Posted By Chippers My client, a Principal Contractor is using a goods hoist, with 6 landing platforms, to transport debris from a multi storey building he is stripping out. I recommended that they arrange for interlocks to be fitted to prevent the gates on each level from being opened, when the lift is away from the landing platform. This advice concurs in general, I think with the industry best practice guidance from the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) Construction Hoist Interest Group (CHIG). My client has advised that a recent visit from the HSE has contradicted this advice and the inspector has told him that locking the gates when the platform has moved away, is not necessary. This advice does surprise me and has the potential to undermine my support and cast doubt on my credibility. Any comments on the advice I have given?

Posted By seanc as an ex lift engineer i am totally amazed that there are no interlocks on the landing doors, this is probably one of the most dangerous things you could do with a lift, apart from the fact you can open a door when the lift car is not there, you can also move the lift when people or goods are still being loaded. switch off the lift immediately, it is a accident waiting to happen!!

Posted By Glyn Atkinson Was the advice "witnessed" or recorded anywhere? - or is this a case of "He won't check what I've said!"

Posted By Heather Collins While agreeing in principle with everything the others have said - it's worth noting that the HSE Publication "H&S in Construction" covers this specifically (pages 46-47 of this document http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg150.pdf ) and there is even a picture - no interlocks. The hoist shown in the HSE Guidance is the type operated from one position at ground level where the operator has a clear view of the entire length of the hoist's travel and the guidance suggests that sliding doors on each landing are sufficient. It may be that the inspector has interpreted this literally but it may not be directly applicable to your type of hoist? Can yours be operated from any level or is it like the one in the HSE guidance? Still seems odd to me I must admit. I note you have two "We got weird advice from HSE" threads going - presumably these were both on the same site? If so I'd certainly want to get a proper explanation from the Inspector who visited. I'm sure you know that it's not unusual for non-H&S specialists to put weird interpretation on what an enforcing officer says! Do let us know the outcome!

Posted By Heather Collins Sean - If you go to the pdf document I linked, the picture of a three storey hoist is on page 47 and the description of the safeguards required (not including interlocks) is on page 46. Note that I don't necessarily agree with this approach - I'm just pointing out where an HSE Inspector might be getting it from!

Posted By Heather Collins GT - not sure what you mean? If you mean the website I have linked to then it looks fine from here. It's a pdf document on the main HSE Books site - try going in that way http://books.hse.gov.uk/hse/public/home.jsf and search for publications with the ketword "construction" If you can't access HSE Books then you need to speak to your IT people!

Posted By peter gotch Chippers. Is it a goods hoist or as indicated in your title a mast climber? Mast climbers not intended for carriage of materials as indicated in HSG150 at internet link above. Regards, Peter