Overhead door spring; remove, repair or replace

Summary:

Removing or replacing any damaged parts on an overhead garage door requires the spring to have the tension released.  The spring will be under great tension and will release a great deal of energy and cause serious injury if removed improperly.

· The spring will be under great tension and will release a great deal of energy and potentially cause serious injury if removed improperly.

· Ensure the ladder is securely placed and in a comfortable working position and second worker is holding on to it securely on the ground

Hazards:

· Working at heights

· Lacerations

· Fractures

· Head injury

· Facial Injury

· Muscle Strain Injury

· Repetitive Strain Injury

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required:

· CSA approved Safety Foot wear

· Work Clothing (Must not be loose fitting)

· Hard Hat

Pre Set-Up:

· Ensure adequate lighting

· Ensure door is firmly on the ground or properly supported with forklift or cribbing

· Ensure that garage door opener is locked out (at breaker panel) & release chain from opener

· Select and set up ladders securely

· Ensure you have appropriate tension rods for the spring that is being serviced

· Ensure you have all other appropriate tools

Releasing Tension Procedure:

· Secure vice grips to shaft to avoid any travel during procedure

· Insert first rod into the spring

· Remove both set bolts (**Warning – Intense downward pressure will result on rod upon releasing bolts – ensure good footing and hand position)

· Carefully guide first rod to wall or overhead door

· Insert second rod into spring

· Lift slightly and remove first rod from spring

· Carefully guide second rod to wall or overhead door

· Repeat rod exchanges until tension is completely released keeping track of how many quarter turns it took to release tension (This will be the same number of turns it will require to re-tension it)

· Proceed to second spring and complete the same procedure

· Complete required task as appropriate

Spring Tensioning Procedure

· Re-install cable onto drums

· Refasten vise grips

· Insert first rod into spring

· Start winding upwards exchanging rods until tension increases

· Rest first rod on garage door

· Install second rod

· Lift slightly on second rod

· Lift slightly on first rod and remove second rod

· Quarter turn on first rod and insert second rod

· Continue until number of turns counted during release has been achieved

· Rest rod against overhead garage door and retighten set bolts

· Install second rod and lift slightly & remove both bars

Post Procedure/Take Down:

· Undo Vise Grips

· Remove ladders and tools and put away in appropriate places

· Lift door using manual chain

· Test for appropriate tension and travel

· Replace chain into garage door opener

· Turn on breaker to garage door opener and test for travel