HOISTS – CHECKLIST
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Introduction
Hoists can be categorised as follows:
Goods hoists – used for lifting goods only and must not be used for transporting passengers.
Passenger hoists – suitable for lifting persons and goods.
Goods hoists fall into two main categories:
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Training and Capability
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Vertical goods hoists – these are hoists that travel up and down on vertical guides They include rack
and pinion hoists, winch operated hoists and swivel hoists
Inclined goods hoists – where the carriage travels on inclined guides; typically used for raising tiles and
other materials to roof level.
The erection, extension and dismantling of hoists is to be carried out by trained and competent persons
only.
Hoist operators must be adequately trained, competent and authorised, and should be specifically
responsible for ensuring that the hoist is operated in accordance with manufactures instructions.
Hoist operators must not be under 18 years of age.
All hoists must be tested and thoroughly examined by a competent person before use on site; after
substantial alteration, modification or repair and at least every 6 months if used for passengers and 12
months for goods hoists.
Hoist must be inspected by operator every 7 days and results recorded into register.
Control Arrangements
A risk assessment / safe system of work is required for the safe use of hoists
3.1 Passenger hoists
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Hoists must be positioned on adequate foundations and anchored to the base for stability.
Ensure the hoist is tied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Cantilever types of hoists must be tied at intervals of 7.5 to 12 metres.
Enclosed type of hoists are tied at intervals of 15 to 18 metres.
Free standing hoists must not be erected in excess of manufacturer’s recommendations.
Are all winches of the positive self sustained worm type and fitted with a fail-safe breaking mechanism.
Is a slack rope and overrun device fitted?
Hoists must be fully enclosed to at least 2 metres high with wire mesh, in accordance with
BS 4465.
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Hoist gates must be fitted with mechanical and electrical interlocking devices.
The space below cage must be kept clear at all times.
The safe working load and maximum number of passengers must be prominently displayed.
Hoists must be regularly maintained.
3.2 Material hoists
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The hoist way and moving parts of its machinery must be protected by an enclosure.
Hoist towers must be fully enclosed on all four sides with wire mesh (except any landing).
Gates must be provided at landings at least 2 metres high, unless there is a restriction in height, the
minimum allowable height is 910 mm.
The hoist platform should not be moved unless all landing gates are closed.
All gaps between platform and tower must be closely boarded.
Landing stages must be kept free of plant and materials.
Overrun device must be fitted to its highest point.
The hoist must be fitted with an efficient device capable of supporting the platform and load in the event of
a failure of ropes or lifting gear.
The hoist tower must be restricted to 6 m above highest bracing or guying point.
All hoist towers over 50 metres must be specially designed and used only as specified by manufacturers or
designer.
All loads must be secured and evenly distributed.
Safe working load notice must be displayed on the platform or cage and be visible from all levels.
The carriage of passengers must be prohibited at all times.
3.3 Operation
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Always operate the hoist from one position only and always from outside of the hoist way. A clear and
unrestricted view of the platform must be maintained throughout its travel.
Do not exceed the safe working load displayed on the hoist.
All loads must be so secured that they will not shift while the platform is in motion.
Never allow anyone to ride a goods hoist and always see that a notice to this effect is clearly displayed.
All gates must be kept closed at ground level and at all landings when the platform is in motion.
Always keep landing stages free from obstruction by materials or plant.
All signals must be clear and distinct.
Barrows should be chocked when placed on the platform, with the handles facing the gate landing
where the hoist will stop.
The hoist should not be left unattended with the motor still running.
No unauthorised person should be allowed to operate or interfere with the hoist.
Ensure that the hoist is inspected at least once a week and that details of the inspection are entered in
the appropriate register.
Always report all defects immediately.
All operators should be trained, competent, and not under 18 years of age.
No hoist should be operated at wind speeds above the manufacturer’s recommendations.
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Reference
BS 7212 Code of practice for the safe use of construction hoists.
BS 4465 Specification for design and construction of electric hoists for both passengers and materials.
Refer to working at height catalogue pages
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