Hi everyone, I know this isn't quite a trick of the trade however I do believe that it is worth mentioning in regards to welding and fabrication practices. Over the years working in many different shops and the proximity of many welding and fabrication operations I have noted too many times where a part has been suspended from the bridge crane, jib crane, or any other type of lifting system and then welding has taken place without insulating the part from the lifting hook. In most cases the individuals who have done this have been oblivious to the possibilities of danger that can be caused by doing this. The explanation goes something like this, if for any reason there is a poor ground to the welding machine being used the possibility exist that the electrical ground in the welding machine, building, and bridge crane itself will become the ground, this can cause arcing and resistance generated heat to be built up in the various components of the hoist, chain, cable, block or other components in the ground path. These can ultimately cause failures that can cause damage, injury, or death to those using the equipment. If you use lifting equipment in this manor make sure to use commercially available insulated lifting hooks or properly rated and applied nylon slings(with correct load capacity, rigged correctly, and not in anyway subjected to the heat generated by the welding process) incorporated into the load support before proceeding with any welding. Hope this helps someone to avoid a mishap. Regards, aevald