HK SWP / Gondola Operator (CIC) key terms

A working platform suspended by wire ropes or other means from an overhead structure, allowing work to be carried out at height and raised or lowered as the task requires.

The common Hong Kong name for a suspended working platform, typically a metal cradle hung from a roof rig by suspension wire ropes and used for external facade work on buildings.

The load-carrying platform or basket of a suspended working platform, complete with floor, guardrails, toe boards and hoist units, in which workers and materials are carried.

A suspension arrangement where the platform is hung from one suspension point, usually requiring two wire ropes close together; it offers less resistance to rotation and demands careful load control.

A suspension arrangement where the platform hangs from two separated suspension points, giving a wider support base, better stability against tilting and more even distribution of the rated load.

The structural assembly on the roof, including beams, outriggers and counterweights, that supports the suspension ropes and anchors them so the platform can hang over the building edge.

A clamping device fixed to a parapet or structural member to hold the roof rig or suspension beam in position, transferring rope loads into the building structure rather than relying on counterweights alone.

Mass, usually concrete or steel blocks, placed on the tail of a roof rig to balance the moment created by the loaded platform and prevent the rig from lifting or tipping.

A projecting beam that cantilevers beyond the building edge to carry the suspension rope clear of the facade, forming part of the roof rig and balanced by counterweights or tie-backs.

A rope, rod or fixing that anchors the roof rig back to a reliable structural point so it cannot move outward, slide or overturn when the platform is loaded or moves.

The steel wire rope that carries the platform and its load from the roof rig to the hoist, forming the primary means of support and requiring regular inspection for wear, corrosion and broken wires.

An independent wire rope, separate from the suspension ropes, run from a reliable anchorage to the platform and used with a fall arrest device so a worker is protected if primary suspension fails.

Equipment, including a full body harness, lanyard and anchor, arranged to stop a falling person and limit the fall distance and forces; it does not prevent the fall from occurring.

A device that grips the safety rope and locks when loaded by a falling worker, travelling freely along the rope during normal movement so the worker stays attached at all times.

A personal fall protection assembly of straps worn over the shoulders, chest and legs that distributes fall arrest forces across the body and keeps the wearer upright after a fall.

A connecting line, often with an energy absorber, that links the harness to an anchorage or rope grab and limits the force transmitted to the body during a fall.

Illness caused by blood pooling in the legs when a person hangs motionless in a harness after a fall, which can cause loss of consciousness and requires prompt rescue and medical attention.

Recovery of a suspended or injured worker by others using the platform controls, rescue equipment or emergency lowering arrangements, planned in advance so the worker is reached quickly.

The actions a worker takes to recover from a fall or stoppage without outside help, such as using the rope grab, platform controls or a personal descent device to reach a safe place.

A manual or alternative means of bringing the platform down when normal power or controls fail, often by releasing the hoist brake in a controlled way so occupants can be evacuated.

The powered unit on the platform that grips or winds the suspension wire rope to raise and lower the platform, incorporating the motor, brake and often the overspeed and slack-rope devices.

A device that holds the platform stationary when power is removed and stops it if the drive fails; it must be checked for holding ability before each use.

A safety mechanism that senses the platform descending faster than a set speed and stops it, protecting occupants if the hoist or brake fails.

A sensor or switch that detects loss of tension in the suspension rope, for example when the platform is caught on an obstruction, and stops the hoist to prevent rope damage or sudden drop.

A device that detects excessive out-of-level movement of the platform and stops the hoist, helping to prevent load shift, spillage and loss of control during raising or lowering.

A device that senses when the platform load exceeds the rated capacity and prevents or stops lifting, warning the operator that the load must be reduced before work continues.

The maximum load, in kilograms and number of persons, that the platform is designed to carry as shown on its nameplate; it must never be exceeded and should be evenly distributed.

The durable plate fixed to the platform showing the rated load, maximum number of persons, model and other key data; a missing or illegible nameplate means the platform should not be used.

Placing persons, tools and materials so weight is spread evenly over the platform floor and kept near the centre, avoiding concentrated loads that could tilt or overstress the cradle.

The check carried out by a competent person before the platform is used each day or after any alteration, covering ropes, rig, counterweights, anchors, hoist, brakes, controls and guardrails.

The end fixing of a suspension or safety rope, such as a swaged ferrule, wedge socket or thimble and clamps, which must be correctly made and inspected because failure here drops the platform.

A structural point of sufficient strength used to attach tie-backs, safety ropes or fall arrest equipment, chosen and checked so it can take the expected loads without movement or failure.

A person with the qualifications, training and experience required by the relevant regulations to examine and test suspended working platforms and issue the certificates required before use and at statutory intervals.

A person who by training and experience can identify defects and unsafe conditions in the equipment and work, and who carries out the inspections and checks the regulations and codes require.

The formal examination and testing of a suspended working platform by a competent examiner, required before first use, after substantial alteration and at specified intervals, resulting in a certificate.

The document issued by a competent examiner recording the result of a statutory examination, which must be kept available and shows the platform is fit for use until the stated date.

The record kept with the platform containing inspection results, defects found, repairs, examinations and daily checks, allowing the equipment's history and fitness to be traced.

Attaching a clear warning tag and isolating a defective platform or component so it cannot be used until repaired and formally released, with the defect recorded in the log book.

The process of promptly informing the supervisor or contractor of any fault, damage or near miss, recording it, and stopping use until the equipment is made safe.

An incident that did not cause injury or damage but could have, such as a dropped tool or a brief rope slip; it should be reported and investigated so the cause is corrected.

The area beneath and around the platform, barricaded and signed to keep people out while work at height is carried out so falling objects or the platform itself cannot strike anyone.

The planned actions, triggered by warning signals, to stop work, lower and secure the platform, tie it off and leave it in a safe condition before severe weather arrives.

The maximum wind speed at which the platform may be used, set by the manufacturer and the code of practice; work stops when it is reached and the platform is secured.

The safe place where the platform is left when not in use, usually lowered, secured against movement and with ropes protected, as required by the site's procedures.

A protective switch that cuts off the electrical supply when it detects leakage current to earth, reducing the risk of electric shock to workers on a wet, metal platform.

Switching off and locking out the electrical supply so the platform cannot be energised while maintenance, repair or inspection work is carried out on its electrical or mechanical parts.

The hand-held unit with up, down and stop buttons used by the operator to move the platform, fitted with an emergency stop and connected to the hoist control system.

A clearly marked button or switch that immediately cuts power to the hoist and stops platform movement in an emergency, and which must be tested before use.

A rail, usually with a top rail, mid rail and toe board, fitted around the platform to stop persons, tools and materials falling out during movement or work.

A low upstand fixed along the platform floor edge, above which the guardrail sits, that prevents tools and materials from being kicked or sliding off the platform.

The practice of tethering or storing tools and materials inside the platform so nothing can fall onto people below, supporting the exclusion zone and preventing near misses.

A platform caught on a projection, ledge or obstruction so it cannot move normally; the operator must stop, avoid forcing the hoist and get help to free it safely.

Loss of electrical supply to the platform, leaving it stranded; occupants must stay calm, use communications and await or carry out emergency lowering under the site's rescue plan.