Tower crane bolt warning

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) issued a warning to owners and users of tower cranes regarding the correct installation of high tensile bolts last week. The warning highlighted the need to correctly install and tighten bolts on masts, jibs and slew rings, stating that: "Failure to do so could lead to the bolt connection failing, with catastrophic consequences." The HSE said the information came as supplementary guidance to BS 7121 Part 2:2003 Code of practice for safe use of cranes - inspection, testing and examination, and was "as a result of ongoing work with the industry".

It added that the information was issued "without prejudice to any ongoing investigation". Meanwhile, Falcon Crane Hire has confirmed inspectors have examined around half of its 170 cranes that were banned from use under an HSE prohibition order.

No major defects have been found so far.