Mazzella below-the-hook product manager, Dan Sherwood, breaks down what you need to know about homemade lifting devices created by in-house engineers vs. the purchase of a custom manufactured lifting device from a third party.

While in-house engineers may have the mechanical skills and knowledge to make a device, they may not be familiar with the latest design standards, or have access to proof-testing equipment to make sure all design factors were considered.

By having an in-house engineer design and manufacture a below-the-hook lifting device, you and your company are assuming the risk, should it fail. Also, you could be exposing your employees to greater risk of injury / death should an incident happen during a lift made with that device.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) sets standards for design, engineering, manufacturing, proof-testing, and inspecting below-the-hook devices. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tasked with investigating workplace incidents should below-the-hook lifting devices fail while in use.