12-Volt Winches

I would start looking at emergency medical/evacuation/rescue equipment (also search and rescue) sales and manufacturing.

The certification is what makes it difficult, but almost any local firestation should be able to point you to a supplier if you can't find it on the web.

First of all, I may be wrong, but I don't believe you will find a "winch" that is certified for lifting people. Winches are normally for equipment. Using the winch to directly lift the people is probably not allowed. The winch can be used to lift a car or platform that carries people, but not to directly lift the people.

Next, I haven't been associated with the installation of a winch or lifting device for people that opreates on 12 volt power except for the possibility you ar talking about the harness type lifting devices for confined space applications. If that is the case, you may try to search "confined space devices" or "mine safety apparatus". Using the latter will probably dircet you to the site of a manufacturer whose name is MSA (Mine Safety Apparatus). They specialize in that type of equipment. The ones with which I have been associated operated on line power (115 vac).

You may want to investigate the search engines under "manlift" or some such terminology. You can build your own manlift, but most areas where they are used have very strict testing and certification processes that must be followed when using this type of machine. Further, after the manlift is installed, there may be periodic testing and re-certification that may be required for the system.

I have built and installed manlifts in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and it is a very difficult process. You must have safety electrical sensors at many points in the system that will stop the machine in the event of various happenings. Further, you must have a "free-fall" brake that will stop the platform in the event of a broken cable or chain, whichever you use. The use of aluminum rails may not be permitted since the free-fall braking system I mentioned is dependent on the ability of the prevention mechanism to bite the rails. Aluminum rails would most probably be ruined after one such event. Steel is preferable. Your avatar doesn't indicate where you are located, but you may want to contact your local building inspector for more information.

Good luck, and be very careful, please.

Thank you for your information.It is most helpful.I've research ANSI only to drive me a little crazy and the criteria I've found so far is I must have the dual braking system,a slack cable switch and a limit switch.As you probably know these requirements deal directly with the winch.I will be using a platform and can incorporate the limit switch onto the platform.I chose the aluminum because of an outdoor application.The only corrosives it will be exposed to are natural elements.I definitely will consider steel for the tracks providing I can get rollers brakes etc that would be appropriate for the rail to run at a 72 degree angle.Also as far as a free-fall protection I am considering using a retract if allowed.Also Warn has a winch that meets ANSI B 30.5 specs. The only other information I looked into was specs for a mechanical boatswain, chair and am going to try and meet those requirements also because I will be lifting 1 person at a time . I haven't gotten far enough into the winch specs to see exactly what all is included into the winch.I agree with the one time use of the brake and have looked at a number of linear break systems.I have been able to find a manual rail clamp but the brakes that I have found are pneumatic.

I apologize for jumping around but my mind is going 90 to nothing.I'm just a good ole boy without a degree trying to figure out how to either go around,over,or through any mountains I come to.

Again I thank you for your info and if you think of anything else,any help would be appreciated.Thank you and God Bless !

I would reiterate the advice to contact the building inspector or other governing body for more information.

Again, good luck.

Brian - Mark Steele . Normally I build airplanes. I read your biography , and I would

like to assist you in any way I can.I'm in Victoria , B.C. , Canada.1-250-384-3396.

I'm also seeking a patent - for an unrelated project. I'm having great success with

this , although it's taken me many years to sidetrack the sharks.I can guess what you're building. I am retired as an aircraft tech. What aircraft builders learn is that

many structures fail unpredictably due to stress factors inherent in the material

with which they're built.Aircraft components are usually the most expensive little

(or big) pieces of hardware you'll come across , becuse of the extensive material

testing that goes into their certification.Not always , though.Propietary equipment

from other feilds is often very close to being as structually competent as A/C cert.

factory or aftermarket parts.Some conventional engineering in fields people think

they are very familiar with are , in fact , in drastic need of improvement.I have my

vocational engineering training , and I also have a patent in Alexandria , Va.'s office

with my name on it.For instance the bicycle. What your building is a piece of

machinery to assist you move and work as close as possible to how you did before.

Conventional technology sometimes misses the big picture in it's attempt to outdo

the 'other guy'.