Hoists are designed for the vertical transportation of materials, passengers or materials and passengers. Materials hoists are designed for one specific use (i.e. the vertical transportation of materials) and under no circumstances should they be used to transport passengers.

Most material hoists are of a mobile format which can be dismantled, folded onto the chassis and moved to another position or site under their own power or towed by a haulage vehicle.

When in use material hoists need to be stabilized and/or tied to the structure and enclosed with a protective screen.