Suspension Scaffold Hoists

A hoist is a manual or power-operated mechanical device that raises or lowers a suspended scaffold. Workers who use suspension scaffolds must understand the criteria for manual and power-operated hoists:

• Suspension scaffold hoists, whether manual or power-operated, must be tested and listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Gasoline-powered equipment and hoists must not be used on suspension scaffolds.
• Gears and brakes of power-operated hoists used on suspension scaffolds must be enclosed.
• In addition to the normal operating brake, suspension scaffold power-operated hoists and manually operated hoists must have a braking device or locking pawl that engages automatically when a hoist makes either of the following uncontrolled movements:
  • An instantaneous change in momentum
  • An accelerated overspeed
• Manually operated hoists must have a positive crank force to descend.

To learn more about Scaffolding Safety visit our Construction Scaffolding Safety Online Training web page.