In recent years, a number of tower cranes have collapsed on construction sites causing serious accidents involving personal injury, significant property damage and business interruption.
The hazards which increase the risk of a collapse event are numerous and can include poorly designed foundations, operating in high winds (including impaired free-slewing arrangements), lack of maintenance, inexperienced crane operators and supervisors, and underrated crane capacity.
Many incidents are as a result of documented safety procedures not being followed. This document aims to provide a guide to the prevention of collapse events involving tower cranes. Whilst there are different types of tower crane, and the specific operating instructions for a particular crane should be referred to, many of the loss prevention principles are common.
A list of common terms and definitions is located at the end of this document. Further industry best practice guidance is included at the end of this document, and the reader is strongly recommended to refer to BS 7121, CIRIA guide C703 and CPA guidance information.
To read the full guidance from HSB, download a copy of this document here.
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*The guidance in this document refers to industry best practice loss control advice. Adoption of the advice contained within this document does not imply compliance with industry, statutory or HSB guidelines, nor does it guarantee that losses will not occur.
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