Construction Hoist Interest Group

Goods only construction hoists form a key part of many construction projects. They aid in the movement of materials on site which helps to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with manual handling, lifting operations and vehicle movement. As with all machinery however, in order to be safe, they must comply with the requirements of the law. With innovation and significant changes in the availability of hoist gate interlocking systems, it is clear that the safety devices available for this equipment have moved forward.

he Group has had another productive year in setting up a project for an NVQ assessment standard for hoist installers with the CITB Occupational Working Group (OWG). The approval process has been completed. The Chairman of the OWG has formally written to Awarding Bodies inviting them to take up the offer of the qualification, which is based on National Occupational Standards.

Work at Height is a concern of the Hoist Group and they have been actively involved in attending Working Group meetings to produce Best Practice Guidance to minimise the risk when Unloading/Loading of Transport.

They have also had concerns on working at height regarding erecting, alteration, maintenance and dismantling and have set up a Working Group to address the problems. The aim of the Working Group is to compile Best Practice Guidance on Rescue/Work at Height on Construction Hoists. The final draft has been compiled and is awaiting HSE endorsement. The Guidance is to be launched in the spring of 2009.

Some members of CHIG have encountered problems regarding hoists being secured to scaffolding. Some contractors have insisted that the hoist must be tied to buildings and not to the scaffold. Understandably, this is causing problems as hoists can be tied to scaffolding providing that the scaffold has been designed to take the weight of the hoist. This issue has been clarified with the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Guide to Good Practice for Scaffolding TG 20 document has been amended. Whilst the group are not totally in agreement with what has been stated, it does make the issue, of the tying of hoists to scaffolds, more clear.

The CPA has been successful in obtaining some funding from ConstructionSkills towards the production of a Best Practice Guide for the Maintenance, Inspection and Thorough Examination of Construction Hoists. The work will commence in the New Year and will be completed by May 2009.

CHIG Downloads

CHIG Downloads	Title	Description	Publication Date
	CHIG1101 Maintainance, Inspection and Thorough Examination of Construction Hoists (Replaces CHIG 0301) Click on the Picture to Download CHIG1101	This revised document provides guidance on daily pre-use checks, inspections, thorough examination and maintenance of hoists. It also includes check lists and report forms for pre-use checks, weekly inspections and thorough examination. It should be read in conjunction with BS 7212 "Code of practice for safe use of construction hoists".	October 2011
	CHIG 0901 CPA Best Practice Guide Work at Height on Construction Hoists Click on the Picture to Download CHIG 0901 >>	Where working at height is required as part of the erection, alteration, maintenance and dismantling of constructions hoists and should be carried out by trained personnel, following careful planning which includes adequate assessment of the risks involved. This planning should include provision for the rescue of persons, both during erection, alteration and dismantling, and whilst the hoist is in-service. This document provides guidance on the issues.	June 2009
	CHIG 0501 UNDER REVIEW CPA Best Practice Guide Transporting Scaffolding in Construction Hoists Click on the Picture to Download CHIG 0501 >>	This booklet gives guidance on hoisting operations when scaffolding is being erected and carried on the hoist. It is the first time that such guidance has been prepared for scaffolders and their hoist operators. It pays particular attention to risk assessment and inspection by the hoist erectors as the hoist is extended with the scaffolding.	May 2005
	CHIG 0401 - Revision 1 Safeguarding Requirements for Landing Gates on Goods-only Hoists Click on the Picture to Download CHIG 0401 >>	Goods only construction hoists form a key part of many construction projects. They aid in the movement of materials on site which helps to reduce or eliminate the risks associated with manual handling, lifting operations and vehicle movement. As with all machinery however, in order to be safe, they must comply with the requirements of the law. With innovation and significant changes in the availability of hoist gate interlocking systems, it is clear that the safety devices available for this equipment have moved forward.	October 2011
	CHIG 0301 - Rev 1 CPA Best Practice Guide Construction Hoists Inspection, Thorough Examination and Maintenance Click on the Picture to Download CHIG 0301 Rev 1>>		July 2004
	CHIG 0201 CPA Best Practice Guide Transport Platforms, Installation, Use, Maintenance, Inspection, Examination and Testing Click on the Picture to Download CHIG 0201 >>	Transport platforms are temporary lifting machines used on construction sites. With their restricted speed, they are not replacements for fast moving construction hoists. This guidance clarifies the use for which they are designed as well as giving guidance on risk assessment. The guidance covers the planning, safe installation, use, maintenance, inspection, thorough examination and testing of transport platforms.	August 2002
	CHIG Supplementary Conditions Download Supplementary Conditions >>		July 2011
	Press Release - Hoist Scaffolding Best Practice Guide Download Press Release >>		May 2005