Two people should be used to pull the hand chain of a manual chain hoist when it gets too hard for one person to pull.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only if a supervisor approves
• D. Only for short pulls

Answer: (B)

Manual hand chain hoists are designed for operation by a single person. Having a second person pull on the hand chain isn’t how the device is intended to be used and introduces real risks, including loss of control, sudden movement, and potential injury to hands or nearby workers. If the pull becomes too hard for one person, stop and inspect the rigging and load for binding, misalignment, or damage, and ensure the load is within the hoist’s rating. Then choose a safer approach, such as using a powered hoist or a higher-capacity unit, rather than adding another person to pull. Supervisor approval or doing it for short pulls doesn’t make two people operating the chain acceptable.