Business standards company BSI has revealed new guidelines for the safe use of construction hoists.

The BS 7212:2016 Code of Practice was designed to assist the construction industry in using safe practices which aim to protect both workers and the public.

The standard, which is endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive, also includes additional requirements for maintenance, inspection and thorough examination of hoists.

Some safety concerns addressed include:

• Transportation of scaffolding

• Additional requirements for transport platforms

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• Requirements for dual operating positions of goods hoists

• The continued used of rope drive hoists

• Review of all clauses to ensure that they comply with current good practice and regulatory requirements

• Expansion of the requirements for the competence and training of hoist installers and operators

• Additional requirements for gate interlocking, and landing and hoistway protection

The code is useful to anyone with an interest in the provision, installation, use, inspection, thorough examination, maintenance and dismantling of construction hoists.

Anthony Burd Head of Built Environment at BSI, said: "We can never be complacent about the health and safety of workers using, or being in the vicinity of those using construction hoists.

"This also means we must ensure that standards still remain fit for purpose. As such BS 7212 underwent a thorough revision to bring it in line with current practices."

To view the code, visit here.

(LM/MH)