Why Does a Casket Lowering Device Slip While Lowering?
Updated: 1 day ago
A casket lowering device that slips, jerks, or momentarily loses normal control should be treated differently from one that is simply lowering faster than expected. Unexpected movement means the device is not operating normally and should be evaluated before it is relied on again.
Note when the slip occurs
It is useful to tell the technician whether the slip happens while lowering, while the device is being wound back up, only under load, or only intermittently. That information helps describe the complaint, but it does not identify the failed part by itself.
Do not assume two different slips have the same cause
Cemetery personnel may use the word “slip” for several different behaviors. A slip during descent and a slip while winding the device can feel similar to the operator while involving different conditions. The correct response is to describe exactly what happened rather than trying to select a part from the symptom.
One normal cycle does not automatically clear the device
An intermittent problem may disappear temporarily. If a device has already shown an unexpected slip, jerk, drop, or loss of normal control, repeatedly cycling it until it appears normal is not a substitute for inspection.
When should the device be removed from service?
Remove it from service if it slips under load, repeatedly slips during operation, jerks or drops unexpectedly, develops abnormal sounds at the same time, or if staff cannot confidently predict how the next cycle will behave.
The complete device should be inspected
A slipping complaint should be evaluated as part of the complete lowering device. The inspection should identify the cause, correct it, and confirm controlled operation before the device is returned to graveside use.
The bottom line
If a casket lowering device begins slipping or moving unpredictably, stop treating the symptom as something to work around. Record when it happens, remove the device from service when operation is uncertain, and have it properly inspected.
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