If the hoist is overloaded, what is the first indication?

When a hoist is overloaded, the first indication you may observe is typically the opening of the lower hook. This phenomenon occurs because the excessive weight can cause the safety latch mechanism of the hook to overcome its spring tension, leading to a failure of the latch to secure the load properly. The lower hook's design includes a latch that should remain closed during normal operations, but when extreme loads are applied, it can spring open, suggesting that the hook is not properly secured to the load. Recognizing this sign is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring safety in lifting operations, as an open hook can lead to load slippage or dropping.

Other options, such as heat stress, may occur as secondary symptoms when the hoist operates under excessive strain but are not immediate indicators. Closing of the hooks, whether at the top or bottom, does not inherently indicate overloading, as hooks are designed to remain closed during normal functioning unless specifically malfunctioning. Thus, the opening of the lower hook is a clear and immediate indicator of an overload condition.