When not in use, where should the moving parts of a hoisting machine be positioned?

The appropriate position for the moving parts of a hoisting machine when not in use is to have them lowered to the ground. This practice enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidental movement, which could lead to injury or damage. When the moving parts are lowered, it eliminates the potential hazard of machinery becoming inadvertently activated or someone coming into contact with elevated equipment.

While options like elevated in working position or in transport mode may seem practical under certain circumstances, they do not prioritize safety to the same extent as keeping all moving parts lowered. Furthermore, simply securing the machinery with a lock does not inherently ensure that the equipment is in a safe state for a non-operational period, as there could still be risks associated with parts being elevated or in an operational mode. Lowering the moving parts directly mitigates these concerns.