Hoists for loads and people

Hoists of many types are an essential part of almost every construction project, giving a smooth and rapid way to move workers and materials. The main hazards of hoists are:

• falling objects, such as the load falling from the hoist
• being struck by the load during a lifting operation
• becoming entangled with moving parts

Precautions for the safe use of hoists and lifts include:

• the hoist is made of sound materials, is stable and can lift the loads required
• it is marked to show its use, either for equipment and materials only or for passengers as well as goods, with the number of people it can carry and a safe working load notice
• passengers are never allowed to ride on a goods-only hoist
• it is erected and operated by trained and experienced people who follow the manufacturer's instructions, and it is properly secured to the supporting structure
• use the control locations, communications, interlocks and operating method designed for that hoist; do not assume one arrangement applies to all goods or passenger hoists
• ensure landing and platform access is protected, with authorised operation and a suitable rescue procedure
• the hoist way is enclosed wherever people might be struck, such as at ground level, working platforms and window openings
• the hoist way is fenced where people could fall down it
• gates at landings are kept closed except for loading and unloading, and are secure and unable to swing into the hoist way
• the distance from the platform edge to the landing is appropriate, and the platform has a ramp so there is no gap to fall through
• travelling platforms have toe-boards and are enclosed with mesh or solid sides where loads are taller than the toe-board
• all containers are secured against accidental movement
• loads are spread evenly on the platform and do not impose any point load above the manufacturer's limit
• thorough examination and testing is carried out after erection, after substantial alteration or repair, and at suitable intervals
• use pre-use checks and planned inspections at intervals based on risk, deterioration and manufacturer information; do not assume a universal monthly inspection interval

Conveyors

Common hazards for people using conveyors include:

• rotating parts or pinch points that can drag in, crush or entangle
• body parts caught in nip points
• being caught in the conveyor and drawn into its path
• confinement or assembly areas, the space between a fixed object and a moving one, which can shear or crush
• parts that slide or reciprocate (press down), which can crush or shear
• items that break or are thrown off the conveyor system
• being struck by material falling off the conveyor
• electrical, fire or explosion hazards

Take these precautions:

• do not use a conveyor that is unsafe until it has been made safe
• forbid employees to ride the conveyor belt
• fit guards where conveyors pass over work areas or walkways
• install an emergency button or pull cord that stops the conveyor
• require the emergency stop to be reset before the conveyor can be restarted
• keep hair, clothing, jewellery and other loose items away
• nobody may climb, step, sit or stand on a conveyor
• nobody should be near the conveyor while it starts up
• never modify or misuse the conveyor controls
• allow only authorised personnel to operate or maintain the conveyor
• report all unsafe conditions

Summary notes for Element 6 · Cheat sheet · Glossary. A study aid, not published or endorsed by NEBOSH.