WorkCover NSW today issued a safety alert for self-erecting tower cranes.
The alert has been issued following the near collapse of a self-erecting crane due to a crack in the metal plates at the base of the crane at a construction site in the northern suburbs of Sydney.
The safety alert provides information on how to conduct an appropriate inspection of self-erecting tower cranes to detect potential metal failures.
WorkCover CEO, Jon Blackwell said that depending on the crane’s age and usage, consideration should be given to non-destructive testing of outrigger components and supporting structures.
“If repairs are required they should be carried out by a competent person and certified before the crane is returned to service,” Mr Blackwell said.
“The manufacturer’s instructions regarding operation and maintenance should be observed, and a competent person should always undertake the inspection.
“The inspection should focus on potential metal failures in the base and outrigger assemblies,” he said.
“The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 requires cranes to be operated, inspected and maintained according to relevant Australian Standards.
“Practical guidance on the safe use of self-erecting tower cranes, including planning, selection, siting installation, maintenance, inspection, repair, operation and records, is provided in AS 2550.20-2005”” Mr Blackwell said.
Further information is also available from WorkCover’s
Code of Practice for Technical Guidance.
The
Base Failure in Self-Erecting Tower Crane Safety Alert and
Code of Practice for Technical Guidanceis available at
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 10 50.
|