When is the proper time to check the hoist brake according to O.S.H.A.?

The correct practice according to O.S.H.A. guidelines is to check the hoist brake during the first lift. This is critical because the first lift occurs under load, allowing the operator to assess the hoist brake's effectiveness in real-time. Ensuring that the hoist brake functions properly at this stage is vital for the safety of both the operator and any personnel in the vicinity. It serves as a practical check to confirm that the equipment is in good working condition before further operations commence.

Evaluating the hoist brake only before the first lift or after every shift would not provide an immediate assessment of its functionality under load conditions, which is imperative for safe lifting operations. Routine inspections involving checking the brake should also take place regularly, but the specific timing for an effective assessment in operation is most critical during that initial lift when the system's integrity needs to be verified.