Lever Block: WLL, G80 Chain and Safe Use for UK Lift Plans
In short: A lever block — also called a lever hoist or pull lift — is a portable manual hoist that uses a ratcheting lever and Grade 80 chain to lift, pull and tension a load in any direction. For an approved lift plan the essentials are a clearly marked working load limit (WLL), G80 load chain, UKCA (or CE) conformity, and the LOLER and PUWER paperwork and pre-use checks. The one rule to hold onto: a specification and a certificate never replace a site-specific lift plan and risk assessment.
When a method statement calls for manual control of a verified load in a no-power area, the lever block is often the tool named in the plan. The awkward part is rarely the lifting — it is confirming, before the crew mobilises, that the gear on order actually matches the plan and that the paperwork will stand up to a client audit. Listings that omit chain grade or working length make that check harder than it should be, and a late change to equipment disrupts the briefing you have already given.
What a lever block is
A lever block moves a Grade 80 load chain in small, controlled steps as you work a hand lever back and forth. Because the load is held by a ratchet-and-pawl brake between strokes, it gives fine positional control — ideal for pulling a service module into line or taking a short lift where a hand chain block would be clumsy. Unlike a hand chain hoist, which is built for straight vertical lifts, a lever block is designed to work vertically, horizontally or at any angle.
WLL and G80 chain: reading the markings
The working load limit (WLL, sometimes shown as SWL) is the maximum load the unit may carry, and it must be legible on the body along with the manufacturer and a serial number. Match it to a known load — the ManualLift unit is rated 0.75 tonne (750 kg) for verified sub-750 kg work. Grade 80 chain is the alloy grade expected for overhead lifting: its wear is visible and measurable, unlike the hidden internal strand failure of a wire rope. Search by exact capacity and reach first; the brand comes after the specification is right.
UKCA/CE and the documents you need before approval
Equipment placed on the market in Great Britain should carry UKCA marking (CE is still seen and accepted in many cases during the transition). Ask, before checkout, exactly which conformity documents and test paperwork are supplied, and confirm them against your plan rather than assuming compliance from a product photo. If proof-test or certificate documentation is a stated requirement of your method statement, get written confirmation of what will be provided — do not rely on an unverified claim.
LOLER and PUWER: what the law expects
In Great Britain a lever block is lifting equipment under the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), and it is also work equipment under PUWER 1998. Two intervals are worth committing to memory:
| Item | Thorough examination (minimum) |
|---|---|
| Lever block / chain hoist (lifting equipment) | At least every 12 months |
| Lifting accessories — slings, shackles, standalone chains | At least every 6 months |
| Any equipment used to lift people | At least every 6 months |
| Where a written examination scheme exists | Per the scheme set by a competent person |
Those are minimums: a harsh environment or a risk assessment can shorten them but not extend them. Thorough examination is carried out by a competent person, who issues a written report you keep until at least the next examination. Between examinations, pre-use checks remain the operator's responsibility.
Pre-use checks: hook, latch, chain, load, anchor
- Hook and latch: hook not opened out or twisted; safety latch present and closing fully.
- Chain: G80 chain free of nicks, stretch, gouges or corrosion; feeding cleanly without twists.
- Brake and lever: load holds between strokes; free-chain (neutral) engages and disengages properly.
- Load: verified weight within the marked WLL, including any rigging.
- Anchor and line: a rated anchor above or in line with the pull; chain straight, no side or shock loading.
Honest boundary: a lever block positions and holds a load during a task — it is not a permanent support, and it does not turn an unrated attachment point into a safe anchor. Specification, certificate and WLL confirm the tool; only your lift plan and risk assessment confirm the operation. If headroom, anchor or direction do not match the plan, stop and re-plan rather than improvise.
Frequently asked questions
How often does a lever block need a LOLER thorough examination?
At least every 12 months as lifting equipment, or more often under a written examination scheme or a demanding risk assessment. Separate lifting accessories such as slings and shackles are examined at least every 6 months.
Is a lever block the same as a chain block?
No. A lever block uses a hand lever and works in any direction; a hand chain block uses a continuous hand chain and is for vertical lifting. See our manual chain hoist guide for the full comparison.
What documents should I ask for before buying?
Confirm the WLL marking, UKCA/CE conformity information and any proof-test or test certificate paperwork your method statement requires — in writing, before checkout.
Specified against a plan and need it before the briefing? The ManualLift 0.75 t lever block ships with a full 6 m G80 chain and clear WLL marking, with fast UK dispatch.
Shop the ManualLift 0.75 t lever block — £204.90Comparing specification and value against premium brands? See the manual lever chain hoist buyer's guide. Pulling more than lifting? Read come along puller explained.