Operate the Personnel and Materials Hoist
Operate within the chart, every time
The operator's job is to keep the machine inside its rated capacity and its designed use. Know the load: mass, centre of gravity and distribution on the platform. Personnel and materials must be carried as the manufacturer permits - never mix people with a load that can shift, and never carry people on a materials-only hoist.
Before each movement, confirm the gates are closed and locked, the landing gate opens only when the platform is there, and everyone is clear of the travel path. Use the agreed signals or radio; if communication is lost, stop. Travel at controlled speed, start and stop smoothly, and watch the load and the facade for snags, projections and loose material.
Keep hands, tools and materials inside the platform. Do not use the hoist as a crane to drag or lever loads. Do not exceed the wind speed limit in the manual, and stop for lightning, poor visibility or any abnormal noise, vibration or drift. Never leave the controls unattended with a load or a person at height.
Trap: the SWL on the plate is not the only limit; the chart varies with height and configuration, and the platform and attachments count as part of the load.
Rule of thumb: if you cannot state the mass of the load and the chart value for that height, you are not ready to move.