a detailed emergency handling process and common troubleshooting methods:

1. Common faults of hooks and emergency treatment

1. Hook deformation or cracks

Fault phenomenon:

• The hook is bent, twisted or has visible cracks.

• The hook mouth is worn more than 10% of its original size.

Emergency treatment:

1. Stop operation immediately and unload the load on the hook.

2. Do not continue to use it and replace it with a spare hook.

3. Check the hook history to confirm whether it is overloaded or subjected to shock loads.

Precautions:

• Perform magnetic particle testing (MT) or ultrasonic testing (UT) regularly.

• Strictly enforce load limits and avoid diagonal or impact loads.

2. Failure of the anti-unhooking device

Fault phenomenon:

• The spring catch is broken or deformed and does not close properly.

• The sling can easily slip off the hook.

Emergency treatment:

1. Stop lifting operations to prevent the suspended objects from falling.

2. Temporarily fix the sling (such as tying the hook with a wire rope).

3. Replace the anti-unhooking device or replace the hook entirely.

Precautions:

• Check the anti-unhooking device for flexibility before each use.

• Choose high-strength latches that comply with standards such as ISO 2415.

3. The hook is not flexible (stuck)

Fault phenomenon:

• The hook cannot rotate freely, causing the wire rope to kink.

• There is abnormal noise from the bearing or pin.

Emergency treatment:

1. Stop working to avoid damage caused by forced rotation.

2. Lubricate the bearings or pins (use high-temperature grease).

3. If it still cannot rotate, the bearing needs to be disassembled and repaired or replaced.

Precautions:

• Add grease regularly (every 500 working hours).

• Avoid long-term use in dusty and humid environments.

4. Hook thread damage (for removable hooks)

Fault phenomenon:

• The thread is slipping and deforming, causing the connection between the hook and the sling to become loose.

• The nut cannot be tightened.

Emergency treatment:

1. Stop using immediately to prevent the hook from falling off.

2. Replace threaded parts or integral hook .

3. If it cannot be replaced on site, use welding to temporarily fix it (for emergency use only, it must be replaced later).

Precautions:

• Check thread wear regularly.

• Use a lock nut or thread locker.

II. Emergency Response to Accidents

1. Hook breakage accident

Emergency steps:

1. Immediately press the emergency stop button to cut off the power supply to the crane.

2. Evacuate people from the danger zone and set up a cordon.

3. Check if anyone is injured and activate the emergency plan.

4. Investigation of the cause of the fracture (material defect, overloading, fatigue, etc.).

Next steps:

• Carry out comprehensive inspection on hooks from the same batch.

• Optimize hook selection and improve safety factor.

2. The hanging object falls off or swings out of control

Emergency steps:

1. Remaining calm , the operator slowly lowered the boom.

2. Use auxiliary lifting equipment to stabilize the load (e.g. forklift, rope fixing).

3. Check the hook and sling for damage .

Precautions:

• Avoid sudden lifting or braking.

• Ensure that the hanging objects are tied securely and the center of gravity is stable.

3. Troubleshooting Process

4. Preventive maintenance recommendations

1. Daily inspection : appearance, rotation flexibility, anti-unhooking device.

2. Monthly maintenance : Lubricate bearings and check for wear.

3. Annual inspection : third-party non-destructive testing (UT/MT) and load testing.

4. Operation training : Avoid irregular operations such as oblique pulling and emergency stop.

V. Conclusion

• Core principles of emergency response : stop operation immediately → ensure personnel safety → troubleshoot → repair or replace.

• Prevention is better than repair : regular inspections, standardized operations, and the use of high-quality hooks.

• Technology upgrade : Consider intelligent monitoring (such as strain sensors) to warn of faults in real time.

Through scientific emergency response and standardized maintenance management, the risk of hook failure can be greatly reduced, ensuring safe and efficient operation of lifting operations.