There has been an increase both locally and internationally in incidents involving the operation of tower cranes resulting in the loss of lives.  The purpose of this article is to assist those using tower cranes to ensure they not only comply with legislation, but also understand the safe operations of tower cranes.

Construction Regulations 22 stipulates the following when using a Tower Crane:

A contractor must, in addition to compliance with the Driven Machinery Regulations, 1988, ensure that where tower cranes are used:

(a)  they are designed and erected under the supervision of a competent person;

(b)  a relevant risk assessment and method statement is developed and applied;

(c)  the effects of wind forces on the crane are taken into consideration and a wind speed device is fitted which provides the operator with an audible warning when the wind speed exceeds the design engineer's specification;

(d)  the bases for the tower cranes and tracks for rail-mounted tower cranes are firm, level and secured;

(e)  the tower crane operators are competent to carry out the work safely; and the tower crane operators have a medical certificate of fitness to work in such an environment, issued by an occupational health practitioner in the form of Annexure 3.

What you need to know

Tower and mobile cranes are used extensively on construction projects and present two principal hazards:

• Collapse of the crane – such incidents present significant potential for multiple fatal injuries, both on and off-site;
• Falling of the load – these events also present a significant potential for death and major injury.

Other incidents have involved people being struck by moving loads, cranes coming into contact with overhead conductors and cranes colliding with each other.

Important note for crane users: The legal responsibilities for safe lifting operations are usually shared between the crane hirer and crane user.

When a crane is hired, the responsibility for planning, supervising and carrying out lifting operations rests with the user unless these responsibilities are explicitly assumed by the crane hire company under a ‘Contract Lift’.

People who hire cranes but do not have the necessary competencies for safe planning and use must opt for a ‘Contract Lift’ from the crane hire company.    

Planning lifting operations

All lifting operations should be planned so that they are carried out safely with foreseeable risks taken into account.

The person appointed to plan the lifting operation should have adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and experience with the lifts being undertaken.

The plan will need to address the risks identified by a risk assessment, the resources required, procedures and the responsibilities such that any lifting operation is carried out safely.

The plan should ensure that the lifting equipment remains safe for the range of lifting operations for which the equipment may be used. 

Safe systems of work

Lifting operations must be planned carefully to ensure they are carried out safely. This plan should result in a safe system of work which may need to be written down if it is a complex lift. This record is sometimes known as a method statement, and every person involved should understand it.

Key elements include:

• planning – including site preparation, crane erection and dismantling;
• selection, provision and use of a suitable crane and work equipment
• including safe slinging and signalling arrangements;
• maintenance and examination of the crane and equipment;
• provision of properly trained and competent personnel;
• supervision of operations by personnel with the necessary authority;
• thorough examinations, reports and other documents;
• preventing unauthorised movement or use of the crane; and
• measures to secure the safety of persons not involved in the lifting.    

Supervision of lifting

The correct level of supervision must be in place for lifting operations, reflecting the degree of risk and personnel involved in the particular lifting operation.

The crane supervisor should direct and supervise the lifting operation to make sure it is carried out in accordance with the method statement.

The crane supervisor should be competent and suitably trained and should have sufficient experience to carry out all relevant duties and should have the authority to stop the lifting operation if it is judged dangerous to proceed.

Thorough examination

There are strict legal requirements concerning the thorough examination of all cranes:

Lifting equipment must be thoroughly examined at the prescribed intervals.  This is a detailed and specialised examination by a competent person.

The examination will usually be arranged by the crane hire company, although it is the responsibility of the crane user to ensure that all necessary examinations are carried out and that the required reports are in order. 

Records of thorough examinations and tests must be readily available to enforcing authorities, secure and capable of being reproduced in written form.

Neil Enslin | Occupational Health and Safety Manager