What must be ensured before attaching a hoist to a structure?

Before attaching a hoist to a structure, it is essential to ensure the strength of the structure. This is critical because hoists are used to lift heavy loads, and the structure itself must be capable of supporting not only its own weight but also the additional loads imposed by the hoist and the materials it will lift. Evaluating the structural integrity ensures that it can handle the stress and strain caused by these additional forces without risk of failure or collapse.

Assessing the strength includes checking the materials used in construction, the design and architectural specifications, as well as any existing conditions that might affect load-bearing capabilities. This evaluation helps to prevent accidents or structural damage that could occur if the hoist were to be attached to a structure that is not adequately strong enough to support it.

While the weight of the structure, its height, and the design of the hoist are also considerations in the installation and operation of a hoist, they do not directly address the critical issue of whether the structure itself can safely support the loads involved.