Winch use in vehicle recovery
Vehicle recovery is a high-risk activity. However, you can reduce the risk with some training, planning and preparation, and a disciplined approach to the recovery task.
There is very little legislation governing the safe use of vehicle-mounted winches. However, work health and safety legislation applies when the vehicle and winch are being used for work purposes. This legislation outlines the responsibilities of employers and employees for ensuring a safe workplace.
Winches are usually fitted to vehicles to allow for self-recovery, the recovery of another vehicle or the movement of heavy objects. A winch is rarely suitable for recovery use without additional equipment, including:
- a snatch block
- ‘D’ shackles
- a short length of appropriately sized chain
- a tree trunk protector
- a shovel.
Operator training
Using a winch incorrectly is a significant safety risk. If you operate a vehicle equipped with a winch, you must be trained to use it safely.
Getting regular training and practice in using the winch will ensure you can use it safely and competently in an emergency.
General safety precautions
Follow these general winch safety precautions to reduce the risk of incidents when using winches for vehicle recovery:
Make sure you’re fully trained in using the winch and performing safe winching operations.
Wear sturdy gloves to protect your hands from injury, particularly when handling the winch rope.
Never submerge a winch in water. If a winch is submerged, have a technician inspect and service it immediately to prevent corrosion damage and ensure its ongoing safety and reliability.
Make sure the winch gets regular use and testing to ensure it remains serviceable.
Check the winch rope and its fittings regularly for obvious damage. Replace any damaged, frayed or kinked winch rope immediately.
Rewind the winch rope onto the winch drum neatly after use.
Never use a winch as a hoist.
Do not use the winch rope as a tow rope.
Do not use the winch rope to secure cargo to a vehicle.
Safety when preparing a recovery task
Implement these safety precautions when preparing a recovery task:
Practise and become familiar with the winch before you need to use it.
Don’t rush—take the time to plan and prepare carefully.
Estimate the load to be winched and ensure it doesn’t exceed the winch capacity.
Use the correct equipment in the correct manner, and don’t take shortcuts.
Recheck the winch rope and other equipment you’re using for serviceability and obvious damage.
Ensure that the winch controls (remote pendant) are not plugged into the winch while you set up.
Don’t exceed the rated safety capacity of the winch rope. Use a double line (2:1) recovery layout if required.
Avoid anchoring the cable back onto the winch vehicle when using a 2:1 layout. This will halve the winching forces transmitted to the winch vehicle.
If the winch rope must be anchored back onto the winch vehicle when using a 2:1 layout, don’t attach it to the winch frame, as this will double the forces acting on the frame. Attach it to the vehicle chassis.
Don’t attach a winch rope to a vehicle’s tow ball, axles or suspension.
Wear leather gloves when handling the winch rope. Don’t allow the winch rope to slide through the gloves.
Use the hook strap supplied with the winch to pull the winch rope from the drum.
Try to set up the winch rope so it’s retrieved at a 90-degree angle to the winch drum. This ensures you can rewind the rope onto the winch drum evenly, and prevents damage and delays if over-stacking and binding occur.
Don’t hook the winch rope back onto itself. Use a choker chain or sling instead.
Remove any obstructions that could interfere with the safe winching operation.
Ensure that any anchors used are strong enough to hold the load.
Place a bag or blanket over the winch rope to minimise cable whiplash damage if the rope breaks. If you don’t have those, try using a heavy jacket or leafy branches.
Have only one person in control of both the winch rope and winch controls (remote pendant).
Establish a no-go safety zone for assistants and onlookers.
Always act and think safely.
Safety while winching during a recovery task
Keep the remote pendant lead clear of the winch drum and winch rope.
To avoid damage when using the remote pendant from the driver’s seat, route the remote lead through the open driver’s window, not though the door seals.
Always stand clear of the winch rope and keep onlookers well clear during the winching operation.
Consider opening the vehicle’s bonnet to give the operator additional protection if the winch rope breaks.
Don’t touch or cross a winch rope that is attached or in tension.
Ensure no one is standing behind a vehicle that is being winched up a hill.
Avoid continuous winching that imparts significant side loads onto the winch.
Never engage or disengage the winch clutch if the winch rope is under tension or the winch drum is turning.
Keep hands and loose clothing clear of the winch rope and fairlead rollers during winching.
Never winch when there are fewer than five wraps of winch rope on the winch drum, or a full drum width coverage when a synthetic rope is used.