Tower Cranes


With an  increasing number of tower cranes populating the skyline and following a number of accident in recent years, there is considerable focus on tower crane examinations by both the Health & Safety Executive as well as a number of related technical commitees.

What is involved

The examination is less intrusive, than for example, the examination on a mobile crane as mush of the examination can be undertaken while the crane is operating, such as the tower and counter jib. The remainder of the examination will typically include checking the following:

  • Correct size & quantity of base ballast
  • Correct size & quantity of counter jib ballast
  • Condition of hoist rope
  • Condition of trolley rope
  • Acuracy of Rated capacity indicatior
  • Correct operation of additional safety devices.
  • Function of electrical interlocks
  • Security of access ladder
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Assessment of jib structure
  • Assessment on slew wear
  • NDT on safety critical welds (Usualy after 10 years service)

The list above is not exhaustive, rather it represents a small sample of items to be checked.                  

Self-Erectors


Self-erecting tower crane examinations differ slightly to a conventional tower crane as the examination is done in two parts:

  • The crane should initially be examined on the ground, to make an assessmnent of the condition of the structure and jib lattice cross members
  • Then a working examination should be undertaken to verify the correct function of all safety devices.
The dissasembled examination can be undertaken when the crane is moving from one site to another to keep down time to a minimum and the working examination completed when the crane is reassembled on the new site.
The certificate of Thorough examination will only be completed after the working examination has been completed.