extremely dangerous.
Main points:
1. The erection, alteration and dismantling of hoists should be carried out only by suitably
trained and qualified personnel.
2. Hoists must be clearly marked denoting whether they are for personnel or materials use,
or for both, and with the Safe Working Load (SWL).
3. Hoists should be operated only by suitably trained and competent personnel.
Discussion points:
1. Hoist towers must be suitably tied to the hoist structure.
2. Passenger hoists must be fitted with interlocking gates at each landing space, and all
gates must be kept closed when the hoist is in operation.
3. Hoist design and construction should prevent the fall of any materials from any platform or
cage.
4. Hoists must be fitted with a braking device that operates in the event of a lifting gear
failure.
5. Such braking devices must be re-tested following any significant adjustment or alteration
to the hoist.
6. Personnel must never travel in hoists designed for material loads, and material loads must
never exceed SWL’s.
7. Hoists must be subject to periodic thorough examinations by competent persons (in the
case of personnel hoists this is at least every 6 months).
8. A system of local interim inspections should also carried out on a regular basis (weekly? monthly?)
and the results recorded.
9. Hoists must be suitably secured when not in use to prevent unauthorised use.
IF YOU THINK SAFETY RULES ARE A PAIN – CONSIDER THE PAIN OF AN ACCIDENT!