Safe Use Of Barrow Hoists

Safe Use Of Barrow Hoists : 

Safe Use Of Barrow Hoists Barrow Hoists when properly used can be excellent accessory. If misused, they can be extremely dangerous. This toolbox talk discusses operating barrow type materials hoists only and operators should note that to operate a materials hoist where the working platform can exceed 11m high (WA) or operating a personnel hoist requires the operator to hold a the appropriate high risk work license. This presentation should be shown as an accompaniment to a toolbox training talk.

Introduction to Barrow Hoist : 

Introduction to Barrow Hoist The erection, alteration and dismantling of hoists should be carried out only by suitably trained and qualified personnel. Only trained and competent persons should operate any hoist. Hoists must be clearly marked denoting whether they are for personnel or materials use and with the work load limit (WLL). Only materials are allowed to be moved using materials hoists. No persons should ride on the materials hoist. Each hoist should be inspected daily prior to operation by a competent person and recorded. Australand (in control of the site) is responsible for ensuring that daily safety checks and operations of the hoist are carried out correctly. The site supervisor is also responsible for ensuring that while a hoist is on site, it is inspected and maintained properly and records maintained.

Pre-operation Checks: : 

Pre-operation Checks: Get authority from the site supervisor or delegate to operate the hoist. Ensure you have the right PPE. (safety footwear, safety helmet, high visibility shirt or vest, gloves, sun protection). Ensure site Log books are available and completed. Review hoist and ensure No ‘Out of Service’ tags are placed on the hoist, warning and operation signs are read and understood and followed.

Pre-operation Checks: : 

Pre-operation Checks: Ensure safe access to and from the hoist at all levels is available and maintained at all times. All rubbish & materials are removed away from the hoist area at all levels. All gates and barricade operate effectively and are suitably closed for operation. All safety devices, switches, alarms etc operate properly. Clear access to main isolation board is available at all times. Overhead protection is appropriate. Suitably tied to the supporting structure. No hazards exist to people, property or the environment.

Safe Operation: : 

Safe Operation: All gates and barriers are closed during hoist platform movement. All loads are place onto the hoist such that they can be safety unloaded e.g. wheelbarrows are loaded on backwards so they can be unloaded at height without persons requiring to stand on the hoist platform. Observe the lower controls station to ensure all clear before unloading the hoist platform while raised. Similarly check upper platforms to ensure hoist is free to use before lowering platform. Never overload the hoist and the ensure WLL is not exceeded. Raise and lower hoist only when safe to do so.

Safe Operation: : 

Safe Operation: Gate shall be shut at all times on all levels. Extension leads and cords should not be secured to any section of the hoist or scaffold at any time. Materials should be secured within the platform with no materials hanging outside or over barricades or gates. No persons are to ride the hoist at any time. No person should be under the hoist platform at any time.

Safe Operation: : 

Safe Operation: Loads that extend beyond platform confines can catch on scaffold parts causing damage or be knocked and fall off. Ensure that loads are restrained within the platform confines at all times. Ensure that materials and equipment loaded on the platform can be safely removed when the platform is raised to upper levels.

Safe Operation: : 

Safe Operation: Gate and barricades on some hoists can cause fingers to be trapped. Ensure that handles installed on barriers are used to operate barricades. Overhead protection must be provided for all hoists.

Hazards & defective hoists : 

Hazards & defective hoists Stop operations and ensure no other person can be affected by the hazard. Report all issues and hazards to the site supervisor/s immediately. Complete and apply an ‘Out of Service’ tag to defective equipment.

Completion of hoist activities and shut down : 

Completion of hoist activities and shut down Ensure all gates and barriers are closed. Lower hoist platform to the ground. Remove all materials and/or rubbish. Check hoist for any damage or issues and where necessary report to the site supervisor. At the end of each workday and for extended site closed periods each hoist shall be shut down and isolated complete the following lockout activities; Turn off the power supply switch key (key lockable power supply types). Turn the isolator switch to off and apply padlock (padlocked power supply types). Remove the power supply extension lead from the hoist power supply and secure.