Lorry loader regulations brought into line with mobiles

Anomalies in the regulations that allow lorry-loading cranes to undertake big and complicated lifts with minimal or no paperwork are to be ironed out under proposed changes to BS 7121 pt 4, according to Ian Simpson, specialist inspector with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Addressing the Construction Plant-hire Associations Crane Interest Open Meeting, Simpson said the proposal will place lorry loader and mobile cranes on the same footing, with the planning and paperwork required being dependent on the complexity of the lift.

Lifts will be divided into 'basic', 'standard' and 'complex', depending on the risk involved.

For instance, unloading roof trusses from the truck to the ground with clear line of sight will be a basic lift that can be undertaken without specific paperwork - regardless of which type of crane is used.

If the trusses are to be placed on the building without line of sight, it becomes a standard lift and "control measures will be necessary".

If there is scaffolding on the building, nearby power lines or it is close to the boundary of the crane's operating envelope, then the lift is deemed to be complex and "further control measures will be necessary".

The nature of the control measures is not specified. Simpson said this will depend on the lift. He added: "We want to make this risk-based rather than one-size-fits-all."

Such moves should please mobile crane companies, which complain they are financially disadvantaged under the current system.

But contractors may face extra cost as without prior planning, delivery drivers may only be able to place goods from their truck alongside the vehicle.