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Erection of hoists and mast climbers
Safety
Working with hoists and mast climbers? Use this page as a safety guide.
Pre-use checklist
Here is an example of what a pre-use check list might look like:
| Project Name: | Sub-Contractor: |
| Serial Number: | |
| Type / Model: | Inspection Date: |
| ITEMS TO INSPECT | Y/N or NA | COMMENTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mast bases secure timbers and wedges in place. | ||
| 2 | Are all handrails and guardrails securely fastened? | ||
| 3 | Safety pins fitted to guard rails and panels? | ||
| 4 | Is the chassis level? | ||
| 5 | Jacks down and stand on firm ground or support plates? | ||
| 6 | Entry gates opening correctly? | ||
| 7 | Access steps in place and secure? | ||
| 8 | Enclosures post fitted correctly and secure? | ||
| 9 | Platform connecting bolts fastened and in place? | ||
| 10 | Racks and pinions well lubricated? | ||
| 11 | Emergency STOP switches working? | ||
| 12 | UP/DOWN switches operating correctly? | ||
| 13 | Over-run (dummy tower section) installed? | ||
| 14 | Over-run limits operate correctly? | ||
| 15 | Emergency Descend procedure legible and displayed on the platform? | ||
| 16 | Descend lights and siren working properly? | ||
| 17 | Mast tie securely fastened at each end? | ||
| 18 | Power cable free of obstruction during travel? | ||
| 19 | Top limit switch functioning correctly? | ||
| 20 | Striker plates securely fastened and limit switches functioning correctly? | ||
| 21 | Levelling arms connected and platform self levels? | ||
| 22 | Mast height no greater than15m? (must dismantle if higher) | ||
| 23 | Mast path obstructed from travel? | ||
| 24 | Platform loading diagrams attached and legible? | ||
| 25 | Total weight of persons and materials exceeding the working load limit? | ||
| 26 | Working platform maximum load diagram displayed? | ||
| 27 | Platform used when wind velocity exceeds 12/sec (43km/hr)? | ||
| 28 | Platform placed safely at designated exit point? | ||
| 29 | Emergency Stop button pushed in? | ||
| 30 | Key’s from platform removed?(when not in operation) | ||
| 31 | Platform kept out of service at ground level on completion of work? | ||
| 32 | Only inducted and authorised persons to use the equipment? | ||
| 33 | Communication between the occupants of the work platform and the ground? |
Weather conditions
Hoists should only be erected in low wind conditions to manufacturer's specifications.
Most manufacturers specify:
- a maximum erection wind speed of 12.5 metres per second
- a maximum in service wind speed of 20 metres per second
Never work on a hoist in bad weather (like rain, snow or ice).
Preparation
Read and understand the Instruction Manual before work begins.
Barricade or rope off the area around the hoist before work begins.
Make sure no unauthorized personnel are let in to the work area during work.
Do not stand or climb under the hoist
Keep all objects within the handrails while travelling
General
Always read all warning and instruction signs before starting work.
The hoist must be fitted with an over-speed safety device. Never work on a hoist that is missing the safety device or if the safety device is out of date. There must be a stamp on the safety device saying when it needs replacement.
Keep the work area clean. Any oil spillage must be removed immediately to avoid the risk of slipping.
Never climb under the hoist unless the hoist car has a mechanical way of stopping it moving downwards and the car has been electrically isolated.
Never climb on the mast or ties. Always stay within the handrails or car.
When working, always take precautions to avoid being struck by these items while the hoist is moving:
- mast ties
- cable guides
- landings
- counterweight
- structure openings.
Keep all body parts within the handrails and/or car.
When working on a multiple cage hoist, only the hoist car being used is to be operational. All other cars must be electrically isolated at ground level. If multiple cars are being used then an appropriate safe work method needs to be implemented.
Driving
Never drive the hoist until the hoist base is level and secure.
It is the driver's responsibility to visually check the position of the other people working on or near the hoist. This is to make sure they are clear before movement begins.
The driver should verbally state when the car is being driven and in which direction. For example: “Driving, going up”.
Once in the working position, engage the emergency stop before work begins.
You can only drive a short distance above the base (or top tie) safely. Make sure you have checked the installation manual for the specific hoist so you know what this distance is.
The top tower section should always have the rack removed before the hoist is placed into service.
Always make sure tower bolts have been installed before driving onto a newly installed section of mast.
Make sure tower bolts have been installed and torqued