24.05.2005

A guide to hoist use in scaffold erection

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) have jointly produced new guide on the safe transport of scaffolding components during scaffold erection, using construction hoists.

This CPA/NASC best practice guide "Transporting Scaffolding on Construction Hoists" was launched at SED last week, produced by a joint working party from the CPA's Construction Hoist Interest Group and the NASC have spent the last year and a half producing the guide with the participation of the Health and Safety Executive.

It is common practice for scaffolding contractors to use hoists for carrying scaffolding poles and boards to upper levels when installing a scaffold and it is considered to be the safest method, however it the hoist is not properly equipped for the purpose, or used correctly they are can pose an unacceptable level of risk say the CPA.

This best practice guide provides guidance on all hoisting operations mainly from the perspective of scaffolding contractors. It is the first time that such guidance has been prepared that targets scaffolders and their hoist operators. It pays particular attention to risk assessment, clarifies grey areas of the responsibilities of individuals involved with hoisting operations and above all, aims to reduce accidents.

The guidance advises that the hoist must be specially adapted by the hoist supplier and controlled only by an authorised operator, employed by the scaffolding contractor. Both hoist erectors and scaffolders should be trained and competent to work at heights when installing equipment.

The "CPA/NASC Best Practice Guide - "Transporting Scaffolding in Construction Hoists" (Reference no: CHIG 0501) can be purchased from the Construction Plant-hire Association 27/28 Newbury Street, London EC1A 7HU, telephone: 020 7796 3366 in hard copy at £12.50.

It can also be supplied in electronic (pdf) format at £50.00 with permission to reproduce it within any particular company. Contact Olwen O'Dowd at the CPA.