The Yale Personnel Winch is a manually operated winch for routine confined space access and emergency rescue retrieval. Mounted to the apex of a personnel tripod (such as the Yale CMHTM9), the winch lowers and raises personnel into and out of confined space entry points safely under operator control. Available with 20 m or 25 m rope lengths to suit the access depth; manufactured by Columbus McKinnon under the Yale brand, supplied with test certificate and operating manual.
Key Features
- Manual handle operation — operator-controlled descent and ascent rate, no powered equipment required
- EN 1496 compliant — certified for personnel rescue lifting
- Two rope length options — 20 m or 25 m to suit the access depth
- Tripod mounting — designed to mount to the apex of the Yale CMHTM9 Personnel Tripod
- Brake mechanism — internal brake holds the load if the operator releases the handle
- Robust construction — designed for daily professional use in confined space access applications
- Compatible with Yale tripods — complete confined space access system available from one supplier
Technical Specifications
| Part Number |
Rope Length |
Operation |
Standard |
Use |
| N37320040 |
20 m |
Manual handle |
BS EN 1496 |
Personnel access and rescue |
| N37320045 |
25 m |
Manual handle |
BS EN 1496 |
Personnel access and rescue |
Mounts to the apex of the Yale CMHTM9 Personnel Tripod via the supplied connector. Manual handle operation gives the operator full control over the descent and ascent rate.
CMCO Group | EN ISO 9001 Certified | EN 1496 Compliant | CE Marked
This product is manufactured by Columbus McKinnon under the Yale lifting brand to EN ISO 9001 quality management standards. Compliant with BS EN 1496 for rescue lifting devices. Supplied with a manufacturer's test certificate and CE Declaration of Conformity. LOLER 1998 thorough examinations are required every 6 months by a competent person for any personnel access or rescue equipment.
Suitable Applications
Essential for routine personnel access into confined spaces — tanks, vessels, manholes, silos, sewers. Used in combination with the Yale CMHTM9 Personnel Tripod for vertical access through a top opening. Also suitable for emergency rescue retrieval, though the dedicated Yale CMHCRW30025 Retrieval Block is the recommended product for combined fall arrest plus rescue capability.
How to Use the Personnel Winch
- Inspect the winch housing, rope, hook, brake mechanism, and operating handle before each use.
- Function-test by raising and lowering a test load (or short rope) — verify smooth operation and brake function in both directions.
- Set up the personnel tripod over the access point.
- Mount the winch to the tripod apex using the supplied tripod connector.
- Verify the winch is securely mounted before connecting personnel.
- Connect the winch hook to the user's rescue anchorage point on the harness.
- Operate the handle to lower the user into the confined space. The brake holds the load if the handle is released.
- On completion, raise the user using the handle in the reverse direction.
Warning:
The winch must be operated by a trained competent person. Never exceed the Working Load Limit. The brake holds the load when the handle is released but the operator must remain in control throughout the descent and ascent. After any rescue or unusual event, withdraw the winch from service for competent person inspection.
Safety Information
- Operator must be trained and competent before using the winch for personnel lifting.
- Inspect the winch before each use.
- Never exceed the Working Load Limit.
- Always mount on a stable tripod and verify the mounting before use.
- Always remain in control of the handle during descent and ascent.
- Use a separate fall arrest backup system (typically a retrieval block) where required by the rescue plan.
- A rescue plan must be in place before commencing confined space entry.
Inspection and Maintenance
Inspect the housing, rope, hook, brake mechanism, and handle before each use. Verify smooth operation in both directions. Clean and dry after use. Store in a clean, dry location. Thorough examination by a competent person every 6 months. Internal service interval typically every 2 years — refer to the operating manual.
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a personnel winch and a retrieval block?
A personnel winch is designed for routine controlled access — the operator lowers and raises personnel under control via the handle. A retrieval block (such as the CMHCRW30025) provides both fall arrest and rescue retrieval in one device, typically used as the primary fall protection during work.
Q: Which rope length should I choose?
Choose the shortest length that allows the deepest access required. Confirm the access depth before ordering.
Q: Does the winch include a tripod?
No. The winch is sold separately. See the Yale CMHTM9 Personnel Tripod and the Yale CMHTM9-CONNECT connector for the complete confined space access system.
Q: Is the brake automatic?
Yes. The brake holds the load when the operator releases the handle, preventing uncontrolled descent.
Q: Can the winch be used for fall arrest?
No. The winch is a rescue lifting device (EN 1496) not a fall arrest device (EN 360). For fall arrest during confined space access, use a separate retrieval block such as the CMHCRW30025.
Q: How often must the winch be inspected?
Pre-use inspection before every use, thorough examination by a competent person every 6 months, internal service typically every 2 years.
Q: Can the rope be replaced?
Yes — see the Yale Winch Replacement Rope listings. Replacement is a service operation that should be carried out by a competent person.
