United Crane Operators' Association urges restrictions on luffing elevation

The United Crane Operators' Association (UCOA) is calling for changes to the design of luffing jib tower cranes following the outcome of the inquest into the Liverpool collapse. The inquest heard the accident happened when a gust of wind blew the elevated jib backwards.

UCOA co-director Terry Duxbury questioned why luffing jibs are allowed to be lifted to such a degree and said any stops should be strengthened and modified to further restrict the angle of elevation.

"With the jib fully raised, the whole thing is inherently unbalanced as all the weight is at the back of the crane, as is the weight of the sheave pulleys," he argued. "Any gust of wind, especially without a load, and the whole thing is going to topple backwards.

"Restricting the elevation will increase the minimum radius, but the structure will be better able to withstand gusts of wind."

He also called for a system of tagging tower crane components with independent oversight so site agents can be assured the parts have been checked and tested before assembly. "When things are busy, cranes go from one site to another without going into the workshop," he said.

"Such a system would be quick, simple and effective - improving crane safety without a mass of administration."