References:  R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan

Note: This section is to be read in conjunction with:

• Section: Cranes, Hoists and Other Lifting Equipment

Personnel/ Material Hoists (e.g. Cantilevered Builders Hoists). 

Design and Planning

E A Qualified Person (structural engineer) must be engaged to review the hoist design, hoist base and approve the load and connected methods to the building

In addition to the planning requirements listed in Cranes, Hoists and Other Lifting Equipment consideration of the following is required: 

• Allowance for the hoist overrun
• Power availability and location of board
• Type, number and size of hoists
• Correct siting of the hoist having regard to the intended location of crane and other plant, site access and work sequences which must be undertaken.
• Exclusion zones.
• Pit design with consideration to the door opening – where applicable

Operational

S A SWMS must be developed and implemented for the erection, and operation/ and maintenance,

All installation, alterations, servicing and/or jumping activities on any dual twin hoist cars on single mast configuration must be carried out whilst both hoists cars are locked off and under the control of the contractor performing works.

R Inspection and maintenance must be in accordance with the manufactures specifications and:

• Section: Plant and Equipment Inspection Schedule

R The hoist installer must provide a commissioning report for the installation and an inspection report for each jump.

R VIC and QLD - A Personnel and Materials Hoist checklist must completed before commencing operations.

Material Hoists are only to be used for the transfer of material and equipment, personnel are not to ride on the hoist platform.

R Hoists must be installed and operated by a Competent Person, refer to:

• Training and Competency Schedule.

Hoists must:

• R Have a log book, kept up to date (by the operator)                 
• Have instructions and maintenance records available
• Be inspected, serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
• Be set up on compacted ground and be maintained vertically (needles and screw jacks packed with timber and tightened)
• Not be free standing more than 3 metres above the last tie
• Be braced or guyed (irrespective of height), be supported by a lateral brace, not more than 6 metres above base and at least every 6 metres thereafter or guyed (for material hoists only)
• Be fitted with guardrails, mid rails and gates; platform gates may incorporate a fold down section to bridge the gap between the platform and landing. Chain or rope is not acceptable as a gate
• Have mesh panels or similar installed on the roof edge protection.
• QLD Be fitted with a constant pressure switch or device to prevent inadvertent operation.
• NSW, QLD and VIC Be enclosed on all four sides for the full height up to 2.4 metres above top landings, except at gate openings
• NSW, QLD and VIC – Have landing gates at least 1.8 metres high and have integrated, gate-interlocked circuit wiring.

Base guarding must be erected on all sides of the platform landing area.

Gaps between the hoist gates and access platforms / landings must be filled.

Power cables must be appropriately restrained with sufficient guides for the prevailing conditions.

Overhead protection must be provided where the control panel is within 3 metres of the hoist.

The cable drum must be loaded evenly with cable, to prevent any freefall.

The hoist and platform must be suitably signed indicating working load limit, name/mark of manufacturer, model ID, rope and reeving detail: calibration date (rack & pinion), owner’s ID and for materials hoists a sign indicating “persons are prohibited from riding the platform.”

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Potential falling objects related to during the installation, climbing and dismantling of the hoist should be managed in accordance with

• Section: Working and Heights and consider:
• Tools being secured to lanyards
• Rattle guns/ratchets etc. having magnetic sockets
• Exclusion zones 

WA – Personnel and Material Hoists (Cantilevered Builders Hoists > 11 Metres) must:

• Be enclosed on all four sides for the full height up to 2.4 metres above top landings, except at gate openings
• Have landing gates must be at least 1.8 metres high and have integrated, gateinterlocked circuit wiring.

Legal and Other Requirements

• AS 1418.1 Cranes, Hoists & winches - general requirements
• Managing Risks of Plant Code of Practice (Qld) 2013

Document Control

Version 1 August 2019 – New Standard