Hoists

A hoist is a device used to raise or lift something by mechanical means. Various types of hoists are used in the workplace, such as:

• material hoists
• automotive lift hoists
• personnel hoists
• chain hoists
• roofer’s hoists
• manual hoists
• scaffold hoists
• boom truck hoists

When a hoist is used, employers must develop and implement safe work procedures, ensure workers have received proper training in the safe work procedures developed and ensure workers comply with the safe work procedures.

Only a person who is authorized to practice the trade of hoist operator under the Trade of Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator Regulation, Manitoba Regulation 91/2000 is allowed to operate a boom truck hoist with a rated load of 7,300 kg or more.

A maintenance and inspection schedule must be developed and implemented for all hoists in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. A hoist must have a plate or weatherproof label permanently secured to it that legibly shows the rated load.

Avoid the following:

• use hoisting equipment for lifting people
• pass a load over workers
• tip a load (load and hoisting equipment may become unstable, putting workers at serious risk of injury and causing damage to the hoist and rigging components)
• insert the point of a lifting hook in a link of the chain
• hammer a sling into place
• leave slings dangling from the load hook, place sling hooks on the sling ring when carrying slings to the load
• raise loads higher than necessary to clear objects
• exceed a hoist’s load limit
• leave suspended loads unattended
• block the controls while raising and lowering the hoist
• leave the controls while the lift is in motion