What is a Hoist?
A hoist is a simple lift that you can often see on scaffolding on multi-storey buildings. In Australia, to set them up you need a specific license.
There are two types of hoists – a materials hoist and a personnel and materials hoist. Both need separate qualifications.
In this article, we will explore what a hoist is, what it’s used for, and what licenses you need to be able to set up and operate them in the construction industry.
What Is a Hoist in The Construction Industry?
During construction projects, different operations and mechanisms are used to carry out tasks in fast, safe and efficient ways. One of these is the use of hoists.
A hoist uses a pulley system to raise objects to a height, either personnel or construction materials.
For example, you could hoist up bricks to any floor of a building or lift people up to the roof of a high-rise. Using a hoist speeds up the movement of goods and personnel all while ensuring safety as these goods are usually too heavy for manual lifting.
The hoist uses wire ropes or chains that are attached to a weight to deploy a pulley system that is operated either manually, electrically, or even hydraulically.
The Two Main Types of Hoists
In terms of purpose and application, construction hoists can be materials hoists or materials and personnel hoists.
What is a Materials Hoist?
A materials hoist is used to lift goods and materials such as construction tools, equipment and supplies. This hoist isn’t used to lift people.
What is a Materials and Personnel Hoist?
A materials and personnel hoist is used to hoist personnel, goods and/or materials. They are designed to carry construction personnel up and down the building, as well as materials.
A personnel hoist is usually controlled from inside the cage because of this. It also utilises more safety precautions to prevent people from falling out.Other Types of Hoisting Equipment (Boom Lifts and Scissor Lifts)
As well as lifting with a hoist, you can also carry construction materials and personnel up a building using a lift. Lifts can usually reach further areas which a hoist cannot, and they can also be more easily used for finishing final details of construction on a building.
Construction lifts can be electrically powered or use hydraulic or propulsion pressure to operate the pulley system. Different types of lifts can be used for different construction activities. They can be divided into Boom Lifts and Scissor Lifts.
Do I Need a License to Operate a Hoist?
To set up both a materials and personnel hoist in Australia, you will need a specific license. This mandatory qualification confirms that you have had successful training and assessment of operating a materials and/or personnel and materials hoist.
Getting your license means that on a construction site, you can safely and responsibly operate one or both hoists.
The two qualifications are:
- CPCCLHS3002A Licence to operate a materials hoist
- CPCCLHS3001A Licence to operate a personnel and materials hoist
You can learn more about these hoist courses here.
Where To Get a Hoist License?
If you’re located in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne then why not sign up today on one of our hoist courses?
Real equipment and site conditions are what you get when you train with Kallibr Training (RTO 32365). Whether it’s at your site or ours, our realistic training conditions prepare you for the best outcomes on the job.
Fast track your construction career today.
Want To Enrol in a Hoist Course?
Give our team a call to discuss the different options, along with pricing and course dates, or check out our other courses here.
More information about high-risk licenses for scaffold work
To find out more about basic, intermediate and advanced scaffolding courses or any other construction tickets, give our team a call or email us for further information.
