Construction Hoist Operators

A construction hoist, also called a material or personnel hoist, carries workers and materials up the outside of a building. The operator controls a machine that people trust with their lives, so daily checks and discipline matter.

• Hoist Operators
• High-Rise Construction
• Supervisors

Types

• Material hoists carry only materials.
• Personnel hoists carry workers, and sometimes materials, and have more safety features.
• Rack-and-pinion and cable-driven designs exist. See Material & Personnel Hoists.

Operator qualifications

• Operators must be trained and competent in the controls, safety devices and emergency procedures for that exact hoist.
• Follow the maker's manual, local rules and OSHA's hoist requirements (1926.552 for material and personnel hoists).
• Do not operate when impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue.

Daily checks

• Walk around the hoist: structure, ties to the building, base enclosure, cables or rack, and signs of damage
• Test gates and interlocks at each landing so the car cannot move with a gate open
• Test limit switches, brakes, emergency stop and alarms
• Check the car's data plate for capacity, and confirm the load is within it
• Check lighting, intercom or other communication to the landings
• Fix or tag out any defect before use. Report to the competent person

Operating rules

• Never exceed the rated load or the number of passengers. Spread loads so they do not tip.
• Load only materials that are secured and within the car's walls; use banding and cages for loose items.
• Use agreed signals or intercom with each landing. See Crane Hand Signals.
• Do not allow riders to stand on the roof, lean out or use the car as a work platform unless designed for it.
• Stop for wind, lightning or other unsafe conditions as the maker states.
• Keep the landings clear and prevent people from reaching into the shaft.

• Do not bypass gates or interlocks.
• Do not move the car if anyone is under it or in its path.

Emergencies

Know the emergency lowering method and the plan for rescuing people if the car stalls. Practice it. Keep the emergency numbers posted. For stuck cars at heights, rescue must be performed by trained people. See MEWP Rescue for ideas on rescue planning.

Last updated: October 8, 2026