Monthly guillotine checks

Because of our intensive use of winches and the problems associated with entrained grass cuttings Shalbourne Gliding has elected to check effective guillotine operation on a monthly basis. This far exceeds the BGA's requirements. It is not necessary to cut the cable on each inspection. Indeed doing so would seriuosly compromise the life of the guillotine blades.

The procedure is as follows:

• Use bolt cutters to cut the cable at the first join, this is usually several metres from the end of the cable. Doing so will allow twelve similar cuts to be made between annual inspections.
• Windraw the cable from the guillotine.
• Remove the roller box as detailed in the annual check procedure.
• Clear out any detritis from around the blade, especially any that could prevent its full downward travel.

!!!IF IT IS NECESSARY TO USE FINGERS TO ASSIST IN DOING THIS INSERT A SUITABLE METAL BLOCK STRONG ENOUGH TO STOP THE GUILLOTINE FROM MOVING IF ACCIDENTALLY FIRED!!!!

• Lubricate the blade with light machine oil.
• Hands clear!
• Fire the guillotine.
• Check that the blade has fully closed.
• If the check is satisfactory, re set the guillotine.
• Replace the roller box.
• Thread the cable end back through the paying in gear.