Materials Hoist Operation

The Materials Hoist Operation SOP (SOP-HOI-003) covers critical safety measures for operating materials hoists, addressing hazards such as dropped objects, structural failures, and overloading. This document is essential for construction teams and safety officers to ensure compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act and relevant Australian standards. It provides guidelines to mitigate risks associated with hoist operations, enhancing workplace safety and reducing the likelihood of serious injuries.

• Dropped objects from the hoist cage or during installation/dismantling – serious injury or fatality
• Structural failure of the hoist mast due to inadequate ties – collapse
• Overloading the cage causing rope failure or structural overload
• Personnel attempting to ride the materials-only hoist – entrapment, fall, or crush injury
• Failure of safety devices (overspeed governor, limit switches) – uncontrolled descent
• Fall from height during installation or dismantling
• Hoist cage striking personnel at landings

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and applicable state/territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth) – Part 5.1 High Risk Work Licences
• AS 1418 series – Cranes, hoists and winches
• AS 2550 series – Cranes – Safe use
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace (2024)
• Engineered Mast Tie-Back Design (associated document)
• Materials Hoist Pre-Start Checklist (associated document)