High Risk Work Licence - Personnel and Materials Hoist (HP) cheat sheet

An HP licence covers hoists designed to carry both personnel and materials; a materials-only hoist must not carry people.

Planned load = hoist dead load + personnel + materials + attachments; it must not exceed the rated load for the configuration.

Before work, obtain the manufacturer's manual, load chart, logbook and evidence of current inspection and testing.

Site assessment must confirm ground bearing capacity, level base, overhead powerline clearances and wind exposure.

The SWMS/JSA must identify erection, operation, dismantling, rescue and exclusion-zone controls.

Exclusion zones are required beneath the car, at landings and in the erection/dismantling area.

Confirm the hoist is designed and rated for the intended number of persons and landing heights.

Confirm communication method, emergency plan and first-aid arrangements before start.

Stop-work criteria include wind above the manufacturer's limit, lightning, poor visibility and ground instability.

Daily pre-start inspection covers base, mast, ties, outriggers, car, gates, interlocks, ropes, sheaves, brakes and controls.

Test upper, lower and final limit switches; the final limit must stop the car independently of the normal upper limit.

Test the overspeed/fall-arrest device and emergency stop as specified in the manufacturer's manual.

Wire rope is rejected for broken wires, kinks, bird-caging, corrosion, crushed strands or damaged end fittings per the discard criteria.

Brake test: the brake must hold the rated load without uncontrolled descent.

Electrical checks include RCD, earthing, isolator, cables, remote control and emergency stop function.

Defects are logged, tagged out and repaired by a competent person before the hoist is returned to service.

Maintenance includes lubrication, bolt torque, rope inspection and tie/anchor checks at scheduled intervals.

Load chart, SWL markings and operating instructions must be legible and displayed.

The base must be level, stable and able to carry dead plus rated load; use sole plates or load spreaders where specified.

Mast verticality is checked in two directions and kept within the manufacturer's tolerance.

Ties are installed at specified vertical intervals and connected to structural members able to take the loads; torque to specification.

Outriggers must be fully extended, pinned and locked, and ballast installed as specified.

Landing gates must be self-closing and interlocked; guardrails and toe boards fitted.

Keep mast, ties and car clear of powerlines per safe approach distances; consult the network operator if needed.

Car-to-landing gap and sill height are controlled to prevent trapping and falling.

Erection and dismantling are done by licensed riggers or competent persons under supervision with an exclusion zone.

After erection, inspect, test and record before first use.

Only authorised, trained operators may operate the hoist; no passengers on a materials-only hoist.

Operate controls with constant pressure or deadman control where fitted; releasing the control stops movement.

Never exceed the rated load; distribute load evenly and secure materials against movement.

Gates and interlocks must be closed and engaged before movement; personnel must not lean out.

Maintain clear communication or signals; stop if a signal is unclear.

Stop operation in high wind, lightning, poor visibility or any abnormal noise, vibration or drift.

Do not use the hoist as a crane; no loads may protrude beyond the car.

If power fails, keep persons inside and use emergency lowering or communication; do not climb the mast.

Report defects and incidents; lower the load and isolate the hoist if unsafe.

Lower the car to the designated parking landing, apply the brake and isolate power at the isolator.

Lock the control panel, remove keys and secure gates and access to prevent unauthorised use.

Follow the manufacturer's out-of-service and high-wind parking instructions, including tie-downs.

Record operating hours, inspections, defects and maintenance in the logbook.

Dismantle in the reverse of the erection sequence under the plan and exclusion zone.

Tag out and lock off a defective hoist; do not return it to service until repaired and retested.

Store ropes, sheaves, electrical components and manuals in a clean, dry, protected area.

Secure site fencing and covers; prevent access to the mast and base.

Hierarchy of control: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrative controls and PPE.

Fall hazards are controlled by guardrails, gates, interlocks and fall-arrest systems during erection.

The emergency plan covers rescue at height, emergency lowering, first aid and emergency contacts.

Power failure or entrapment: use emergency lowering, keep persons calm and do not climb the mast.

Fire: isolate power, use an extinguisher, evacuate and call emergency services.

Report notifiable incidents and preserve the scene; record the event in the logbook.

Weather: stop work for wind, lightning, flooding or poor visibility.

Apply lockout/tagout before maintenance and verify isolation.

PPE includes helmet, boots, gloves, hearing protection and a harness where required.