Hejse

Hejse is a Danish verb meaning to hoist or raise a load using mechanical means, such as a winch, pulley system, or crane. The term is used across maritime, construction, and industrial contexts, as well as in everyday language for actions like lifting sails or flags. In technical contexts it often appears in compound forms such as hejseværk (hoist mechanism) and hejsekran (hoist crane). The word is tied to older Germanic roots for lifting and moving loads.

In practice, hejse covers a range of activities from raising sails on a vessel to lifting cargo in a workshop or at a construction site. Maritime usage includes raising sails or anchoring gear, while industrial use involves positioning heavy equipment or materials. The action is performed with different types of hoisting equipment, from manual devices to powered systems.

Common equipment used for hejse includes manual hand winches and chain blocks, electric hoists, overhead cranes, and jib cranes, as well as rope-and-pulley tackle. Choosing the appropriate method depends on factors such as load weight, lift height, required speed, and orientation of the load. Proper rigging, load assessment, and adherence to safety procedures are essential when performing hoisting operations.

Safety and standards emphasize avoiding suspended loads in areas where people are present, using rated lifting gear, regular inspection and maintenance, and ensuring operators are trained. While the word is Danish, the concept of hoisting equipment and associated safety practices is shared across many languages and industries. See also hoist, crane, lifting equipment.