Amputations

An employee was using a 1-ton, 460V electric chain hoist to separate the inner lid of a die from the base (part of a mold die). After removing the material, the die would only partially separate or open about 6 inches. The employee lowered the hoist by a few inches and looked into the die to identify any causes as to why it was not separating. To support himself, he placed his hand on the hoist hook. When he was ready to lift the die again, he grasped the chain and his finger went between the electric hoist hook throat opening. The epoxy seal then gave way and caused an immediate tensioning of the chain, pinching his finger between the chain and throat opening. When he pulled back, his right index fingertip was amputated.