CPA addresses safety of luffing tower cranes

Guidance for contractors, crane owners and operators on the safe operation of luffing jib tower cranes has been published by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) following the findings of the Liverpool crane collapse inquest.

The information is in the form of technical information notes, published on the CPA's website: one for crane owners/suppliers one for contractors and one for crane operators.

The inquest heard that a gust of wind at or near the in-service limit lifted the crane's near-vertical jib, causing the luffing rope to slacken, come off the sheaves and jam.

As the operator tried to luff down, the slack increased and when the rope un-jammed, the jib went into free-fall until the slack was taken up. The resultant shock caused the jib to fracture and shear the slew ring bolts.

Following the inquest, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) wrote to crane owners and suppliers requesting actions, including contacting machine manufacturers to check what systems are in place to prevent slack luffing ropes and to stop slack ropes coming off the sheaves.

The CPA's note TIN 023 (www.cpa.uk.net/downloads/TIN%20023.pdf) is designed to help crane owners and suppliers understand the HSE's requirements and contains action points for owners/suppliers, main contractors and appointed persons. TIN 024 (www.cpa.uk.net/downloads/TIN%20024.pdf) makes contractors aware of the events leading to the Liverpool collapse and steps to be taken when working close to minimum radius. And TIN 025 (www.cpa.uk.net/downloads/TIN%20025.pdf) lays out precautions for crane operators when working at close radius and what to do if the jib does not descend when luffing down.