To help buyers of overhead hoists make a confident purchasing decision when comparing their product options, the Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) offers manufacturers the option of having their products HMI-Certified. The certification program covers all products that are sold in the United States and is open to both members and non-members of HMI. Its purpose is to assure hoist buyers that products bearing the HMI-Certified mark are manufactured in conformance with a recognized standard and are supported by the manufacturer in multiple ways.

Hoist product lines marked HMI-Certified have been independently verified by HMI as meeting HMI-recognized design standards. To meet this certification criteria, a professional engineer registered in the U.S. must verify, sign and seal that the product meets one of these standards. The engineer must then submit a supporting technical declaration of conformity document attesting to this fact.

Further, manufacturers seeking an HMI-Certified license enabling them to apply the mark to a specific hoist product line must submit a declaration of conformity detailing their service and support offerings — a factor that distinguishes this third-party certification from others available in the marketplace. Manufacturers must confirm that they offer:

• Literature and manuals that address safety, installation, operation, maintenance, warranty and replacement parts for the hoist.
• Product training and technical support.
• Spare parts available for the entire life cycle of the hoist.
• Qualified service and repair capabilities.
• Adequate product liability insurance.

This declaration of service and support offers additional assurance to buyers of HMI-Certified products that they are partnering with a manufacturer who can help them meet the standards established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for employers. These include compliance with requirements to provide education and training for employees, as well as following manufacturer recommendations for preventative maintenance and spare parts.

Further, to continuously affirm product compliance with the HMI-Certified requirements, licensees are required to resubmit the same verification documentation every five years. Should the product be subject to a significant design change, however, it must be re-certified immediately. Products currently HMI-Certified — including powered chain hoists, manual hoists, and powered wire rope hoists — are listed here.

HMI’s mission is to deliver exceptional value to industry associates by advocating safety and providing education and market intelligence for the hoist industry. The organization offers a variety of resources — including a comprehensive library of product guides; OSHA Alliance safety tip sheets, fact sheets and quick cards; multiple technical papers and more — via its website at www.MHI.org/hmi.

Want to learn more about the HMI-Certified program? Full details are available, here.