Interlocking gates for material hoists: Fact sheet

Material hoists – or builder's or barrow hoists, as they are commonly known – are used to lift and lower materials, such as concrete, tools and machinery, on construction sites.

Action required

All material hoists (new or used) commissioned at a new site after 1 May 2014 must have interlocking gates, regardless the number of floors in, or height of, the building. Administrative controls, such as chains and gates that are not interlocking, are not acceptable.

Control measures

When using material hoists on a construction site, you should ensure:

  • the hoists can only operate when the gates are locked
  • the gates only open when the hoist is at the specific platform.

Further information

For more information about the new requirements regarding material hoists, see:

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