HSE tackles crane safety

Contractors hiring cranes are likely to come under increased scrutiny as a result of a Health & Safety Executive (HSE) initiative.
The HSE will visit crane hire companies and evaluate the questions asked of contractors before a hire takes place, in order that the hirer is satisfied the lift has been properly planned.
HSE project team member Mike Sarson told delegates at a Construction Plant-hire Association Crane Interest Group open meeting, that hirers will have to show they have ascertained that a competent person has drawn up a method statement and undertaken a
risk assessment.
Meeting chairman Martin Ainscough called on members to ensure all operators had sight of, and understood, the method statement and risk assessment, and that the appointed person was on site during the lift.
The cranes initiative starts with mobile cranes on straight hire and will move on to encompass contract lifting and tower cranes. In addition to looking at the quality of the cranes, the HSE will also look at the quality of personnel, and both lift and company organisation.
Sarson asked delegates to notify the HSE if they become aware of unsafe lifts being carried out by less scrupulous hirers.